The average family spends nearly $400 each year on shoes alone. But if you’re buying the wrong pairs or constantly having to replace low-quality shoes, you might be spending a lot more.
Especially when it comes to online shopping, it’s easy to make purchasing mistakes and end up with a pair of shoes you don’t really want.
If you’re looking to buy a new pair of sneakers, watch out for these seven online sneaker purchasing mistakes.
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Guessing Your Size
Sneakers are one of the most versatile shoe styles, taking you from sports to chores to work seamlessly. They’re often considered to be an easy-to-wear, comfortable type of shoe, but that’s only true if you select the right size.
Sneakers that are too tight may cause blisters and pain, while too-loose sneakers will be difficult to walk in.
And though it can be hard to judge shoe sizes when shopping an online sneaker store, you shouldn’t leave it up to luck. Check the store’s size guides and measurements for different sneaker sizes. Don’t be afraid to whip out your measuring tape to measure the exact length of your foot.
You can also check online customer reviews to find out if a particular brand or style tends to run large or small.
And if you still end up with the wrong sneaker size, turn to the second point on this list for help.
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Not Reading the Fine Print
There are millions of online retailers at your fingertips, each with their own rules. And just because you’re used to being able to return sneakers doesn’t mean all shops will allow it.
Make sure to always read the fine print and return policies before purchasing sneakers. Some websites forbid returns altogether, while others allow them if you pay shipping fees. Be prepared for possible returns, and consider skipping any retailer that doesn’t have a fair policy.
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Buying Fakes
Sneakers are a hot commodity, especially for collectors and serious sneakerheads. And because of this, some have made a business out of producing fake sneakers.
When buying a popular brand or designer, be sure to study photos and product details carefully for any red flags. Be sure logos and brand names are spelled and designed correctly.
But the best way of protecting yourself from fakes is to only shop from trustworthy, reputable sneaker websites. To skip the fakes and only buy genuine sneakers from top brands, click for more.
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Rushing to Checkout
Many of us are guilty of online shopping while multitasking. You may be scouring the web for your next pair of kicks while cooking dinner, picking up your kid from school, or even right before falling asleep at night.
But no matter what’s going on around you, don’t give in to the urge to rush through your sneaker purchase.
For one, impulse purchases are some of the most regrettable buys, and that includes sneaker purchases. But rushing to place your online order may also cost you more money.
Take your time to look for deals, comparing sneaker prices across competing websites. That way, you can get the best price and discounts for your new pair of sneakers.
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Forgoing Comfort
Like size, comfort can be difficult to judge when shopping online. Yet many people get carried away by a photo of a cool pair of sneakers, completely overlooking points like material or practicality.
Even if you can’t try the shoes on before buying, look for high-quality materials and features like comfy insoles. Also consider points like breathability, how easy they are to put on and take off, and waterproofing.
And consider when you plan to wear your sneakers. Should they be designed for running, or will you need to be able to stand in them for several hours each day?
You should choose a sneaker design that fits the practical needs of your daily life, more than how great they look in photos.
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Falling for Too-Good-to-Be-True Shoes
Now more than ever, it’s easy to fall for an ad of super-cute, trendy sneakers that only cost a few dollars.
Some websites have built their entire business models on creating sneakers and clothes that mimic the latest trends and designer styles, without blatantly ripping them off. Still, these designs are attention-grabbing. And they’re even more desirable when you realize they’re only $10 or $20.
These deals can seem too good to pass up, but in fact these items tend to simply be too good to be true.
In many cases, the sneakers look much better in photos and ads than in real life. And sometimes, the items pictured are vastly different from reality.
Check the reputation and trust score for a website before making a purchase, and always be suspicious of sneakers that seem to be drastically underpriced.
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Buying Collector’s Sneakers Without Practicing Caution
If you go as far as collecting sneakers, you likely already know that the internet offers a variety of sneakers you may not find in your local area.
But buying high-value sneakers online is risky. And while you don’t need to completely avoid it, it’s still best to practice some caution.
Don’t hop on a site like eBay to buy a rare pair of sneakers without first inquiring and asking questions. And rely only on trustworthy sneaker reseller sites that offer protections in case you buy a bad pair.
Avoid These Online Sneaker Purchasing Mistakes
Buying sneakers online is convenient and offers a wide selection of styles. But there are a few online sneaker purchasing mistakes you must avoid.
Save this guide for the next time you’re ready to buy new sneakers to make sure your money is well spent.
For more wardrobe inspiration, check out our other fashion articles!