So you’re a shoe lover. You’ve always believed in the power of shoes to level up an outfit instantly. You enjoy shoe shopping, and seeing your closet grow one pair at a time gives you so much joy.
Building a shoe collection is possible even when you’re on a shoestring budget, regardless of the type of shoes you like. Yes, all the lovely shoes you want can be yours without blowing a big hole in your budget. The key is to be more strategic in shopping. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither does your shoe collection have to be. After all, the journey of collecting and building one pair at a time often matters more than the outcome.
Here’s a guide to walk you through the process:
1. Buy On A Discount Online
Online shopping has become very popular nowadays for various reasons beyond accessibility and convenience. When you shop online, you could also be eligible for more special offers, many of which could even come from leading shoe brands.
Building a shoe collection takes time. So a good strategy is to buy at a discount online. Good-quality shoes with classic styles can stand the test of time. You could score expensive name shoes but on a dime.
2. Navigate The Resell Market
Besides online websites, go through other sources, like the Marketplace and social media sites. There are lots of resellers who buy and sell shoes or some who sell from their collection. Most of those shoes are used, but if you’re lucky, you could find pairs in excellent or brand-new condition that doesn’t come with the brand-new price tag. No one even has to know you’re wearing a secondhand pair.
This tip works very well, particularly if you’re looking for designer shoes. Say, there’s a pair you’ve wanted for so long, but the price is just out of the budget right now. The Marketplace could be where you’d find a reseller who can give you a good deal.
3. Avoid Shopping On Release Day
Shopping on release day is reserved for those with the funds for it. If, at the moment, your wallet says otherwise, it’s a prudent move to wait it out until later. There’s no shame in buying shoes off-season, when the hype has died, or when it’s on sale. Better yet, the shoe could even go on clearance.
Choose classics instead of trendy shoes so you won’t have to worry about your pair going out of season and out of style.
4. Figure Out What You Really Like
Whenever you’re out to shop for a pair of shoes, always remember you’re building your collection, not somebody else’s. Resist the urge to buy a pair you’re unsure about just because everyone else has it. Buying pairs that suit your fancy means every item in your closet is worthwhile.
That’s what a shoe collection is about. It’s not just about keeping them in the closet, giving them no time to shine. You must wear those shoes to feel like they’re a part of your entire collection.
5. Be Kind To Your Feet
Comfort tops all other factors when buying every pair that makes it to your collection. If it’s uncomfortable, chances are, you’ll never get to use that pair, as it’s a pain to use. There are thousands of shoes such that you can be sure to find pairs that meet the perfect balance of comfort and style, so don’t worry that you’ll have to don ‘ugly’ shoes in the name of comfort.
This is the reason it’s essential to emphasize the need to fit. If you’re buying online, always check the size guide, especially if this is your first time buying from the brand. Fit it as soon as the parcel arrives so you can return it if it’s uncomfortable.
When shopping in a physical store, don’t rush the process. Take time to fit in and walk around the store, just to be very sure.
The Bottom Line
If you previously thought that loving shoes and living on quite a low budget couldn’t go hand in hand, this article can prove that may not be necessarily true. Smart and savvy shoppers will show that building a shoe collection is possible as long as you know the ins and outs of shopping. Sure, some shoes can’t form part of your collection for now, but don’t let that stop you. Take it one shoe at a time and one shopping trip at a time, and little do you know you’ve just started your little shoe collection.
