Buying sneakers is only easy when you know exactly what you want. If you don't, the process can get overwhelming with the many sneaker brands, styles, and color choices out there. Here 5 invaluable points every sneaker buyer must ponder upon before hitting the register.
Comfort
The first thing to do when you spot a hot pair of sneakers is to examine whether they are comfortable or not. If they are not, put them down and look elsewhere. There is absolutely no point to buying sneakers to wear out and about if they don't even fit right. I don't care what they look like or how much they cost. Don't do it.
Purpose
Image courtesy of Nike
What is the purpose of those sneakers you have in mind? Are they simply casual sneakers to wear on errands or to a club? Or are they for track or tennis practice? Every sneaker is designed to serve a purpose. If your sneakers are for athletic functions, then there is some extra attention on your part that should go into inspecting whether the soles will get the job done. Read as many reviews as you can find on the sneakers you have in mind before making the leap to buy them. If your sneakers are for style reasons only, then skip to the next step.
Style and Design
Image courtesy of Soled Out
Style and design are what first draw you to a pair of sneakers. Once you've made sure your sneakers are indeed comfortable and have determined what purpose they will serve, inspect the style, color and design. Are these sneakers going to match only one set of clothes you own or can they be worn with anything? If you had to pick between a versatile set of sneakers or ones in loud neon colors, always go for the one that can be worn most.
Versatility
Image courtesy of Vans
Can these sneakers be worn to work? To a party? To church or the park? The best kind of sneakers are the super versatile ones! They are not too loud, too polished, too edgy, or too athletically engineered. They can be worn whenever and for whatever. Versatile sneakers provide the best value in the long run and if you are an avid collector, they eliminate the extra dust and storage space.
Value
Paying $500 for flashy sneakers is wasteful if they're uncomfortable, too loud or too nice to wear. Value is the perception that the item you buy is worth more in your eyes than what you paid for it. If your sneakers are only going to be good to be looked at, then don't bother buying them. Grab a sneaker magazine instead that has a picture of them in it.
