Ideally, a new pair of shoes should be comfortable and fashionable. However, you may find a lot of options in footwear shops that meet these 2 criteria, but at the same time their quality is so bad that they won’t last long. We decided to find out what things you should pay attention to in order to choose a really high-quality pair.
Check the shoes for smudges and glue marks.
Manufacturers often use glue to stick together different parts of the shoe. If the glue is of high quality and the work is done properly, the pair will last a long time. However, small glue drips in the spots where parts meet or traces of glue on the surface indicate that you are looking at low-quality shoes and that there were issues during production.
When a part of the shoe, its sole or insole, comes off a bit, it means the shoemaker probably used bad or expired glue, and this pair will fall apart quickly.
Examine whether the pair is symmetrical.
Quality shoes in a pair should be symmetrical, and any differences between the right and left shoes most likely indicate a defect. To check this, you need to put the soles of both shoes together and see if they match in length and width.
It’s also worth putting the pair on the floor to understand whether the height and outline of the upper edge of the heel are symmetrical. If the soles are painted in different colors, check whether the paint is within the borders of the sole and whether the pattern matches. Gross irregularities in symmetry indicate that the manufacturer didn’t pay much attention to quality.
Check the seams carefully.
Any uneven or diverging seams make shoes look not that good. This happens if the manufacturer used too thin threads or the work was done poorly. As a result, such a pair will fall apart much faster. It’s also necessary to check the uniformity of stitches and the evenness of the seam itself.
If its line is curved or zigzag-looking, this means that the shoes you’re looking at are of poor quality and will lose their appearance in a couple of months. And zigzag-looking stitch is often used to hide the imperfections of the stitching.
Examine the heels.
The heel must be firmly attached to the sole and not wobble. It’s necessary to look at the shoes from the side. In good quality pumps, the high heels are positioned exactly under the center of the heel and touch the ground at a slight incline.
It’s worth looking carefully at the heels from behind – any deviation of the heels from the angle of 90⁰ indicates a defective product. Moreover, these shoes are simply dangerous to wear – this may lead to ankle injuries.
Loose eyelets are a bad sign.
Any metal or plastic parts on the shoe (especially those that come into contact with the skin) should be tightly fastened. Thus, it’s worth carefully examining the eyelets for laces. Although this defect is quite rare, it can lead to wearer’s injury.
You should also check how well any embellishments are attached to the shoe. If they fall off at one point, the pair won’t look good anymore.
Carefully inspect the inside of the shoe.
Some manufacturers save on the training of workers and don’t calibrate equipment before the production of a new product line. As a result, shoes, boots and sneakers may have seemingly insignificant defects such as wrinkles and creases. If these defects are small, they won’t cause much trouble to the wearer. But large creases can rub the skin while walking, which will lead to abrasions and blisters on the feet.
Examine the insoles.
Even if a shoe looks perfect from the outside, you need to scrutinize it from the inside too. If the insoles show small wrinkles and creases, this pair is likely to be uncomfortable to wear. In addition, you should carefully feel the insoles to make sure that there are no bubbles on them.
Another important thing is that there must be cushioning between the insole and the sole, especially in the toe and heel area. Otherwise, a long walk in these shoes will make not only your feet and legs sore, but also your back.
Check how the shoes smell.
Low-quality and cheap shoes often have a strong chemical odor. It’s best to refrain from buying this pair. But if shoes or boots exude the scent of leather, polish or wood, you’ve found the shoes of high quality.
Take a photo of the shoes.
Of course, shoes made of synthetic materials can also be of high quality, especially when it comes to sports models. But good shoes should ideally be made of leather. They are softer and fit better on the foot, which means they will be much more comfortable to wear.
However, the quality of leather also varies. Often, manufacturers don’t mention the type of leather they use to make shoes in order to keep costs down. To determine the quality of the product you are holding in your hands, you need to take a photo of the shoes and enlarge the image. If you can see pores on the leather, you can safely buy the shoes.
Bend the shoe a little bit.
You don’t need to knead your shoes too much, but you can bend the shoe slightly to see how flexible the sole is and whether it remains attached to the upper part when moved. In addition, it’s worth pressing the sides of the shoe a little bit. Throughout the day, our feet usually increase in size a little, so a quality pair should adapt to these changes.
