Are Designer Sneakers Worth the Money? Things to Consider Before Buying a Pair of Designer Sneakers.
Designer sneakers are all the hype of today’s outlook on fashion. Whether it's Nike’s latest FlyEase or the classic Gucci sneaker, there’s something about a smart pair of sneakers that’s just too good to resist for our generation. However, there are only so many shoes a person can have, and when it comes to purchasing designer wear, there’s only so much money you’re left with.
It’s no surprise that a pair of designer sneakers can cost anything from £100 upward, but how do you know if it's a shoe worth purchasing? Most importantly, how can you tell if a designer shoe is suitable for you? Below is a range of factors to help determine if those new shoes you desperately want are worth the extra cash.
Comfort vs size
For any pair of shoes, comfort is paramount. Of course, not everyone wants to walk around in the latest pair of Skechers, so what’s the best way to test its comfort? Aside from going into a designer store and trying on a pair, research how true the brand’s size is to what you already own. Take the time to measure and most importantly, consider how often you’ll be wearing your favourite pair. Is it for a one-off occasion or will you be wearing the pair almost every day?
For sneakers that you’ll be walking around in all day, consider the material that it's made up from. Will the material stretch/loosen over time? This moves us on nicely to our next point... the design.
Design vs style
Aside from looking great, the material from which a shoe is made is also a key factor to consider when determining value for money. Most designer brands will use premium materials to produce their sneakers, such as high grain leather, while others may focus too much on the sneaker's appearance and less on its practicality.
For example, take the Gucci 1977 Tennis sneaker. Beautifully designed and versatile with most casual outfits, this design may not do any favours if you wanted to play an actual game of tennis. Its lack of ankle support, thin sole and canvas-like material will serve no justice for a tennis player during a match. Meanwhile, Gucci's Run sneaker (despite the name) may better benefit due to its technical knit fabric and rubber arched sole.
Price tag vs versatility
Last but not least, ask yourself “why do I want this particular pair of designer sneakers?” Is it because it’s the latest trend or are you looking for a versatile shoe for your city break? Taking the above factors into account, the reasons of your purchase can also help justify its price.
Brands do not necessarily determine the price of the sneaker in accordance with its quality. Sometimes its price is determined because of the brand’s aesthetic and/or consumer objectives. On average, a pair of designer sneakers can cost anything from $100 upwards, so if you’re looking for a sneaker that’s value for money, then ask yourself about its versatility. Will you be wearing these sneakers with most outfits? If so, is the material durable enough to withstand your outings and likewise, is the quality of the material worth the price tag?
No one expects you to know the ins and outs of a designer sneaker, and if you’re not much for researching, ask a member of staff in store. Further to this, for extra points on cost-effectiveness, take advantage of big brand sales. Outlet shopping is a great destination to seek the latest bargains, but if sale shopping isn’t for you, then sign up to their newsletters for exclusive discounts.
The Verdict
Are designer sneakers worth the investment? In short, this will depend on the sneakers' design and price tag. If you find that the make of the shoe can cater to your everyday needs, and the shoe is designed to fully support that, then the answer is yes. Alternatively, not every pair of designer sneakers are purchased for its practicality, so if you’re looking for a nice-looking pair of shoes to add a bit of luxury to your outfit, then justify your purchase and shop the latest sales for extra savings.
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