Is it "wrong" to buy the same shoe is 3 different colors?

[indysteel]

I recently bought a pair of Keen sandals that may be my favorite shoe ever. They're cute; they're comfy. I think I'm in love, and I'm not really a shoe person so that's saying a lot.

Here's a link. http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/22953838/c/106051.html

So, I want to buy them in a different color. The red is oh-so-cute, but they're not very practical. The black would be much more versatile, but they don't have the "look at my cute red shoes" appeal. So, now I want both.

Help! Someone talk me down from the ledge before I hurt myself!

[mimitabby]

Okay, i'll be the bad guy. You don't need all those shoes. People are starving all over the world, what are you going to do with all of those shoes? We have to escape our consumerist society and think about what we are doing. That's almost $100 a pair. What else could you do with that money?

Having said that, i was presented with the same choices at a shoe store yesterday. The shoes i bought were on sale and in the end, I did buy two pairs, one pair for me and another for my mother.

[bmccasland]

Indy - are you channelling your inner Imelda?

Get off the ledge. You don't need three pair of the same shoes. As Mimitabby suggested, the funds you save could go to charitable purposes. And that would make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Pick a color you think you'd wear the most, or would enjoy wearing the most, and get that one.

[tulip]

After years of buying shoes only on sale, cheap shoes, no-good shoes, I've HAD IT! My feet deserve better.

I got rid of all of my old TJ Maxx-don't-fit-quite-right-but-only-$25 shoes and started buying all my shoes at Comfort One. I buy ONLY shoes that fit me and ONLY shoes that I will wear. Yes, they cost $100, but they last so much longer than cheapos. I also have fewer pairs of the good shoes than all those cheap-a$$ shoes I had before, and my feet and my back are happy. And when they have a sale, I only buy the ones I would buy if they weren't on sale, and only if they fit properly.

So, I say, if you are going to wear those shoes, and if they will make your feet smile and your back smile and your mouth smile, than you should buy them. I, for one, advocate smart shopping, as opposed to the cheap-as-possible shopping that I used to practice.

Now that I have shoes that I like and that fit, I find myself NOT buying shoes in hopes of finding some that will work for me. I recently passed on a pair of Merrill Mary Janes for $70 at REI for my France trip because I already have two pair of good quality MJs that will do me just fine (and that fit perfectly!). BTW, one pair is brown and one is black.

Again, in the end, I have fewer shoes than I used to have, but they all fit me and they are all very good quality.

[SadieKate]

Wearing the red ones periodically will make the black ones last longer. What's the difference between this and buying shoes only when the last pair wears out?

Only you, indysteel, can make the moral and financial determination whether you are contributing to society sufficiently in other ways. None of us can do that for you.

[Trek420]

Help! Someone talk me down from the ledge before I hurt myself!

You expect us to talk you out of shopping :rolleyes: Hah! It is to laugh :rolleyes:

And hey, you're not buying it for your feet, you're boosting the economy :D

[mimitabby]

she did say THREE colors. And I agree about buying shoes that fit and feel good. I often buy clothing second hand, but I am most picky about my feet and shoes. But I don't think this is what we're talking about here; is it?
Maybe those Keens Do make her feet feel good. Some people love the Keen fit.

[Veronica]

I'd buy them in three colors if I thought I would wear all three and could afford it.

It's your money. You decide what you'll really wear.

V.

[indysteel]

Of course I don't need all three pairs. I don't even need two of them. My my thread was intended to be a bit facetious.

But for the record, I'm hardly the poster child for consumerism. I live in a TINY house in a not so great neighborhood, drive a not-so-luxury car that's eight years old, don't own anything "electronic" other than my TV, DVD player and radio (meaning, I do not have iPod, a PDA, a computer, digital camera or the like), wear the same clothes and shoes to work almost every week, have no debt other than my mortgage and have a nice little nest egg saved up. My one and only vacation this year will be a biking/camping trip to TN. Oh, and I give thousands of dollars to charity every year. My biggest and only real indulgence is cycling, but I imagine that's the case for most of us. So, while I don't intend to get another two pairs of those shoes, I wouldn't feel all that guilty if I did.

