Ideally, a new pair of shoes should be comfortable and fashionable. However, you may find a lot of options in footwear shops that meet these 2 criteria, but at the same time their quality is so bad that they won’t last long. We decided to find out what things you should pay attention to in order to choose a really high-quality pair.
Check the shoes for smudges and glue marks.
Manufacturers often use glue to stick together different parts of the shoe. If the glue is of high quality and the work is done properly, the pair will last a long time. However, small glue drips in the spots where parts meet or traces of glue on the surface indicate that you are looking at low-quality shoes and that there were issues during production.
When a part of the shoe, its sole or insole, comes off a bit, it means the shoemaker probably used bad or expired glue, and this pair will fall apart quickly.
Examine whether the pair is symmetrical.
Quality shoes in a pair should be symmetrical, and any differences between the right and left shoes most likely indicate a defect. To check this, you need to put the soles of both shoes together and see if they match in length and width.
It’s also worth putting the pair on the floor to understand whether the height and outline of the upper edge of the heel are symmetrical. If the soles are painted in different colors, check whether the paint is within the borders of the sole and whether the pattern matches. Gross irregularities in symmetry indicate that the manufacturer didn’t pay much attention to quality.
Check the seams carefully.
Any uneven or diverging seams make shoes look not that good. This happens if the manufacturer used too thin threads or the work was done poorly. As a result, such a pair will fall apart much faster. It’s also necessary to check the uniformity of stitches and the evenness of the seam itself.
If its line is curved or zigzag-looking, this means that the shoes you’re looking at are of poor quality and will lose their appearance in a couple of months. And zigzag-looking stitch is often used to hide the imperfections of the stitching.
Examine the heels.
The heel must be firmly attached to the sole and not wobble. It’s necessary to look at the shoes from the side. In good quality pumps, the high heels are positioned exactly under the center of the heel and touch the ground at a slight incline.
It’s worth looking carefully at the heels from behind – any deviation of the heels from the angle of 90⁰ indicates a defective product. Moreover, these shoes are simply dangerous to wear – this may lead to ankle injuries.
Loose eyelets are a bad sign.
Any metal or plastic parts on the shoe (especially those that come into contact with the skin) should be tightly fastened. Thus, it’s worth carefully examining the eyelets for laces. Although this defect is quite rare, it can lead to wearer’s injury.
You should also check how well any embellishments are attached to the shoe. If they fall off at one point, the pair won’t look good anymore.
Carefully inspect the inside of the shoe.
Some manufacturers save on the training of workers and don’t calibrate equipment before the production of a new product line. As a result, shoes, boots and sneakers may have seemingly insignificant defects such as wrinkles and creases. If these defects are small, they won’t cause much trouble to the wearer. But large creases can rub the skin while walking, which will lead to abrasions and blisters on the feet.
Examine the insoles.
Even if a shoe looks perfect from the outside, you need to scrutinize it from the inside too. If the insoles show small wrinkles and creases, this pair is likely to be uncomfortable to wear. In addition, you should carefully feel the insoles to make sure that there are no bubbles on them.
Another important thing is that there must be cushioning between the insole and the sole, especially in the toe and heel area. Otherwise, a long walk in these shoes will make not only your feet and legs sore, but also your back.
Check how the shoes smell.
Low-quality and cheap shoes often have a strong chemical odor. It’s best to refrain from buying this pair. But if shoes or boots exude the scent of leather, polish or wood, you’ve found the shoes of high quality.
Take a photo of the shoes.
Of course, shoes made of synthetic materials can also be of high quality, especially when it comes to sports models. But good shoes should ideally be made of leather. They are softer and fit better on the foot, which means they will be much more comfortable to wear.
However, the quality of leather also varies. Often, manufacturers don’t mention the type of leather they use to make shoes in order to keep costs down. To determine the quality of the product you are holding in your hands, you need to take a photo of the shoes and enlarge the image. If you can see pores on the leather, you can safely buy the shoes.
Bend the shoe a little bit.
You don’t need to knead your shoes too much, but you can bend the shoe slightly to see how flexible the sole is and whether it remains attached to the upper part when moved. In addition, it’s worth pressing the sides of the shoe a little bit. Throughout the day, our feet usually increase in size a little, so a quality pair should adapt to these changes.
Check how your shoes sound.
Most shoe shops have soft carpeting on the floor, so it’s a good idea to take a short walk on a harder surface before making a purchase. If the soles and heels make unpleasant clanking noises when you walk, you are likely to be wearing a low-quality pair. And platform or wedge shoes shouldn’t sound like there are voids inside the sole.
Examine the material of the sole and heel carefully.
Usually the sole of a really good quality pair is made of leather or good rubber. These shoes are comfortable to wear, and in addition, they almost don’t slip. At the same time, if the base of the sole is uneven, then these shoes will be uncomfortable.
In addition, it’s worth examining the material from which the heels are made. If the manufacturer used plastic or didn’t cover the heel with leather or fabric, then you are looking at a cheap product that is far from being perfect.
Rub the shoes with a cloth.