Check how your shoes sound.
Most shoe shops have soft carpeting on the floor, so it’s a good idea to take a short walk on a harder surface before making a purchase. If the soles and heels make unpleasant clanking noises when you walk, you are likely to be wearing a low-quality pair. And platform or wedge shoes shouldn’t sound like there are voids inside the sole.
Examine the material of the sole and heel carefully.
Usually the sole of a really good quality pair is made of leather or good rubber. These shoes are comfortable to wear, and in addition, they almost don’t slip. At the same time, if the base of the sole is uneven, then these shoes will be uncomfortable.
In addition, it’s worth examining the material from which the heels are made. If the manufacturer used plastic or didn’t cover the heel with leather or fabric, then you are looking at a cheap product that is far from being perfect.
Rub the shoes with a cloth.
Sometimes manufacturers use poor quality leather dyes, which can leave marks on the skin or clothes. Therefore, before buying, you should carefully rub the shoes inside and outside, first with a dry cloth and then with a damp cloth. If there are no marks on the fabric, the shoes are okay.
And here’s a list of fashionable shoes that are not as cool as they look.
I Taught My Dad a Real Lesson after He Humiliated My Mom
When an 18-year-old college student, Brittany, feels the pangs of homesickness, a simple call to her little brother, Ian, reveals a family in turmoil. Overwhelmed by her mother’s silent struggle under her father’s constant criticism, Brittany decides it’s time for a lesson in gratitude and teamwork.
Feeling homesick is a funny thing; it sneaks up on you when you least expect it, wrapping its cold fingers around your heart and squeezing tight until you’re gasping for the warmth of home.
That’s exactly how I, Brittany, felt, being away at college for over three months. It was the longest I’d ever been away from home, and each day stretched on endlessly without the familiar chaos of my family’s presence.
A young girl using her smartphone | Source: Shutterstock
One day, overcome by a wave of nostalgia, I picked up my phone and dialed Ian, my ten-year-old younger brother. He had always been the beacon of innocence and joy in our family, and just hearing his voice could make any bad day better.
“Hey, bug,” I greeted, using my childhood nickname for him. “I miss you a ton. How’s my favorite little man doing?”
Ian’s voice, a mix of excitement and surprise, came through the phone. “Britt! I miss you too! College is so far away. When are you coming back?”
We talked for what felt like hours. Ian’s endless questions about college life and my attempts to describe my mundane routine in the most exciting way possible filled the gap between us. Yet, despite the laughter and shared stories, a nagging feeling tugged at my heart when I finally steered the conversation toward home.
A smiling young boy | Source: Getty Images
“So, how’s everything back there? Mom and Dad doing okay?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
There was a slight pause, a hesitation in Ian’s voice that I hadn’t expected. “It’s okay, I guess. I really wish you could come visit, though.”
His words, innocent as they were, sent alarm bells ringing in my head. Ian was never one to mince words, but something in his tone suggested there was more he wasn’t saying. That night, I lay awake, the conversation replaying in my mind, my homesickness now mixed with concern.
Determined to shake off the uneasy feeling, I managed to wrap up all my pending college projects ahead of time, packing my bags for an impromptu trip home. The thought of seeing my family again, of hugging my little brother and sharing a meal with my parents, filled me with a rush of excitement I hadn’t felt in weeks.
A rear view of a college student carrying a backpack back home | Source: Shutterstock
The trip back was a blur of anticipation and anxiety. What was Ian not telling me? Why did his voice carry a weight it never had before?
Stepping into the familiar chaos of my childhood home was both a relief and a shock. The house, with its walls echoing laughter and arguments, welcomed me back with open arms. Yet, it was during one of these typical family evenings that I overheard Dad’s sharp voice cutting through the usual din.
“…And why is dinner cold again, Megan? Can’t you do anything right?”
The words stopped me in my tracks, my heart sinking. I peeked into the kitchen to find Mom, her back to me, shoulders slumped as if carrying the weight of the world.
Angry husband standing in the background blaming his wife | Source: Getty Images
Ian caught my eye from where he sat at the kitchen table, his expression a mix of discomfort and resignation. It was a look I had never seen on his face before, and it chilled me to the bone.
