When you think of an investment piece, right away, your mind goes to the top brands and those outrageous prices which can sometimes be associated with them. Although it is never a crime to want to invest in a nice item every now and then, on a day-to-day budget, splurges are not realistic, and in most cases, a quality shoe does not always need to be a budget-breaking splurge. So, why do we automatically associate brand-name with money? It might be because of the ad campaigns and flashy commercials, or even a brand our friends and loved ones may swear by. At the end of the day, however, the quality isn’t always that different between generic and brand names.

On that note: the quality of materials used in construction can, also, raise the price drastically; especially, in athletic and dress wear. Is the material made of genuine leather or faux leather, and so on?

Deciding on which brand you want to buy from simply comes down to a preference of not only their styles but the brand, itself, and what that brand may stand for. A lot of times, it might be a purchase out of loyalty you may have towards a certain brand. Knowing their products, and the fact you have previously purchased from them, means you know what you’re in store for and what to expect from your purchase. That can take a lot of pressure off of the purchase and the worry of spending too much on something you may not like. That does not, however, mean you shouldn’t branch out and try something new, because companies are always coming out with newer and better models.

While shopping for a running or walking shoe, you will automatically start looking at specific brands that excel in the athletic department, starting with, probably, Nike or Adidas. A lot of their popular, classic styles are fairly priced and easily attainable to most. Taking the time, however, to look into the products, will show you how much their price-ranges vary and will make shopping at high-end brands less intimidating.

The most popular styles from specific brands are the most popular for a reason; they are attainable. When, thoroughly, looking into which brand of shoes to buy from, take a look at their most popular styles in whichever style it is you’re in search of. More often than not, you will come to find that even luxury brands have affordable options. Purchasing the brand’s most popular item not only saves your wallet but it, also, ensures you’re getting a quality product, tried and tested by countless consumers, and proven to be a good buy.

Depending on the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and how well you take care of them an affordable pair of shoes can last an extended period. Your shoes should last just as long as any other nice item in your closet; especially, if the time to properly look after them is taken. Shoes can be a harder item to look after because they come in direct contact with the ground anywhere you go and with every step you take. It is a lot harder to shield them from bad weather and, so, materials that are less water-resistant than others, begin to show wear-and-tear at quicker rates after exposure to wet conditions.

Waterproofing a shoe that is of a suede or canvas material is essential to keeping it durable. You don’t want to have to constantly opt for a leather shoe, or rain boot, every time you want to step outside in the rain because for fear of ruining them. Having to repurchase shoes every few months because of unavoidable damage is, also, an expensive problem. There are many easy ways to waterproof your shoes, starting with sprays.

A spray is the most popular option for materials like suede because it is one of the few methods that do not damage the suede in any way when done correctly. It is easy to do, dries quickly, and is almost instantly effective. It is, also, a very affordable option; so, rather than splurge on expensive already-waterproofed shoes, adding in a spray to your purchase can be a cost-efficient alternative.
For shoes like canvas, the best, most-effective method of waterproofing is beeswax. Although a little bit more time-consuming, covering the entire surface of the shoe in beeswax, and then using a source of heat, like a blow dryer (to, essentially, melt away the wax until it is clear and there is no trace of it left) leaves the shoe completely water-resistant.
It is important to note: not all shoes are created equal; some are made for daily use and others are not made to withstand too much walking or physical activity. If you are using a walking shoe as a runner, the materials and the insides of the shoe are very different, and it will quickly wear it out. Buying the correct shoe for the correct use is one of the most important things. It will not only make it last longer and be easier to take care of, but it will, also, fit and feel better. You wouldn’t run a marathon in a pair of high heels; so, keep in mind what this shoe’s specific use will be, and consider if you will get the proper amount of wear out of them.

There is no getting around the fact that quality shoes are not always the most affordable, and in our minds, quality always has to have a high price tag. The fact is a lot of the time, that is not the case, and there are few things worse than an expensive, yet, low-quality shoe. So, how do you know if your purchase is going to last or fall apart? Here are a few things to look at.

Outsole:
The outsole should be well glued on or sewn and not in any way come away from the shoe. The outsole is the part of the shoe that is always receiving the most impact; so, it must be sturdy. Regardless of the material (generally, rubber), it should be well-constructed and properly applied to the bottom of the shoe.

