You’re likely to have forgotten how many pairs of shoes you’ve purchased during the course of your life. The majority of us have bought hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for them regardless of whether you’re an avid shoe-head or prefer keeping things basic. However, how much do you really know about the qualities that make a pair worth the money? How do you make sure that the shoe will last?
The purchase of men’s footwear is an everyday thing that you don’t be aware that you’re making a mistake. (Many people think that the quality of a pair of shoes is directly related with its price, however this isn’t always the case.) To get you started on the right foot we reached out to an expert that has built a living from finding out the factors that go into creating a high-quality pair of footwear (or as in this case boots). Nolan Walsh is the man behind Thursday Boot Company, a direct-to-consumer maker of boots as well as other leather products. His knowledge of the industry is unmatched and his suggestions were to be invaluable, covering general style advice and other niche aspects of the process behind footwear that you’ve probably not thought of.
Be honest about its use and your LIFESTYLE
The first step when purchasing new shoes is to figure out what you’re looking for from them. While style and comfort are equally important however, you should ensure that the footwear you’re looking at purchasing isn’t completely contrary to what you want from it. One of the primary things Nolan recommends to look for in a pair of boots or sandal is a sturdy outsole that has the right traction for the conditions in which you’ll wear it. For instance, if you often work in the open, a pair of shoes with a sole that is smooth is likely to be ineffective. It’s much better to choose a shoe that has a hefty outsole that has ridges. Also, if you’re purchasing the shoe that you will be using to do exercises that mostly involve weight lifting, you won’t prefer an athletic shoe despite the fact that they’re both excellent for fitness. In the end, regardless of the kind of shoe you’re purchasing, pay careful attention on the sole. It’s crucial in determining whether the shoes will satisfy your requirements.
RED FLAGS
So, you’ve bought a new cool pair of sneakers, or perhaps you’ve got a new pair of formal sneakers, that you’ve chosen. You’ve analyzed your requirements and found the pair that fits them. You’re at a retailer, taking the shoes off the shelves or getting the box opened from your online purchase. What’s next?
Examine the shoes in detail. There are many warning signs to watch for to ensure that you’re not buying shoes that aren’t made to last or, more serious, damaged. If you are looking to buy footwear or boots that prominently feature some leather Nolan suggests that the most effective way to determine the quality of the leather is to rub the surface. “If it’s been painted over, you’ll feel that paint appearance on the leather” Nolan suggests, “Similarly, if the leather is dull, it is likely to be an unfinished split grain item.” This aspect is especially interesting because genuine leather isn’t flawless and clean. Over-finishing could be harmful to the durability of the leather and, even more importantly, could be used to disguise the poor quality leather.
Then then, look over the outsole. In the case of leather shoes and boots, Nolan advises you to look at a thorough, hard examination of the welt (or more specifically, ensure that you’re purchasing a pair with one) that’s the lining along the edges of the shoe’s outsole. There are many kinds, with Nolan’s business offering four distinct types of welts throughout their collection (goodyear stitchout, welt, stormwelt, or veldtschoen). A shoe with one will last longer, will be more resistant to water, and possibly the most important thing is that it can be resoled. While you’re at it look at the outsole’s durability and flexibility. An outsole that’s not flexible isn’t likely to be very comfortable over the long run.
Also, take a look at the construction in general. Be on the lookout for poor glue, sloppy cuts of fabric or leather as well as the stitching. Poor stitching will cause the item to break down much quicker than you would like them to.
Purchase the WARDROBE you already have
Have trouble determining what type of shoe you should buy? Nolan recommends keeping your closet in your mind. When asked about any specific reason why he would recommend the wearer a lace-up style instead of, say or an Chelsea boot , he replied, “I think it really is based on what’s in a person’s closet as well as their financial budget.” This is true. From the type of shoe you purchase to the color it’s available in it’s important to ensure you’ll be able wear it by combining it with the wardrobe that you already have. Boots and sneakers are a staple for men, so spending the money on a pair that does not match your current outfit is likely to make you unhappy. “Footwear can be the difference between the look of your wardrobe,” Nolan says, “so I’d suggest to my fellow shoe lovers to purchase styles that they believe will compliment their outfits, and that they’ll enjoy wearing for many years to come.”
A good pair of shoes can be the element that brings an outfit that is stunning or an outfit overall. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to select your next pair with confidence, making sure your feet as well as your pocketbook are investing in the right way.