Later, when I found Ian alone in his room, I closed the door behind me and sat beside him on the bed. “Hey, bug,” I began, my voice soft but firm. “What’s been going on with Dad and Mom? I heard him earlier…”
Ian shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping before meeting mine again. “Britt, it’s been… tough. Dad’s always on Mom about something. Like, if dinner’s a bit cold or if he finds a single speck of dust on the carpet. It’s like, no matter how much Mom does — cooking, cleaning, laundry — Dad finds something to complain about.”
A tired woman washing dishes in the kitchen | Source: Shutterstock
Hearing Ian articulate it, the reality of the situation hit me hard. The idea of my vibrant, tireless mother being reduced to the target of such constant criticism was unbearable. Something clicked in me right then — a resolve to make things right, to show Dad the enormity of his actions.
So fueled by indignation, I hatched a plan. A plan that, I hoped, would make Dad see the error of his ways and bring some much-needed appreciation and balance back into our family dynamics.
The first part of my plan involved a dramatic, though deceitful, act. I waited until I knew Dad would be at home, took a deep breath to steady my nerves, and dialed his number.
A senior man talking on the phone | Source: Shutterstock
“Hello?” Dad’s voice came through, a note of surprise in his tone.
“Dad, it’s me,” I began, my voice shaking to feign distress. “I’m at the ER. It’s… it’s bad. I need Mom here with me.”
The panic in his voice was immediate. “What? What happened? I’ll get your mom and we’ll be right there —”
“No, Dad, just send Mom. Please. I… I need her,” I cut in, hoping my act was convincing enough.
After a moment of hurried assurances and panicked questions, Dad agreed, and I hung up, my heart pounding not just from the lie but from what I had to do next.
A young woman sending a text message from her smartphone | Source: Shutterstock
I quickly composed a message to Mom, explaining my ruse. “Mom, don’t worry, I’m not in the ER. But Dad thinks I am, and he’s going to tell you to come. Don’t. I’ve booked you a ticket for a little vacation. You deserve a break. Let’s show Dad what you juggle every day.”
My fingers hovered over the send button before I pressed it, sealing our pact of deception and hope.
Mom’s response was a mix of concern and incredulity, but ultimately, she understood the desperation behind my actions. “Are you sure about this, Britt? What about you and Ian?”
“Trust me, Mom. It’s time Dad learned. Ian and I will be fine. Enjoy your break, you deserve it.”
A woman talking to her daughter while standing near the door | Source: Shutterstock
The next day was a whirlwind. Dad’s calls came in, each more frantic than the last, begging Mom to return. Playing her part, Mom promised to come back “in the evening,” stoking Dad’s hope and desperation further.
But when evening came, it wasn’t Mom who walked through the door; it was me. Dad’s face went pale, a mix of confusion and relief battling within him as he took in my healthy appearance.
“Where’s your mother?” he asked, the strain evident in his voice.
“She’s taking a well-deserved break,” I stated firmly, stepping over a toy car in my path. “It’s just you and me for the next few days. And we need to talk, Dad.”
A person standing in a messy room | Source: Shutterstock
As I surveyed the chaos of the house — clothes stained with today’s adventures, toys scattered like landmines — I saw something I never thought I would: defeat. Dad sank into a chair, the image of a man overwhelmed by the world he had taken for granted.
“I didn’t realize how much work this was,” he admitted, his eyes taking in the disorder around him. “I can’t keep up with everything.”
“That’s the point, Dad,” I said, sitting down across from him. “Mom does this every day, without a single complaint. She’s the glue that holds us together, and she deserves far more than being criticized over a cold dinner or an unclean carpet.”
The days that followed were a revelation for Dad. Under my guidance, he began to see the intricacy and the effort behind the seamless running of our household. From laundry to cooking to managing Ian’s never-ending energy, Dad got a firsthand experience of Mom’s daily life.
A stressed aged man sitting on a sofa | Source: Shutterstock
When Mom finally returned, she found a home that, while not perfect, brimmed with appreciation and newfound respect. As she stepped through the door, her eyes taking in the slightly disordered but peaceful scene, Dad approached her, his demeanor one of humility and newfound understanding.