[GLC1968]

I'd buy them in a heartbeat (if I could afford it). I have the worst time finding shoes that fit, are comfy and that look good. When I do stumble across that combination, I've been known to purchase them in multiple colors...especially when they are quality shoes that will last.

[Veronica]

Awww... those poor sad and lonely shoes that thought they were going to have a lovely home. :D

Now I want the shoes.

V.

[mimitabby]

Awww... those poor sad and lonely shoes that thought they were going to have a lovely home. :D

Now I want the shoes.

V.

you're really bad! :cool:

[indysteel]

Awww... those poor sad and lonely shoes that thought they were going to have a lovely home. :D

Now I want the shoes.

V.

How 'bout you buy one pair and I buy the other and we can live vicariously through one another? We could send each other photos of our feet looking cute and comfortable in various locales. Kind of like the Travelocity Gnome.

See, this is why I only have brown and black shoes in my closet. I ALWAYS end up resisting the urge to buy shoes in a less-than-practical color. My inner child, however, is begging for a pair of red shoes!

[lph]

IF you like them so much that you're going to wear them until they're worn out, you might as well buy all three now than one pair now and then another later :) If not, it's not "wrong", just unnecessary.

I try to apply this rule if I'm "in love" with similar items...

[Veronica]

I have a pair of red keens. Makes me happy every time I wear them.

V.

[Pax]

I wore uniforms in grade school and uniforms again from age 20 to age 34, since I never really had to pick out clothes much I have fallen into the "uniform school of shopping". I find something that works and is comfortable and I buy one in every color offered...for example I'm wearing a black v-neck LL Bean shirt today, I have this same shirt in six different colors and I wear one to work each day. I do the same thing with shoes, pants, shorts, underwear, bathing suits, bras, and socks. This means I only have to shop for new stuff every couple of years! :p

[divingbiker]

I love red shoes, despite my mom indoctrinating me when I was young that "only hussies wear red shoes."

Heck, I love red everything...

[indysteel]

I wore uniforms in grade school and uniforms again from age 20 to age 34, since I never really had to pick out clothes much I have fallen into the "uniform school of shopping". I find something that works and is comfortable and I buy one in every color offered...for example I'm wearing a black v-neck LL Bean shirt today, I have this same shirt in six different colors and I wear one to work each day. I do the same thing with shoes, pants, shorts, underwear, bathing suits, bras, and socks. This means I only have to shop for new stuff every couple of years! :p

How interesting. I, too, wore a uniform all through grade school and high school and now tend to buy the same thing in multiple colors, but I've never connected the two. I also tend to stick to solids. Very few of my clothes have a print on them, except for cycling jerseys. I hate to shop so buying multiples--especially if I can do it online--makes it easy.

[shootingstar]

Recently I bought myself a pair of walking shoes in black...I so much wanted to buy others equally as durable but in cooler colour combos. But I could not justify it...for walking around on a construction site.

I love red shoes...and over the years seem to have a pair in a style. Right now they are Keene's , sort of a Mary Jane with strap style. But I haven't worn them often enough... where I work has really delayed my interest in fashion shoes...even if they are flatter shoes.

If you have problem feet and are restricted to certain shoe styles, then sometimes it does make sense to buy same shoe but in different colours.

[Pax]

How interesting. I, too, wore a uniform all through grade school and high school and now tend to buy the same thing in multiple colors, but I've never connected the two. I also tend to stick to solids. Very few of my clothes have a print on them, except for cycling jerseys. I hate to shop so buying multiples--especially if I can do it online--makes it easy.
A friend pointed it out to me one time, she commented that she really like my polo...and all the other identical polos I had. She said "polos (it was the 80's) are your uniform!". I realized she was right and I embrace it. I'd rather do anything than have to go shop for clothes so it works out really well actually.

