How to find the best prices for shoes

Jul 08, 2009 3:58 AM by Julie Bielenberg

Posted in How-To / Career & Money How-tos

Sensational Shoe Shops And Deals

Shoes make the outfit! No wonder you have so many pairs and are always on the hunt for more. You don't need to pay outrageous sums for those sandals you'd been wanting all spring or those UGG boots come winter, though. Here are some suggestions on how to keep your feet stylin' all season long at a reasonable rate.

Woman Shoe Shopping

Step 1: Do some Comparative shopping

Head out to your favorite department store or shoe boutique and check on the latest trends. If you do end up finding that pair of shoes you were looking for, don't buy them. Write down the price, and if you are completely desperate, ask if the store can put them on hold for you. This gives you time to do some comparative shopping.

Start comparing prices. Check a couple different department stores and shops. This can be time consuming, but it usually leads you to a better price.

Step 2: Coupon clipping

Just because you aren't grocery shopping doesn't mean you can't clip coupons. Many stores offer coupons or advertise sales in the daily papers. Keep your eyes peeled: You never know when that 20-percent-off deal will land in your lap.

Step 3: Internet shopping

One of the all-time greatest boons for shoppers, the Internet is a shoe factory. Just Google the pair of shoes you are looking for, and you'll get links to numerous sites that sell them -- many at prices lower than brick-and-mortar stores. Some sites don't even shipping or sales tax.

Read the fine print before hitting the "confirm" button. You want to be able to return items that do not fit properly or are damaged. Sites such as zappos.com even provide a free return label for all merchandise, making exchanges and returns even easier than at typical stores.

Step 4: look at Knock-offs

If you did good investigative work and spotted the latest trends this year, don't be afraid to browse for a similar pair. Few people will be able to tell the difference between yours and the real thing, and you will save lots of money.

Step 5: shop in season

Most stores and sites put out-of-season shoes on sale at major discounts just weeks after the summer ends. Come September, sandals, flip-flops and wedges are on sale almost everywhere as retailers make room for fall and winter merchandise. Be savvy and hold out until the end of the season for the biggest discounts.