“Megan,” he began, his voice softer than I’d heard in a long time, “I can’t begin to express how much I’ve missed you, but more importantly, how much I’ve realized the weight of what you do for us every day.”
Mom paused, her expression guarded but curious. “Paul, what’s this all about?”
“These past few days have been… enlightening,” Dad admitted, taking her hands in his. “I never fully appreciated the endless tasks and challenges you face daily. You manage them with such grace and efficiency. I’m sorry for not seeing it before, for not helping more, and for every unwarranted criticism I ever made.”
A happy senior couple hugging | Source: Shutterstock
Mom’s eyes softened, a hint of moisture gleaming as she squeezed his hands back. “Thank you, Paul. That means more to me than you know.”
Meanwhile, Ian and I shared a glance, a silent celebration of the success of our plan. Later, as the evening settled down, Ian and I found a moment alone.
“Britt,” Ian said, a grin spreading across his face, “we did it, didn’t we?”
“We sure did, bug,” I replied, ruffling his hair affectionately. “Thanks for being brave and honest. We make a pretty good team, you know.”
Ian’s smile widened, pride evident in his eyes. “Yeah, we do.”
A father hugging his daughter | Source: Shutterstock
Later, Dad pulled me aside, a seriousness in his gaze. “Britt, I owe you an apology — and a thank you. What you did… it was a tough lesson, but one I needed to learn. You’ve shown me the true meaning of family and teamwork.”
I hugged him, feeling the barriers of misunderstanding melt away. “It was a team effort, Dad. We all learned something valuable.”
As our family gathered that night, the atmosphere was different — lighter, warmer, more connected. We talked, we laughed, and for the first time in a long time, we truly listened to each other. The episode that had started as a desperate attempt to bring about change had blossomed into a beautiful lesson in respect, teamwork, and love.
Reflecting on everything, I realized that our family, like so many others, had its flaws and challenges. Yet, it was our willingness to confront those issues, to learn and grow from them, that truly defined us.
A happy mother hugging her two children outdoors | Source: Shutterstock
The chaotic days that had seemed so daunting at the beginning had indeed turned into an invaluable lesson in love and respect, one that would guide us forward, stronger and more united than ever.
Do you think I did the right thing?
If this story struck a chord with your heart, here’s another one for you:
Meredith’s typical weekend turned extraordinary when an unexpected discovery by her mother, Camilla, brought her world to a standstill.
With her life seemingly as snug and predictable as a well-worn sweater, Meredith, a 32-year-old mother and wife, believed she had a firm grip on her reality. Her husband, Dave, had always been her rock, their bond strengthening through each of life’s trials. However, life’s penchant for unpredictability was about to be laid bare.
A husband kissing his wife on the cheek | Source: Unsplash
As Meredith prepared for a rare moment of relaxation, an urgent call from her workplace shattered the calm, dragging her away on a weekend. Dave, caught in the throes of sleep after his night shift, remained unaware of the unfolding drama.
Meredith’s call to her mother, seeking help with the children, seemed innocuous enough — a simple request from a daughter to her ever-reliable mother. Little did she know, this act set in motion a series of events that would challenge the very essence of her marriage.
“Hello?” Meredith answered her phone, only to be met with her mother’s frantic urging, “You have to divorce him immediately!” The shock, palpable through the line, was compounded by Dave’s background protests and her mother’s adamant accusation.
An outraged elderly woman talking on the phone | Source: Shutterstock
“I found women’s underwear in his pocket — women’s underwear! He’s been lying to you all this time!” Camilla’s discovery and subsequent demand for immediate action left Meredith reeling, a torrent of emotions clashing within her.
As Meredith’s world teetered on the edge, the drive back home was fraught with turmoil. Her mind raced, grappling with the implications of her mother’s discovery and the fear of what awaited her. The tension that greeted her upon arrival was palpable, a silent testament to the upheaval that had taken root in her absence.
What followed was a confrontation laden with emotions, accusations, and desperate explanations. Yet, the specifics of this exchange, the revelations shared, and the decisions made in its aftermath remain shrouded in mystery.
A wife being mad at her husband in their living room | Source: Shutterstock
What truths lay buried beneath the surface of Meredith and Dave’s marriage? Click here to find out what happened next.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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