NSBR: Let's Talk Shoes. :)

[Teresa]

I'll start by saying this...I'm not a shoe gal, I'm a purse gal. I've come to realize that I buy a really good pair of shoes every few years usually in black and brown (yes, I'm THAT shoe-boring), usually on clearance if I can find them and then supplement with cheaper shoes as needed that really aren't practical to walk around in all the time. I don't need to dress up super fancy for work, I have dress shoes...I just need new "everyday" shoes. Even though I'm in desperate need of new ones, I'm having the worst time convincing myself that my favorite brand is worth the cost.

That brand: Born. They're comfortable, they last forever, and they don't hurt my feet even after a really long day (I turn my heels in, so I need support). How much are you comfortable paying for shoes? Is it worth it to you to buy a really good pair that will last a long time? Or are shoes just a weakness and you love all shoes? Do you hate shoe shopping?

Personally...I guess I'm probably extremely cheap, but I think $50 for a pair of shoes is a lot of moolah! And Borns are usually more in the $75-95 range. Ack! Not to mention the guilt I feel right now buying shoes when we need so many baby things!

Anyway, I bought two new pairs of shoes today- one black Born pair at regular price at DSW and a pair of blue suede Naturalizer shoes at Macy's for $14...that's way more in my price range and they're perfect (such a lucky clearance find), so the one Born pair was justified. LOL But....I have my eye on these right now too...aren't they purty? Then I'd have 4 pairs of solid "go to" gals....I'm nuts, I know. Or am I? I've never owned a pair of red shoes, but always wanted to!

[CA Dreamer]

They're adorable. And, they look comfortable and versatile. I think that if you will wear them and they go with your wardrobe, then go for it!

[rach3975]

Oooh...purses and diaper bags...

I'm like you--I don't buy a lot of shoes, so I'm willing to spend a lot to make sure my everyday black shoes are comfortable and durable. (Sandals are another story--I love sandals!) I shop at discount shoe places like DSW, but I'll easily spend $50 to $100 for just the right pair if I have to.

You didn't say how much the black ones were, but it sounds like they were about $50? Are the red ones the same price? I think you did great and spent a very reasonable amount on the black and brown ones. But here are my questions for you with the red ones--first, do you know you'll wear them? When I venture outside black and brown I tend to like the idea of the color more than the reality, and I don't wear them much. Second, do you just feel guilty spending the money on yourself, or is money tight right now? If you think you'll wear them and it's just a little guilt, then treat yourself to the red shoes! If you aren't sure you'll wear them or buying them means going without something else, then maybe start with a cheaper red pair.

[digideb]

I don't have advice, I'm a cheap shoe buyer too! No more than like $20 for me! lol But, now you've got me really wanting these http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7468991/c/9981.html Good thing they don't have my size, or I might be in trouble! lol Oh! And those are super cute shoes! I always wanted a red pair too!

[digideb]

Oh & check out 6pm they've got them much cheaper! Not the styles you posted but maybe you could find something else...
http://www.6pm.com/n/search.cgi?path...q=brand_id:342

[Teresa]

Leila- gosh, I really feel for you!! My husband has very wide feet and he can NEVER find shoes that fit right. I'm a 9.5-10 medium width (at least for now, LOL). Maybe I should be holding off on shoes in general until after the baby arrives!

Rachel- you bring up some very good points! (and don't get me started on diaper bags...I have 2 already, one I've been hanging onto for the past 5 years...LOL) The ones I bought today were $70...but they are SO comfortable and black, so I know I'll wear them all the time. The red ones are a splurge, I know I'd wear them less than the black or brown, but I love a little red to spice up an outfit. It's mostly guilt about buying things for myself (DH doesn't understand why, he just says go for it if I want them...blessing and a curse, eh?). Although, I showed him the red ones and he made a face, not his cup of tea!

Deb- those are so cute!! And thanks for the 6pm link- I hadn't heard of that one before.

[BrattyMeg]

I'm a shoe whore..so I'm no help..I say buy em all!!

[Teresa]

Originally Posted by FlirtatiousBrat

I'm a shoe whore..so I'm no help..I say buy em all!!

Um, yeah...you're a bad influence on me. You already forced me to go buy that too gosh darn adorable pink and red owl mug at Target last week!!

[Nettio]

You know, if they were red heels, I'd say to totally get them, but I'm not sure about the red in that style of shoe. Seems like it could be too much and if you prefer the black and brown to the red, how often will you really wear them? I guess my question would be, do you have clothes that you can see yourself wearing the red shoes with?

[Leila]

I hate shoe shopping. I hate shoes. I think I'd like both shoes and the shopping for them if I didn't have such hard to fit feet. After two kids, I'm wearing a 12 EEEE...before kids I was in a 10AA. Seriously, my feet got longer and really spread out. It's pretty much a cataclysmic event to find cute and comfortable womens' shoes in my size. Right now, I'm wearing Andrew's sneakers since mine have too much mesh to withstand the snow.

That said, because I've always had hard to fit feet (wore a 9½AAAAA in high school), I'm very willing to pay upwards of $100 on shoes. I can't find shoes that fit though, so I settle for $60 mens' shoes most of the time. Sigh.

Oh, both of the Born shoes you showed are adorable! Love them!