Sometimes manufacturers use poor quality leather dyes, which can leave marks on the skin or clothes. Therefore, before buying, you should carefully rub the shoes inside and outside, first with a dry cloth and then with a damp cloth. If there are no marks on the fabric, the shoes are okay.
And here’s a list of fashionable shoes that are not as cool as they look.
My MIL Demanded to Share a Hotel Room with My Husband During Our Anniversary Trip
Our 10th wedding anniversary trip was supposed to be about reconnecting and romance. Instead, it turned into a bizarre nightmare when my mother-in-law decided she couldn’t let her “precious son” out of her sight. And that wasn’t even the worst part.
You see, Patrick’s mom has always had a knack for inserting herself where she doesn’t belong. But when she barged into our anniversary suite and claimed it for herself, I knew I couldn’t let this slide.
I just had to figure out how to make her pay for her antics without ruining my marriage.
A woman looking at her mother-in-law | Source: Midjourney
So, my husband and I recently celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary.
We planned a weeklong trip to a luxury resort, and it was our first real getaway since our son was born five years ago. The idea was simple. Unwind, reconnect, and maybe reignite a little romance. I’d been looking forward to it for months.
That is, until my mother-in-law, Victoria, inserted herself into our plans.
A woman standing in her house | Source: Midjourney
From the start, it was clear she saw herself as the third partner in our marriage.
At our wedding, she hijacked our first dance, taking Patrick’s hand before I had the chance. Since then, she’s made a habit of sidelining me at every opportunity. She made sure she was the center of attention on every occasion whether it was a birthday or a holiday.
When Patrick and I mentioned our anniversary trip, she immediately chimed in with her suggestion.
“Why don’t I come along?” she asked. “I could watch the little one while you two have some alone time.”
A woman talking to her daughter-in-law | Source: Midjourney
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Alone time? With her hovering? No thanks.
Patrick, ever the peacemaker, tried to frame it as a win-win.
“Think about it, Anna. She’ll take care of our son during the day, and we’ll still have the evenings to ourselves.”
Reluctantly, I agreed. “Fine. But she’s staying in her own room. I’m not sharing my suite.”
“Oh, of course!” she assured me, her smile a little too wide. “I wouldn’t dream of imposing.”
A woman in her son’s house | Source: Midjourney
Fast forward to the day we arrived at the resort.
As we checked in, Victoria eyed the staff with that judgmental air she always carried. Her nose wrinkled slightly when she saw her room key. It had the shower icon on it, while ours had the bath icon.
“What’s wrong?” Patrick asked.
She sighed dramatically.
“Oh, nothing…” she began. “It’s just that I really dislike showers. My bones need a good soak in a tub.”
My eyes narrowed.
The suite Patrick and I had booked, complete with a king-sized bed and a luxurious bathtub, was clearly the target of her complaint.
A ceramic bathtub | Source: Unsplash
I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could say anything, she marched toward the bellhop, snatched our suite key, and headed straight for the elevator.
“Mom, wait!” Patrick called, but she didn’t stop.
The poor bellhop barely had time to keep up with her as she barreled down the hallway.
We followed her to the suite, and by the time we arrived, she was already unpacking her things. She tossed her bag onto the bed, fluffed the pillows, and smiled at me like a cat that had just caught a mouse.
A woman standing in a hotel room | Source: Midjourney
“This will do nicely,” she announced. Then, turning to me, she added with a saccharine tone, “You can stay in the other room with the child, and I’ll stay here with my son.”
Wait, what? Did I hear that right?
I looked at Patrick, expecting him to say something. But he just stood there, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. “Mom, come on…”
“Oh, don’t be difficult, dear,” she said, brushing him off. “We’re family. This is what families do.”
A woman smiling in a hotel room | Source: Midjourney
Her message was loud and clear. I was the outsider. The third wheel.
And the “I need a bath” excuse? It was just a smokescreen to take my anniversary suite right out from under me.
I stared at Patrick, waiting for him to tell his mom she was being completely out of line. I mean, who demands to share a hotel room with their grown son on his anniversary trip?
But instead of standing up to her, Patrick just shrugged.
A man standing near a window | Source: Midjourney
“It’s just for sleeping,” he mumbled. “We’ll still do the rest of the trip together. Let’s not make it a big deal.”
Not make it a big deal? I wanted to scream. But I plastered on my best fake smile instead.
“Of course. Whatever makes you comfortable,” I said sweetly, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
Victoria, oblivious to my tone, beamed. “I knew you’d understand, Anna. You’re such a good wife.”
A woman talking to her daughter-in-law in a hotel room | Source: Midjourney
Inside, I was fuming.
This was supposed to be our anniversary trip, a chance for us to reconnect after years of juggling work, parenthood, and everything in between. I wasn’t about to let her turn me into the third wheel on my own vacation.
If she wanted to act like the queen of the resort, fine. I had a plan brewing, and I knew she wouldn’t see it coming.
The next morning, I acted like I was completely fine with the new sleeping arrangements.
A young woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
Over breakfast, I smiled, nodded, and let Victoria ramble on about how “thoughtful” Patrick was for including her on the trip.