Midsole:
Your feet take on a lot of stress throughout the day, especially during any sort of physical activity. Without a quality midsole conforming to your feet and keeping them well cushioned, there is little-to-no shock absorption, and that can not only lead to sore feet but ankle and knee injury, as well. The most popular type of midsole is EVA, due to its flexible nature while still remaining tough and having waterproof properties.
Where and how you’ll be wearing them can take a toll on the quality, as well; regardless of how well-made the shoe is, being in bad weather will, quickly, deteriorate your shoe. Waterproof them frequently and try to make sure no water gets inside the shoe, itself. If your sole is getting worn down and stepping in a puddle will soak your foot and the midsole of your shoe, get that repaired immediately or do not wear them in wet weather. It is a lot harder and more expensive to replace the entire inside of a shoe than it is to patch a rubber outsole.

Exposed stitching can, also, be a sign of well-made shoes, and it can mean one of two things: It can, simply, be for decorative purposes and add nothing, or in a lot of cases, especially with nice oxfords and hiking boots, it is to keep the rain out and reinforce the shoe, as much as possible. An easy way to check if the stitching will add value and purpose to your shoe is to lightly scrape the surface of it. Does the stitching stay in place and look perfect, or does it start to come undone and peel? If it stays in place, it is there for a reason and is a great tell for quality shoes.

A shoe is made by many parts; and as such, it good to know how a shoe is built, in order to better understand the value you are receiving when purchasing a pair of shoes. A sandal will have fewer parts than a running shoe will, but the concepts remain the same among all shoes.

Heel – Most noticeable in women’s and dance shoes, heel height can determine the length of the heel. In higher heights, it is easier to see a heel, per se; that is, a pair of stilettos is easily identifiable. In smaller heights, however, the heel height may not be as easy to notice. A heel height of 0.15 inches is not easy to see with the naked eye; let alone, from a picture on a website. Because of certain medical conditions related to foot health, however, it is important to understand when a heel height is present; not to mention, heel height directly impacts the functionality and performance of a shoe.

Heel Collar – Sometimes called a ‘collar,’ the heel collar provides cushioning and adds support. This cushioning and support, as it were, is for the ankle area. It is, generally, constructed with padding and cushioning, and is located between the lining and upper. The heel collar helps to provide a better fit, adding stability. This, in turn, gives your feet a bit more security.

Heel Counter – The heel counter is located between the lining and upper, at the heel. It helps the shoe to keep its shape while, also, providing either flexibility or stiffness. This, also, is the area where a lot of blisters are formed and, usually, the stiffer the heel counter has been constructed, the more likely blisters can form.

Insole – This is the part of the shoe most noticeable by consumers, as they are familiar with replacing their insoles with other insoles, such as ‘gel inserts.’ The insole can have a direct impact on arch support, or the lack thereof.

Last – The last is used as the construction method for the shoe. It determines the shape, function, and everything in between. Without getting too deep into the characteristics of a last (that’s for another article), the list comprises of a feather edge, fore-part, vamp point, instep, waist, cone, seat, back-part, hinge, heel curve, counterpoint, top line point, socket (or thimble), and vent. There are, also, eight measurements taken in relation to the last. In other words, a lot of work goes into a shoe, and the last is not different.

Responsible for the shape and functionality of a shoe (e.g., a shoe may be designed to play basketball (functionality) in and geared towards a female gender (‘shape’ of the foot, or contour)).

Midsole – The midsole is located between the outsole and the upper (i.e., midsole). This is where a lot of the shock-absorption technologies are placed. A great running shoe will have a minimal load-rate while, simultaneously, giving you maximum energy return. Certain midsoles are better for certain activities and foot structuring (e.g., a dual-density midsole is great for those with heavier weight, etc.).

Midsoles can be non-existent, made of gel, EVA, PU, and so on. Each type of material utilized in making a midsole serves its own unique purpose. Also, each product has its own associated cost with making it (e.g., is the midsole injection-molded, or made of gel, etc.). As such, the cost of a shoe can quickly rise, as a result. Some of the higher-rated shock-absorbent midsoles can be found in basketball shoes.