[maillotpois]

When I find comfortable, suitable for work, type shoes I often buy more than one color. I want shoes that look classy and professional, have a bit of a heel, and are comfortable but not klunky. Which is easier said than done when you're size 11. :eek:

(Buying multiple pairs in different colors has caused problems in the past when I buy both navy and black pair of shoes and end up wearing one of each. :rolleyes: )

[sgtiger]

I'd buy them in a heartbeat (if I could afford it). I have the worst time finding shoes that fit, are comfy and that look good. When I do stumble across that combination, I've been known to purchase them in multiple colors...especially when they are quality shoes that will last.

+1

I hate shoe shopping because I have fit issues. I've spent hours in one shoe store or driving around from shoe store to shoe store trying to find shoes that are not too ugly that fit my feet. Poor shoe salesman.:o:( I love shoe wherehouses/stores where the shoes are out to try BTW. Finding cute shoes are rare, so when I have found them and can comfortably afford them, I've gone back to get a second pair. But I'm also the kind of person to hold onto things for years. I have a pair of wedge heel mules that I love. I've had them for almost ten years(thank goodness for shoe goo:D). It might be time to throw them out though, besides being well worn in spots, they have compressed unevenly and are adding to my wonked out hip problem. I'd say I definitely got my money's worth out of them. And for the things that I've tired of before their useful life, well, isn't that what craigslist, garage sales and Goodwill are for?

[uforgot]

I love red shoes, despite my mom indoctrinating me when I was young that "only hussies wear red shoes."

Heck, I love red everything...

My mom always told me that red shoes made you walk faster!

[indysteel]

When I find comfortable, suitable for work, type shoes I often buy more than one color. I want shoes that look classy and professional, have a bit of a heel, and are comfortable but not klunky. Which is easier said than done when you're size 11. :eek:

(Buying multiple pairs in different colors has caused problems in the past when I buy both navy and black pair of shoes and end up wearing one of each. :rolleyes: )

Yep. I walked out of the house this winter wearing my brown boots (I have an identical pair in black) with my black skirt and black tights. I didn't realize the mistake until I got out of my car. Oops!

[jobob]

I take the maillotpois approach.

When I find shoes that I really really like, I don't hesitate buying another pair in a different color, because I KNOW they will be scarcer than hen's teeth once the manufacturer catches wind of the fact that I like them. :rolleyes:

Case in point: my Ecco sandals. That particular style isn't made anymore and I'm very glad I have a both a black pair and a brown pair. The brown pair is starting to wear out finally, and I wish I could replace them, but no luck.

[mimitabby]

I take the maillotpois approach.

When I find shoes that I really really like, I don't hesitate buying another pair in a different color, because I KNOW they will be scarcer than hen's teeth once the manufacturer catches wind of the fact that I like them. :rolleyes:

Case in point: my Ecco sandals. That particular style isn't made anymore and I'm very glad I have a both a black pair and a brown pair. The brown pair is starting to wear out finally, and I wish I could replace them, but no luck.

oh gosh, there IS that. I know just the feeling... a sinking feeling... I love my Nike Frees ... now you can only order them on line? (sigh)

[SadieKate]

(Buying multiple pairs in different colors has caused problems in the past when I buy both navy and black pair of shoes and end up wearing one of each. :rolleyes: )Back in the days of large, chunky earrings, I wore two similar but mismatched ones. My fellow employees took all day to say something to me, but would lean from side to side as they talked to me. They finally admitted they'd had a grand ol' time talking about me behind my back all day. :rolleyes: Ah well, nothing new about that.:p

[Crankin]

Ah, I don't see why a person can't buy 3 pairs of the same shoes, in different colors, if they want to and have the money... I mean, unless they are spending their kid's food money, why should anyone care?
I wear a size 5.5 or 6. I can't just go and buy a pair of shoes when i need something specific. It takes a trip or two to DSW and perusing the Internet. While, I have never bought more than one of the same style, I often buy 2 or 3 pairs in one shopping trip, because I know the next time, the ones I like and fit me will be gone.
I don't think we should put people down or say they should give the money to charity. How we spend our money is a personal decision. How many of us actually need a bike that costs $2,000-$6,000?

