Shoes - A Buying Guide for Smarter Shopping

I love shoes...I mean really, What woman doesn't love going out and shopping for the perfect pair of shoes to go with her new outfit? To wear to work? For date night? Come on now, admit it, we all look for every excuse in the book to go out and buy a new pair of shoes!

Recently this article was sent over to me to share with all of my lifestyle blog readers and I found it to be full of great information for those of us who are always buying shoes and who want a great deal. Heck, I am always looking for ways to save money when I shop! The article is below...enjoy!

It's official, ladies: our love of shoes is costing us a fortune. According to a recent survey, the average woman spends over $20,000 on shoes in her adult lifetime. What's more, nearly $4,000 of that is spent on shoes that don't fit or are only worn once.

This breaks down to an average of four new pairs of shoes each year, which isn't all that astonishing. However, over 50 percent of the 2,000 women surveyed said they owned at least one pair of shoes they'd never worn, citing discomfort and lack of the right occasion as reasons. Now that's something to be concerned about. Before you buy your next pair of must-haves, consider this buying guide from a self-diagnosed shoe-aholic and never make a bad footwear purchase again!

Find a Proper Fit
My husband spent many years working for his grandparents' shoe store and helped a number of "Cinderellas," young women who insisted they were a size 6 when really they were closer to a size 9. They'd rather purchase ill-fitting shoes than acknowledge their true foot size. While this is an extreme example, it underlines the importance of proper fit. Whether you're shopping for running shoes or sexy slingbacks, make sure you buy the right size and know it can vary by brand.

Consider Comfort
The phrase "killer heels" has a double meaning and we all know what it is. Yes, they look amazing, but your feet are blistered or there's an aching knot in your arch. At some point you have to make comfort a priority, even if that means paying a bit more for quality shoes. They'll save you money in the long run because you'll wear them more often, whereas a painful pair of shoes will only see the light of day a few times.

Try Inserts
Some clothing items aren't perfect off the rack and require a little tailoring to look just right. The same goes for shoes, which is why inserts can be helpful. Dr. Scholl's has in-store kiosks located in CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid and other retail outlets to help you find the right custom-fit inserts for your needs. You can also buy standard inserts to make your shoes more supportive. To save on this expense, check out their list of coupons to print before you buy!

Shop Discount
Shopping the shoe department at Macy's or Nordstrom will quickly clear out your bank account if you're not careful. Instead, shop discount retailers like Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, TJMaxx and even Ross for name-brand styles at cut-rate prices. You can also search for discounts using your smartphone with apps like Coupon Sherpa, which currently features savings at Lord & Taylor (20% off), Off Broadway Shoes ($15 off $69.99) and many more.

Resell for Cash
The reason women buy shoes they only wear once? Weddings. Bridesmaids have to buy a specific pair of lime satin pumps even if they wouldn't be caught dead in them any other day. Instead of wasting space in your closet, sell these shoes for cash. Tradesy is a great online consignment store with a section dedicated to used wedding items, including shoes. You can also try your luck on eBay or at your local consignment store.

Get Sneaky with Savings
In addition to coupons and in-store promotions, you can save money on your next pair of shoes by stocking up on discount gift cards. Sites like GiftCardGranny.com offer gift cards for less than face value to department stores and shoe stores like DSW, Payless and Shoe Carnival. Currently, you can score DSW gift cards for up to 15-percent off, while Payless cards can be purchased for over 20-percent off.

Upcycle Your Style
Instead of tossing out that old pair of pumps you never wear, consider upcycling them with some DIY embellishments. A metallic cap toe or all-over glitter can quickly turn drab to fab with a little crafting and patience. Pinterest is brimming with ideas and tutorials, but this roundup of 15 ideas from Fancy Life Corner offers a great starting point for your creative session.

Kendal Perez is a frugal blogger who helps fellow shopaholics find hassle-free ways to save money. As the Marketing Manager for Kinoli Inc., site manager for a family of money-saving websites, Kendal has the resources to be an extreme couponer but prefers a less complicated approach to staying in-budget. Kendal has been quoted in such media outlets as People StyleWatch, CNN Money, FOX, ABC, NPR and Kiplinger Personal Finance. For savings tips and more information, visit HassleFreeSavings.com.