How to invest in a quality pair of sneakers
October 16, 2022, 9:11 p.m.
Sports shoes hold a special place in our hearts. People often save up to buy a pair of fancy joggers but fail to maintain them.
Buying a pair of quality sneakers is synonymous with taking care and maintaining them.
Safdhar Adoor, Sales Manager at SteppinOut, and Abhishek Bardia, Marketing Manager at SoleSearch, walk you through buying and caring for the perfect sneakers.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Sneakers
First, let’s start with the factors you need to check and consider before buying a pair of sneakers.
“Basic things to check are authentic source, precise boxing, and consistency in overall shoe design,” says Adoor.
It is not advisable to randomly press the “Add to Cart” button, nor is it blinded by a brand endorsement.
Always check out the pair in person.
How to know if it’s a good pair of sneakers
It can be quite difficult to distinguish a quality pair of sneakers from branded replicas.
“You can spot cheaper material by the feel and feel of the main body, sole, point and sometimes the chemical smell of poor quality glue,” Bardia says.
“Double checking the buckles and zippers, and a ‘rub test’ to check for faded colors ensures this is a quality pair.”
Besides the quality of the shoe, the fit is equally important.
“Knowing your size and fit is key to buying the right pair of sneakers. Even if you are sure of your size, your fit may differ from brand to brand and shoe to shoe. It so it’s important that you know your size and fit, go for a try-on, and then explore the options,” says Adoor.
How long can a good pair of sneakers last?
Although sneakers last longer than regular shoes, you can’t drag your feet in them for a decade.
A good pair can last five to six years, but you should stick to basic maintenance.
“Sneaker care and maintenance has come a long way, there are many care and cleaning kits that can help you take care of your sneakers,” says Adoor.
The different types of sneakers you should own
If you are overwhelmed with options, choose to buy sneakers based on your goal.
“Most sneakers largely fit three styles – high, mid and low. Having one or more of each for a rotation is a good thing. It all comes down to your comfort and preference. You can also own some sneakers according to your needs, for example, running, hiking, casual, dress up, etc.” said Bardia.