And, red shoes are very cool!

[solobiker]

I have 3 different style Keen sandles, each is used for a different purpose. Granted I didn't buy them at the same time but I can justify it to myself as DH and I rarely go out to eat, 1-2x a month, we don't have cable tv, or a big screen tv, and we don't go to movies. So I think you should treat yourself if it is what you want. You work hard and if it would make you happy go for it.

[crazybikinchic]

Hey, there is always the solution of buying the black shoes (or the red because everybody needs an occasional fun shoe) and spending the other $100 on new cycling stuff.:D

[Skierchickie]

I say go for it, if you like them! Of course, I just bought 2 pair of Keens over the weekend (not the same model, though), so I may not be the best one to advise you. The first pair was intentional - I needed something I could actually wear with a skirt (on the rare occasion). The second pair was a frivolous "I gotta go back there and try on that really fun pair before we leave town" thing.

I'm ashamed to admit it now, but I was thinking of starting a Keen Addicts thread. I realized I now have 8 pair. The saleslady Friday told me she has 16. The other saleslady said she got her first pair in January, and is already up to 6. My DH made a remark that it really is true about women and shoes - I pointed out it didn't happen until I discovered Keens. Anyway, I don't spend much money on clothes, none on jewelry, makeup or perfume, we don't eat out much or spend money on entertainment (okay - movie rentals). And I've been having a really crappy month or so at work! He said I deserved it (he's so great!). I did, however, resist a third pair of Keen Balis (I have orange and purple) in the cool new bluish green flowers. Just couldn't quite make that jump, but I can't wear open shoes to work, so the first two are mainly for post-ride, post-race, etc.

[Zen]

why should anyone care?

she asked, we opined,that's all.


"only hussies wear red shoes."



I'm wearing red shoes right now
Hussies have more fun :D

[Bad JuJu]

A couple of years I found some Merrells that fit like they were custom-made for my feet. I bought them in black and in red, and of course the black ones get a lot of use, but I also wear the heck out of those red shoes. Once you've got them, you'll find so much stuff they go with that you hadn't realized.

Good-feeling feet mean a happy body--take care of those tootsies!

[madscot13]

come on people! that's like voting along pary lines... which I highly encourage

[Trekhawk]

(Buying multiple pairs in different colors has caused problems in the past when I buy both navy and black pair of shoes and end up wearing one of each. :rolleyes: )

I am with Jobob if you find something you like best buy two because if you like them its obvious that they will stop making them.

MP you made me snort my tea with that one.:D:D

[sandra]

so now I want to know what is so great about Keens???:eek:

[mimitabby]

so now I want to know what is so great about Keens???:eek:

They fit some of us very very well.

[KnottedYet]

I have 4 pair of Keens, 2 of them are red. (red Newports and red Mary Janes)

I have 5 pair of Chacos, 2 of them are different colors of the same sandal.

(if you love them, buy them, they will be different next year. Keen doesn't make my beloved Mary Jane's in the same style anymore, and I'm bummed I didn't buy a couple pair.)

[sandra]

I have never had a Keen on my foot. Maybe I better keep it that way.

[sandra]

:eek: oh no. I like.

http://www.shoes.com/ProductImages/Shoes_iAEC1074786.jpg

[sgtiger]

I say go for it, if you like them! Of course, I just bought 2 pair of Keens over the weekend (not the same model, though), so I may not be the best one to advise you. The first pair was intentional - I needed something I could actually wear with a skirt (on the rare occasion). The second pair was a frivolous "I gotta go back there and try on that really fun pair before we leave town" thing.