Outsole – Located at the bottom of the shoe, the outsole receives the most overall damage, as it is in direct contact with surfaces for every step made. Usually, made of rubber but not always, the outsole gives you the ability to gain traction and protection. An outsole made of a thin rubber won’t suffice for construction work, as it is easily penetrable by outside debris such as nails, etc. Likewise, an outsole which is thick may not suffice as a running shoe; since, a running shoe needs to be, typically, lightweight. The outsole’s material and traction pattern can directly impact the ability of a shoe to withstand slippery surfaces; that is, not all shoes are slip-resistant, as most of us have had to learn the hard way.

Lugs are commonplace for shoes in need of deep, aggressive traction. Also, multi-directional lugs allow for easier transition such as juking and so forth. Mudding shoes and hiking shoes make use of lugs quite often.

Spikes can be added to certain shoes to help in a situation such as icy terrain.
Cleats are commonly utilized in sports such as soccer, football, track, and field, etc.

Shaft – Shaft height is, usually, measured from the center of the arch but not always. Shaft height determines the length of the shoe from the arch to the top. For example, a snow boot may have a shaft height of 15.5 inches; whereas, a sandal would look rather funny with that same length of a shaft height. Additionally, shaft height can help to determine volume inside of the shoe; especially when discussing low tops. But this is a bird’s eye view of volume when the measurement is not given directly; and is furthermore, by no means a conclusive measurement.

Shank – The shank serves to give you stability. Without a shank, you could, literally, bend your shoes in half. Shoes which, actually, need a lot of flexibility, will utilize a half-shank feature which gives the needed support required to maintain a healthy foot while, simultaneously, allowing for the flexibility desired.

Toe Box – The toe box allows your toes to have ample room within the shoe. For those suffering from medical conditions such as bunions and hammertoes, a roomy toe box becomes necessary. Those with narrow, healthy feet, on the other hand, may not desire a wide and spacious toe box, as they would risk injury from the excess room.

Toe Cap – Located at the toe area, the toe cap is best known in relation to work boots, such as steel toe and composite toe boots. The toe cap provides safety features to the shoe; thus, ensuring your toes remains intact from falling debris, as it were. This does add stiffness and weight to the shoe; so, while a toe cap is an ideal choice for some work environments, it is a terrible choice for a morning jog.

Toe Counter – The toe counter, like the heel counter, is located between both the lining and upper; but this time, however, it is at the front of the shoe. Like the heel counter, it helps the shoe to retain shape. A thick toe counter will prevent your toes from adequately bending in certain situations. This (among other things) is why it can be a bad idea to jump into a 5K marathon with work boots on; ouch.

Tongue – The tongue is the part of the shoe responsible for helping to keep debris out (mainly, found in work, running, walking, and athletic shoes and boots); as well as, adding stability, security, and comfort to the top of your foot.

The tongue is, usually, made of three parts. The top part is, generally, made of the upper material. The inner is, generally, made of the same lining used for the inner part of the shoe. And last but not least, the inside is made of a sponge, pad, and/or foam- based material.

Upper – The upper is the part of the shoe above the midsole and is the part which, usually, catches your eye first; especially in running and walking shoes. It is the outside of the shoes and can be made from varying materials.

The upper is, usually, made of materials consisting of leather, faux leather, fabric (e.g., jean, lace, mesh, nylon, satin, and etc.), synthetic (a combination of materials), plastic, suede leather, and/or rubber. Dependent on the shoe, other decorative and/or functional attributes can apply (e.g., Latin dance shoes may have sequin attached to the upper, or a running shoe may have stability stripes).

Now, you have a concept of how a shoe is constructed. In this, you will better understand what you are looking at when examining the best shoes under $100, among the rest of your purchases from here on out. When thinking about comfort, flexibility and material makeup of the shoe overall are heavy influencers of it. When contemplating stability, lower heels grant this over those ranging upwards above 3 inches. Breathability is determined by many factors with the upper being one. A mesh upper breathes great but may allow water inside, as well. Determining the right shoe for you, first, begins with knowing what you need. Here are some sample questions you can ask yourself:

At the end of the day, the best choice you can make is based upon how well you question yourself (in what you need out of the shoe), in order to perform your best. After doing this, you will have bought the best shoes under $100.