# Price of Cheap Shoes: Climbing Madly or Not?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/price-of-cheap-shoes-climbing-madly-or-not/734257
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [October 11, 2015, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/price-of-cheap-shoes-climbing-madly-or-not/734257 "2015-10-11T12:28:39Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2015, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/price-of-cheap-shoes-climbing-madly-or-not/734257/1 "2015-10-11T12:28:39Z")
I usually buy casual shoes at cheapo places like Payless Shoe Source, Shoe Carnival, Target, etc.
It seems to me in the last year or so that prices have roughly doubled on generic sneakers or casual loafers. The other day I was looking for basic canvas slip-ons, expecting to see them around $20 for the crappy ones and $30 for the nicer ones. Try $45 and $65. I was dumbfounded.
No-name store brand generic sneakers were going for $80 to $120. WTF??
So: Is my perception real, or have prices been higher for the last couple years & I’m just now noticing? Does anybody have a good recommendation for online cheapo men’s shoes?
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### Author:  [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2015, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/price-of-cheap-shoes-climbing-madly-or-not/734257/2 "2015-10-11T16:24:56Z")
Zappos was the main place last I heard, in part because of its return policy:
> **[Men's Sneakers & Athletic Shoes + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com](https://www.zappos.com/men-sneakers-athletic-shoes/CK_XARC81wHAAQLiAgMYAQI.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle%2Fdesc%2F)**
>
> Free shipping BOTH ways on Sneakers & Athletic Shoes, Men from our vast selection of styles. Fast delivery, and 24/7/365 real-person service with a smile. Click or call 800-927-7671.
Any reason for preferring cheapo casual shoes? The perception that there’s little marginal utility in going from cheap casual to middle market casual?
My light casual shoes are Rockports that have lasted years and have been my most comfortable running shoes. My heavy casual shoes are my army boots from 2007 with Dr. Scholls footbeds and they’re pretty good too.
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### Author:  [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2015, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/price-of-cheap-shoes-climbing-madly-or-not/734257/3 "2015-10-11T20:30:07Z")
I get Walmart canvas Converse knock-offs. Ten years ago I got a pair for five bucks and they lasted me until this spring. I paid 25 dollars for the same brand and style and the rubber edges are already cracking. Quality has dropped and the price has soared, no doubt about it.
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### Author:  [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2015, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/price-of-cheap-shoes-climbing-madly-or-not/734257/4 "2015-10-11T21:54:44Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#):
>
> …Any reason for preferring cheapo casual shoes? The perception that there’s little marginal utility in going from cheap casual to middle market casual?..
Cheap or expensive, they get scuffed and filthy in 6 months. I swear I spend more time walking on my own feet than I do walking on the ground. Once they look like crap they go to Goodwill.
By that time the cheapos are getting ready to fall apart, but better quality ones would have lots of life left in them. Life I paid extra for but that some thrift shop customer will enjoy.
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### Author:  [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2015, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/price-of-cheap-shoes-climbing-madly-or-not/734257/5 "2015-10-11T22:25:58Z")
By the way, CostCo’s _Kirkland_ brand shoes have been excellent, rugged and comfortable. And a nice pair of [white leather running shoes](http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTMzMVgxNDgx/z/EbgAAMXQiFxR~C5M/%24%28KGrHqJHJB!FH6g1sQWoBR+C5Mv+cg~~60_1.JPG) were $16.95. For that kind of money, you can afford a pair every time they get dirty. These have been every bit as good quality as any of the expensive name brands. I’ve been wearing a pair every day for more than a year.