I'm ashamed to admit it now, but I was thinking of starting a Keen Addicts thread. I realized I now have 8 pair. The saleslady Friday told me she has 16. The other saleslady said she got her first pair in January, and is already up to 6. My DH made a remark that it really is true about women and shoes - I pointed out it didn't happen until I discovered Keens. Anyway, I don't spend much money on clothes, none on jewelry, makeup or perfume, we don't eat out much or spend money on entertainment (okay - movie rentals). And I've been having a really crappy month or so at work! He said I deserved it (he's so great!). I did, however, resist a third pair of Keen Balis (I have orange and purple) in the cool new bluish green flowers. Just couldn't quite make that jump, but I can't wear open shoes to work, so the first two are mainly for post-ride, post-race, etc.


DH tends to have more shoes than I, so he wouldn't dare comment about me bringing home more than one pair.:D

[lauraelmore1033]

Dangit! I just had to have a pair! I'm such a bad, spoiled girl; the BRAND NEW Shebeast pedal pushers are just freshly pulled out of the te box and I had to go and order more shoes too...

on the bright side, I just got an email from zapos telling me that not only was my shipping free, but that they were upgrading the priority! (I did mention that I heard about them here, I wonder if that made a difference?...:p)

I do tend to buy things that I know I will wear for years and years. I'm not actually that spoiled. I still wear those ecco sandals (with the scandalously high purchase price) that I purchased almost 10 years ago. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them (the Keens) in other colors if I thought I would have need of them. I'm sure they'll last forever.

[maillotpois]

I am with Jobob if you find something you like best buy two because if you like them its obvious that they will stop making them.

MP you made me snort my tea with that one.:D:D

You all may think I am kidding, but it has happened probably 5 times. Getting dressed in the dark for an early day makes it even worse... :rolleyes:

Then there was the time I had the blue suit pants and the black suit jacket. For court. (Yes, the same philosophy "If it fits well, let's buy 2" applies to suits as well.)

[shootingstar]

I'm ashamed to admit it now, but I was thinking of starting a Keen Addicts thread. I realized I now have 8 pair. The saleslady Friday told me she has 16. The other saleslady said she got her first pair in January, and is already up to 6. My DH made a remark that it really is true about women and shoes - I pointed out it didn't happen until I discovered Keens. .

Omigod... ;) I do admit I have other shoes...over 15 pairs in the closet which annoy the heck out of my partner. Because of where I work and rough conditions, I haven't worn certain shoes for over 12 months. (sigh. it's actually a pain in the butt....) He makes same remarks as your hubby.

Now....I bought 2nd pair of exactly the same pair of cycling shoes. I really don't need them until in approx. 12 months. But I like this particular Lake cycling shoe...and I took almost 18 months to find a pair of cycling shoes that met my needs. And no, I don't want the hassle/risk of shopping for cycling shoes online.

It's probably the only duplicate shoe purchase he understands. :rolleyes::o

[divingbiker]

They fit some of us very very well.

And some of us they don't fit well at all.

I'd love to have a pair, but I can't squeeze my "high volume" foot into them--too high an arch, too high an instep.

Dangit, but I guess it saves me a lot of money.

[7rider]

Dangit, but I guess it saves me a lot of money.

I feel the same way about Sidi! :p

Boy...such a discussion on the pros/cons of adding shoes to the stable. Wow. To throw my hat in the ring, I had a co-worker who often said, if you see something you want, but don't really NEED, wait a month. If you find you still can't live without it, get it. Otherwise, don't waste your money.

When I met DH, he had 3 pairs of shoes (not including bike shoes).....Dress shoes. Casual shoes. Work/hike boots. Now, he rivals me....Tevas, 2 or 3 pair of Keens...and on and on. I think part of the problem was, I introduced him to REI. :rolleyes:

[redrhodie]

I was looking at the new issue of "Vogue" last night with my friend, and there was a pair of Manolo Blahniks for $1600. That's right, sixteen HUNDRED, for a pair of shoes that you could neither walk in, nor wear twice! The Keens are a bargain! Get all 3!

