$275 for boots - what do you think?

[HappySaver]

So I'm looking to replace a pair of ankle-high black boots that finally bit the dust after last winter.
I have problem feet - I need good quality shoes with strong arch support. I don't buy shoes too often and I wear them forever. I'm being very picky about this pair because they need to be comfortable, with not too much heel, rubber soles that I can wear in icky weather, look fashionable for work, and have a zipper. I found the perfect pair for $275, which I think is crazy high. This pair is also insulated nicely - something my last pair didn't have and my feet were always freezing in them. I never spend this much on shoes, but I'm also not finding anything else that fits all my requirements. What do you think? Should I bite the bullet and just do it?

[BuckyBadger]

If they are a splurge that you can afford, go ahead. If you can't afford them, then you should pass. Only you can decide if you can afford them. How much are you saving every month? What portion of this would the $275 represent?

[Caoineag]

I wouldn't go that high but then I kill all shoes in less than 3 years (most in 1) so it wouldn't be worthwhile for me. However, I spend about that every time I buy shoes (usually buy multiple pairs) so I can't say its unreasonable either. Really can you afford it? Are you sure they will be comfortable? And do you think you will get your moneys worth? If yes to all 3 then go for it.

[LuckyRobin]

Shoes are the one thing we will spend quite a bit of money on. We buy quality, properly built shoes with excellent support and wear them for a long time. And they last. We don't own a lot of shoes, but the ones we have are excellent and well worth the purchase price. If it is something you can afford, it is a good place to spend more money. There can be a lot of pain caused by improperly fitted shoes and most people don't realize that that can be the source of their back, hip, or knee pains.

[dojo]

What alternatives do you have? Cheaper shoes that won't last this long? I also spend serious money on my shoes. If it's something of a good quality, I really don't care that much about the price, since I also wear them for years to come and I don't own too many anyway. Let's say I have one pair of winter boots, 2 pairs of 'adidas' sport shoes (I dress sport/casual all the time), one pair of sandals for summer and one pair of Crocs. So each of my purchases wasn't too cheap (compared to what I could find in the stores), but I do wear them a lot.

[disneysteve]

If they are a splurge that you can afford, go ahead. If you can't afford them, then you should pass.

Agreed. They might be great boots but if you need to charge it to a 29.99% credit card to get them, then no. If you have a good EF, saving a good % for retirement, managing any debts well, and have cash left over, buy and enjoy them.

If you want a Suze Orman style "can I afford it answer" then you need to give some financial details.

[HappySaver]

Suze would approve us. We have our eight month EF and leftover cash each money after maxing out retirement and also putting decent $ into savings, no cc debt.

This was more of a rhetorical "wow - can anyone justify spending that much money on a pair of boots" question, and could it be better spent elsewhere?

I've combed Zappos and know what's out there.The reality is I will spend a lot no matter what I do. I'm going to try on a pair of $200 Danskos (I love this brand and have several pairs already) but I think the heel will be too high. If the Danskos don't work, I may just buy the $275 pair. I feel better about it after reading your comments. My shoes last a long time - the last pair may have been close to a decade old.

[Blessed]

I would personally and I am pretty darn frugal. I have a problem with one foot. I just bought an additional pair of special sandals that were $150. They go well with my $10 thrift store outfit . I spent a fortune on visits with the specialist because of try to fix it myself with cheap orthotics and cheap shoes.

[disneysteve]

Then I say go for it.

I started jogging/running in January. In March when I decided I was going to stick with it, I went to a specialty running store and bought new shoes. I didn't even ask prices. I just got measured, talked to them about what I was doing, tested out a few pairs, and picked the ones I liked best. They were $150 which is the most I've ever paid for a pair of shoes by far. But they're great. Running in my old shoes my feet and shins hurt. In these I have no problem so definitely worth it.

[FrugalSensei]

I would say that as long as they have durability (can least 2-3 winters) then go for it, but be reasonable about cutting back in other areas if things get tight. Oftentimes deciding what we can afford is better stated as a question of what else can we afford to be without.

[greenskeeper]

$275 for boots? do they wipe your ass after you take a dump?

[~bs]

If the quality justifies the price, I don't see why not.

Are you going to actually use them versus let them collect dust in a closet like many women?

Will they last a long time? I have a $100 umbrella. Excessive? Sure, but I've been using it for 10 years and counting. Probably could last another 10.

[ua_guy]

I think if you can afford it, it fits, and you like it, then get it. It sounds like you'll put them to use. My only caveat would be make sure they're durable... $275 buys a lot of boot in the world of footwear, and at that price point, you're starting to look at footwear that's used and recommended for police/fire/military work...at least in a men's boot (lots of features, very well made, steel/reinforced toes and arches, etc). Beyond about $150, I stop buying in the name of fashion and it becomes about durability, features, and intended use. That said, I have spent $300 on a pair of boots and they were worth every penny and probably then some.

[feh]

This was more of a rhetorical "wow - can anyone justify spending that much money on a pair of boots" question, and could it be better spent elsewhere?

I wouldn't be able to justify it. Obviously, that's my personal viewpoint.

[disneysteve]

I wouldn't be able to justify it. Obviously, that's my personal viewpoint.

Same here. And yes, I'm a guy, but I can guarantee you that there is no way my wife would ever spend that much on shoes. I'm positive that the most she has ever spent on a pair of shoes has been under $100. The only time I've ever broken $100 was the running shoes I mentioned earlier.