
Shoes, just like accessories, are one of the few things in fashion that we don't have half as many hang-ups about.
But one thing that drives any fashionista angry is a bad quality shoe.
And because we're all about making smarter choices when it comes to shopping, we've listed a few characteristics that make a shoe great according to YouTuber Justine Leconte.
Whether leather or rubber, always inspect where the shoe meets the sole. If you can see any glue residue, put it right back and leave it to amateurs to buy.
“Take the time to look at all the edges before buying the shoes,” she says. “If you see visible glue somewhere, it's a sign of very cheap production.”
When purchasing a shoe, the heel shouldn't wobble or shift at all.
According to Justine, one good way to tell if it's good production is looking at the placement of the heel under the shoe. Heels should slant and should fall at the center of your heels.
“If they're cheap and done poorly, the heels go down completely vertically -- that can't be. That is a sign of poor construction.”
There should be some insulation or lining in your shoes. If there's nothing between those layers, you'll have sore feet and your shoes will wear faster. So always check that there's a full lining especially all the way down the toe area.
Shoes of great quality should be glued, stitched, molded, and pressed. You should not be able to lift that innersole with your nail.
Finally, always try on shoes. According to the French YouTuber, “Feet are compact in the morning and they expand during the day by up to half the size,” so trying it on will help you gauge if your shoes will last you the whole day.
Understanding shoe construction helps you make an educated decision when you come to buy a pair. But whatever the style, make sure to also clean, condition, and polish because even a high quality shoe won't last if you don't look after them properly.