But seriously, one thing to consider is whether the style you love will be discontinued. If you are going to regret not having them once they wear out, I'd buy them all.

[KnottedYet]

My Keen MaryJanes are 4 years old now, and going strong. But the sole is showing some wear and they can't be resoled.

Sure do wish I'd bought another pair while that style was available...

[sundial]

We believe in buying the same style in colors. If it fits really well and is a versatile shoe, why not? Don't ya like enablers?

[redrhodie]

Don't ya like enablers?

Are you sure it only comes in 3 colors? ;)

[rocknrollgirl]

You do not need to justify your shopping habits to anyone. If you like them, and they fit, buy them. You sound like a fine, practical person. DOOOOO ITTT!

[indysteel]

Thanks for all your input, ladies. Who knew a couple pairs of shoes could inspire such debate? I don't really see it as a moral decision but as someone who tries to resist materialism, I understand that perspective. But we are just talking shoes, here, and relatively inexpensive ones at that. As it stands now, I haven't purchased either the black or the red. Knowing me, I'll think on it for a while, place one or both of them in the "cart" several times and never buy either. That's often my version of virtual shopping.

[jobob]

I had a co-worker who often said, if you see something you want, but don't really NEED, wait a month. If you find you still can't live without it, get it.

Pretty good philosophy! :cool:

[SadieKate]

she asked, we opined,that's all.
What is it about that word "opined?" It always just tickles me. Sort of like "obfuscate," another good one. What happened to your word thread?

[mimitabby]

And some of us they don't fit well at all.

I'd love to have a pair, but I can't squeeze my "high volume" foot into them--too high an arch, too high an instep.

Dangit, but I guess it saves me a lot of money.

Diving biker, they don't fit me either.

[7rider]

Knowing me, I'll think on it for a while, place one or both of them in the "cart" several times and never buy either. That's often my version of virtual shopping.

Shopping is to buying, as fishing is to catching! ;)

[Pax]

Shopping is to buying, as fishing is to catching! ;)

Oooh, very zen! :D

[SadieKate]

My budget would be a lot healthier then if there were a river running through every store to invoke my catch and release rules.*

*My apologies to Norman Maclean for that remark.

[Geonz]

How interesting. I, too, wore a uniform all through grade school and high school and now tend to buy the same thing in multiple colors, but I've never connected the two. I also tend to stick to solids. Very few of my clothes have a print on them, except for cycling jerseys. I hate to shop so buying multiples--especially if I can do it online--makes it easy.

I, too, like to find something that works and stick to it as far as clothing goes. So, *if* those kinds of shoes actually came in widths that my puir dogs could get into, I'd get lots.

I need to find some shoes, actually... and some clothes... gotta order some Dockers.

[Jolt]

My Keen MaryJanes are 4 years old now, and going strong. But the sole is showing some wear and they can't be resoled.

Sure do wish I'd bought another pair while that style was available...

It sure would be nice if more shoes could be resoled/repaired rather than having to buy a whole new pair. Seems like it would cut down on a lot of garbage that ends up in the landfills, as well as saving money.

[mimitabby]

It sure would be nice if more shoes could be resoled/repaired rather than having to buy a whole new pair. Seems like it would cut down on a lot of garbage that ends up in the landfills, as well as saving money.

It's hard to even find shoes like that. Sad. Everything is throw away. Built to NOT last.

[Blueberry]

This is one of the reasons I love the Chaco sandals. They are re-sole-able and repair-able. https://chacousa.com/Portal.aspx?CN=26AD6CEBF909&MN=E81374EAC464

Sadly, they are moving production of their Z/1 and Z/2 sandals to china this year:(

CA

[Brandi]

I have a pair of red keens. Makes me happy every time I wear them.

V.
Me too! The first pair of red shoes I have ever owned i believe and I love them to death! I wear them with everything! Even when i play volley ball I wear them! Mine are the Newport sandles.
My dh thought red shoe's would be wierd but since has changed his mind.

