Wednesday, October 29, 2008

How Long Do Your Shoes Last?

I bought the sandals on the right side of the picture back in high school. That was almost 20 years ago. They were on sale at TJMaxx for $15, I think. I wore them until the soles started to come unglued. I tried to find some replacements and bought some similar but cheaper sandals. They were uncomfortable and I still had the old sandals in the closet so I pulled them out and glued the soles back on. I wore them off and on all of these years. Lately though the soles have worn thin and they are uncomfortable to wear when walking on the rocky ground around here. I put 'sandals' on my want list. My want list has things that I want but don't need right away. If I see exactly what I want for a phenomenal price then I will buy it.

So, I was walking past an outlet shoe store and saw the magic "clearance" sign that made me go inside. I looked around and found some Berkenstock sandals for $70 which is the same price as the online price so I wasn't interested. I was headed out the door when I spotted one more table. There they were...my sandals. They were the only ones of their kind and they were men's size 8, which just happens to fit me. And the price...a phenomenal $5. I couldn't believe it! I bought them right away.

When I got home I peeled off the colorful price stickers...original price $59.99, then $25, $20, $15, and finally my magic $5 price. It is a great feeling when I have time to search for just the right item at just the right price. Too many times I need something NOW and have to pay the expensive NOW price. But not this time. These are Dr. Scholl's brand so I am hoping they are well made and will last me another 20 years.

8 comments:

The Executioner said...

Great find. All purchases should happen like this.

Sharon S said...

Hi there-that is what you call a must have and an amazing bargain too, well done!

Anonymous said...

Great find...I have some birkenstocks that I've had for 5 years..i love them, and i'm going to make them last me another 5 years if i can

Over the Cubicle Wall said...

Wow! I spend most of my yearly 'clothes' money on shoes. My knees are not the best, so to stay active, I want to make sure I have good supportive shoes that aren't worn out. $5 for that kind of quality is a great find.

Lucy said...

Wow, what a great deal!

RetiredAt47 said...

Your patience really paid off. Good work on a great find! It's a good reminder that if we are willing and able to wait for something we need, we can often get it for a better price.

Anonymous said...

Those sandals were meant to go home with you! Enjoy them!

Daizy said...

I think it is so fun to have all of you share in my frugal shoe purchase! I mean, if I went around telling people I waited for months until I found a really good deal on shoes, they would think I was crazy! Most people I know just goes out and buy shoes...lots of shoes... whenever they get a new outfit. Thanks for the support Blog Buddies!