“I just love spending time with my son,” she said, patting his hand. “It’s so rare these days.”
Patrick gave me an apologetic glance, but I waved it off.
“No worries,” I said. “Actually, I’ve got a surprise for you both.”
Victoria’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “A surprise?”
A woman sitting for breakfast in a hotel | Source: Midjourney
“Yep,” I nodded. “I’ve booked a romantic couples’ photoshoot at the resort this morning. I thought it would be a great way to capture some memories.”
Patrick frowned. “A couples’ photoshoot?”
“You’ll love it,” I said, keeping my expression innocent. “I talked to the resort staff last night, and they made all the arrangements. You and Mom are going to look great together.”
Victoria clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, how lovely! Patrick, isn’t this sweet of Anna?”
A woman smiling while talking to her son | Source: Midjourney
Patrick didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t protest. He was still in that awkward middle ground where he didn’t want to upset his mom or me. Poor guy had no idea what he was in for.
When they arrived at the photoshoot, the photographer greeted them with a big, cheerful smile. “Ah, here you are! We’re ready for your session.”
Patrick’s eyes widened. “Wait, no—”
“Oh, don’t be modest!” the photographer interrupted. “You two look like such a lovely couple.”
A person holding a camera | Source: Unsplash
I watched from a distance as the photographer posed them by the fountain, gushing over their “chemistry” and “love story.” Patrick looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole, while Victoria basked in the attention.
I could barely hold back my laughter. This was just the beginning.
The next morning, Patrick and Victoria headed to what they thought would be a casual resort activity. Little did they know, I’d signed them up for an exclusive couples’ tango class.
A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
The instructor, Marco, greeted them with dramatic flair. “Welcome to the dance of love!”
“Wait, what?” Patrick asked as his eyes widened in horror.
Victoria clasped her hands in delight. “Oh, Patrick, this is so nice! I’ve always wanted to learn tango.”
I lounged nearby, pretending not to notice as Patrick gave me a desperate look. I just sipped my coffee and waved.
A woman holding a cup of coffee | Source: Pexels
“Now,” Marco began, “tango is about connection! Mr. Patrick, place your hand on your wife’s waist and gaze into her eyes. The soul must speak through the dance.”
Patrick looked ready to bolt. “She’s not my—”
“No excuses! Dance is truth!” Marco declared, clapping his hands.
Victoria leaned in, practically giddy. “Come on, Patrick. Let’s show them what we’ve got!”
Reluctantly, Patrick placed his hand on her waist and shuffled through the steps as Marco barked instructions. Every few seconds, Patrick tripped or stepped on Victoria’s foot.
I couldn’t hold back my laughter as I watched his misery unfold.
A close-up shot of a woman’s face | Source: Unsplash
“More passion!” Marco exclaimed. “The woman must feel the fire in her partner’s gaze!”
I saw Patrick muttered something under his breath that I’m sure wasn’t appropriate.
By the end of the class, Victoria was beaming.
“That was wonderful!” she exclaimed. “We should take dance lessons back home.”
Patrick groaned. “I think I’ve had enough tango for a lifetime.”
But the day wasn’t over yet.
That evening, I sent them off to the resort’s signature sunset dinner cruise. The staff pulled out all the stops, complete with a violinist, rose petals, and a candlelit table on the deck.
A close-up shot of cutlery on a table | Source: Unsplash
As they boarded, the captain greeted them warmly. “Welcome aboard! We’ve prepared the most romantic table for you two lovebirds.”
Patrick looked like he wanted to jump overboard. “Uh, we’re not—”
Victoria waved regally, basking in the attention. “Thank you! This is simply delightful.”
I waved at them from the dock.
“Bon voyage!” I called out with a grin.
Patrick’s face turned beet red. He glanced back at me, clearly catching on that I was behind all of this.
The cruise lasted two hours, and by the time they returned, Patrick was done.
A man standing in a hotel lobby | Source: Midjourney
He marched over to me the second Victoria disappeared into her room.
“What the hell is going on?” he hissed, his face red with embarrassment. “Why does everyone think we’re a couple?”
I blinked innocently. “Oh, I have no idea. I guess the staff must’ve misunderstood when I said it was our anniversary trip. I just wanted to make sure your mom had a good time, since she insisted on coming.”
He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Anna… I messed up, didn’t I?”
I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. “You think?”
A woman talking to her husband | Source: Midjourney
“I should’ve told her no,” he admitted, shaking his head. “I thought it would be easier to let her come along. I didn’t realize how ridiculous it would get.”
“Well,” I said, taking a sip of my champagne, “now you know.”
The next morning, as we packed to leave, Patrick was tripping over himself to apologize. “I’ll never let her interfere like this again. Next time, we’re hiring a nanny.”
“Sounds perfect,” I replied with a satisfied smile.
A woman smiling while looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
Victoria, oblivious to the chaos she’d caused, declared it the best vacation ever.
So, what did I learn from this? It’s that sometimes, you don’t need to raise your voice to make a point. You just need a little creativity to teach a lesson that won’t be forgotten.
Do you agree?
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Leave a Reply