[Jolt]

This is one of the reasons I love the Chaco sandals. They are re-sole-able and repair-able. https://chacousa.com/Portal.aspx?CN=26AD6CEBF909&MN=E81374EAC464

Sadly, they are moving production of their Z/1 and Z/2 sandals to china this year:(

CA

They seem to be one of the few companies who make shoes that can be repaired/resoled. I'll probably try them (assuming they fit me well) when it comes time to replace my current pair of sport sandals. Too bad they couldn't keep production in the USA though.

[Crankin]

Opined is an "interesting" word.

Yes, I know she opined, but I was a little dismayed at the moralistic tone this question evoked.
Can you tell I love to shop? But, because I wear unusual sizes in both clothing and shoes, my shopping obsession is often curtailed. I bought a really nice pair of Dansko dress shoes at almost half off from STP. Alas, they are still too big on me, even in a size 5.5. In fact, this made me think that I will not buy shoes on line again, unless I already have that brand/style and I know they fit me.
I hate having to go to UPS to return.

Gotta go ride, it's 75 out!

[indysteel]

They seem to be one of the few companies who make shoes that can be repaired/resoled. I'll probably try them (assuming they fit me well) when it comes time to replace my current pair of sport sandals. Too bad they couldn't keep production in the USA though.

Most of my leather work shoes have been repaired or resoled at least once, so I at get a lot of life out of them. My more athletic shoes die an earlier death for one reason or another.

[Skierchickie]

Good taste, Sandra! That is the very pair I bought Friday.

What is it about Keens? I don't know - I haven't had fun shoes like these since my grey and white striped Sportos from high school (early '80s). Or the red and white ones I had after those disintegrated.

[Irulan]

Thanks for all your input, ladies. Who knew a couple pairs of shoes could inspire such debate? I don't really see it as a moral decision but as someone who tries to resist materialism, I understand that perspective. But we are just talking shoes, here, and relatively inexpensive ones at that. As it stands now, I haven't purchased either the black or the red. Knowing me, I'll think on it for a while, place one or both of them in the "cart" several times and never buy either. That's often my version of virtual shopping.

I don't think it's materialism when money is well spent. I have several pairs of keens, ( they fit my low volume foot very well) and I did the math. I spent $54 on sale, and wear this one pair 5/7 days a week. That's an average of 260 days a year. That is 20 cents a day to keep my feet very happy. It's less than 20 cents a day if I keep them more than one year.

We all say, if you find a bra that you like buy lots of them, how are shoes so different.

Keen note.. they seem to use the same last for all of them so they are really easy to mail order from certain sale sites...

[Mr. Bloom]

Indy! You're an ATTORNEY! You can AFFORD them!;)

[Trekhawk]

It sure would be nice if more shoes could be resoled/repaired rather than having to buy a whole new pair. Seems like it would cut down on a lot of garbage that ends up in the landfills, as well as saving money.

You can get Birkenstocks repaired/resoled. I had my beloved pair spruced up when I was in the States and now they are like new. 10 years and still making my feet very happy.


MP - if I see mismatched suit colours on the catwalk I will know where they got the inspiration from.:D

[mupedalpusher]

I never understood the multiple shoe fetish until I started wearing Birkenstocks. I will admit that I actually love buying Birks because I know they will last, can be repaired and will never hurt my feet. I started wearing them because of plantar fasciitis, can't believe I went all those years and didn't know how great they are for those of us with wide, square feet. They are pricey but so worth it for me.

[Trekhawk]

I never understood the multiple shoe fetish until I started wearing Birkenstocks. I will admit that I actually love buying Birks because I know they will last, can be repaired and will never hurt my feet. I started wearing them because of plantar fasciitis, can't believe I went all those years and didn't know how great they are for those of us with wide, square feet. They are pricey but so worth it for me.

