I’m a big supporter of Florsheim
I’m stupid, brutal, and ruthless with my dress shoes. They go with me everywhere – through the slush, snow, rain, and muck. I live in the Midwest, where snow is constantly falling and ice cakes the sidewalks. Nonetheless, I’m expected to dress nicely for work and school.
The roads can be devastating to most shoes, but somehow my $125 Florsheims can make it through a couple seasons. When I calculate the cost per wear for these shoes, I realize the true value. I wear them for about two-thirds of the year. That equals about 243 days – at minimum – of wear. Amazingly, the Florsheim’s can last about 2 years like this (at least 486 days). Conservatively, that means that each time I slide my dress shoes on, I spend about $0.25 per wear.
Many would suggest buying beater shoes for terrible weather. Maybe I could get a cheap pair of shoes at Walmart or Target for $40? Likely, a pair of cheap shoes could last me one season and then I’d need to retire them. Most winters last about 90 days. If I wore the inexpensive shoes every day of winter, I’d still be spending about $0.45 per wear.
At the end of 90 days, I’d be sending my shoes to Goodwill or to the dump. From the packaging, rubber, materials, store resources, etc., buying a pair of shoes and throwing them away is far less green. This buying of cheap materials with poor true value is part of the reason why we’re aiding climate change and adding to our conservation problems.
By buying shoes that are initially more expensive, I’m actually saving my wallet and helping the environment. While I focused on shoes today, you could certainly branch out and apply it to the rest of your wardrobe. When you can calculate cost per wear across domains, some serious savings will be in store.
Have you ever calculated cost per wear? Are there ever items that you choose to purchase that initially more expensive, but a better value?
I love this. We’ve always recommended shoes being one of the items you invest in because of how healthy it is to wear shoes that give great support but I like the way you dive into the cost benefit.
Krista,
Thanks for your comment! I completely agree. Support and function is so important, but as a frugal blog, it’s all about the bottom line. 🙂
Nothing like saving more and getting a better product.
Sam
Value is key, especially in things that we use every day. That reminds me, I need to get new dress shoes myself!
Syed,
Go do it! 🙂
Sam
I bought a sofa at a yard sale 10 years ago. It was a really nice sofa bed, a real high end brand. For some reason, the name eludes me now. They wanted @20, we offered $10, they took it. Anyway, we just threw it out last week. That calculates to $1 a year. Now I can’t even imagine going to a furniture store and paying full price. I will wait for garage sale season and believe I will be blessed to find another great bargain. Now I would never, and have never, paid over $100 for a pair of shoes, but I’m just not a shoe person (weird for a woman, I know). I don’t like shoes. I spent 3 years in Hawaii when I was a child and the barefoot lifestyle stuck. But everyone’s priorities are different, and I applaud your common sense approach on those shoes. Your rationale is solid for your needs. Another great post. Thanks, I really enjoy them. 🙂
Kat,
This is a perfect example of taking the cost per wear to other items in your life. A couch at that price is a wonderful deal! Well done.
Thanks for your comment,
Sam
Smart way to break things down! I love this – as I’ve gotten older and more careful with my money, I’ve found I really value quality. It may cost more upfront, but when an item of clothing or pair of shoes is comfortable and last for years – it’s better financially in the long run!
Plus they’re better for your feet – saving the cost of doctor visits and expensive inserts later on.
Christy,
Very true! Thanks for the comment.
I love sport shoes so you’ll always see me in my Adidas Superstar shoes. Which here cost around 130 bucks (don’t ask, Europeans seem to be ‘rich’) 😀
Anyway .. I usually get them at around $70 (looking for sales) and this is already a better deal for me. I could get 30 bucks shoes, but they wouldn’t last as much as these do. I wear them EVERY DAY (even in winter, when there’s no snowing), so we’re talking 2 years at least of almost daily wear. They’re nice, comfortable and best suited for my needs.
Sure, they cost more than other shoes in my country, but the cost per wear is indeed dismal.
Dojo,
Way to go! You’ve got the right idea. It seems like you found something you really enjoy and can keep maintained easily. Seems like they’re quite pricey in Europe, though.
Sam