I have two pairs but love browsing the range when I go past a Birkenstock shop. As you said they are pricey but they last and make my feet happy so who knows I may end up with more.:)

[7rider]

You can get Birkenstocks repaired/resoled. I had my beloved pair spruced up when I was in the States and now they are like new. 10 years and still making my feet very happy.


I wish I had know that before I threw out my old Birkenstocks whos soles had fallen apart! :(

[sgtiger]

Birks are my favorite! I have a pair of thong style sandals that I purchased in high school.....wow, more than 15 yrs ago.:eek: I need to take them in to get recorked. I also have a pair of Birk hikers that I've even taken snow-shoeing. They were a bit more than what I was planning to spend on hiking shoes at the time but so worth the extra expense. They were comfy right off the bat and I have never had any blisters in them. Very, very good value too. None of my other hikers lasted more than a couple of years, these I've had for maybe 5 years. Too bad they decided to drop the hiking line.

[KnottedYet]

Birk dropped the one line that really fit me, too.

I was so bummed... then I discovered Chacos and Keens!

[indysteel]

Indy! You're an ATTORNEY! You can AFFORD them!;)

Yes, but I'm a bankruptcy attorney. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm frugal (I have too many cycling jerseys for that), but I am a saver. Watching people on a daily basis hit rock bottom b/c they have nothing in the bank has made a big impression on me. That, and I despise credit card debt.

I may have found something to ease my conscious a bit. The Keen's I want are available at REI for a bit less than the price of Zappos. If I use my REI membership rewards, I can bring the cost down even further. Of course, Zappos has free shipping, so I have to do some math.

[Blueberry]

Do you have a local REI? They will ship free to the store....

CA

[indysteel]

Do you have a local REI? They will ship free to the store....

CA

Unfortunately, we don't. Should I be so lucky!

[Smurfette]

Not if you wear them all.

[uforgot]

Thanks everyone! After reading this thread I purchased these (http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageWRS-KMYWRW.html). You guys are expensive...

[Skierchickie]

Cool-el-mundo!

[BethHarpring]

As long as you don't wear them alternately everyday, you should be fine. :)

Maybe every 2 months? hehe. . .

[ElizabethWaland]

I think so... Buying two sets is fine, but buying three is a little overboard...

[Irulan]

Not if you are going to wear them and can afford them.

[thekarens]

Not if you are going to wear them and can afford them.

This!

[OakLeaf]

I have four pairs of Lems Primals in different colors (actually two of them go back to when they were called Stem).

But I get a pass because there are so few shoes that actually fit my feet, and fewer still that sort of look like normal shoes. ;)

Then I've got a pair of their Boulder boots to keep the water out of my socks on rainy and snowy days. And now that they have a variety of styles, which they didn't when they kicked off with the Primals, I am seriously eyeing a pair of their Mary Janes. Which come in three colors ... hmmm ....

[smilingcat]

If you are going to wear all three and wear out all three then you are not wasting your money. We say if ain't broke, don't fix. Here it would be if it fits why change?

When I was in my 20's I used to use shoe goo to patch the sole of running shoes. $20.00-$30.00 a pair of shoes were very expensive then.

[nuliajuk]

... I buy ONLY shoes that fit me and ONLY shoes that I will wear. Yes, they cost $100, but they last so much longer than cheapos. I also have fewer pairs of the good shoes than all those cheap-a$$ shoes I had before, and my feet and my back are happy. And when they have a sale, I only buy the ones I would buy if they weren't on sale, and only if they fit properly.

So, I say, if you are going to wear those shoes, and if they will make your feet smile and your back smile and your mouth smile, than you should buy them. I, for one, advocate smart shopping, as opposed to the cheap-as-possible shopping that I used to practice....
Again, in the end, I have fewer shoes than I used to have, but they all fit me and they are all very good quality.
+1000. You can get away with cheap clothes, but shoes have to fit or they just hurt. Good ones are worth the price. I would never spend $200 on a party dress, but a pair of shoes or boots that I'd wear constantly for at least a year? Absolutely.