5 Common Sneaker Buyer Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Did you know that in 2022 alone, Americans spent a staggering $104.6 billion on footwear?
A good chunk of that spending went toward sneaker buying. After all, sneakers are among the nation’s most beloved, comfortable shoes. While not everyone may have classy loafers or Oxfords, most have at least one or more types of sneakers.
However, just because sneakers are popular doesn’t mean they’re always a good buy. Especially not if you commit common sneaker buyer mistakes.
To that end, we created this guide listing the top blunders you must avoid when buying sneakers. So keep reading, as we’ve also shared tips on how to steer clear of them and what to do instead.
1. Thinking Your Foot Size Hasn’t Changed
The feet usually stop growing from age 20 to 21.
However, their size can still change due to aging, hormones, pregnancy, or giving birth. They usually widen, but they can also lengthen somewhat in some people.
An example is when the structure of the feet collapses due to age. This can make the feet lie flat on the ground rather than having an arch. Lying flat can then make them longer.
So just because you’re already past your early 20s doesn’t mean your feet are still the same size. They might have been a U.S. 7 but may have “lengthened” since then and are now a size 7.5 or 8.
If you don’t measure your feet now, you risk buying shoes that are too small for your now-bigger feet. So, before you shop, take their measurements first. This is especially vital if you’re buying from an online sneaker store, as you can’t try the shoes in person.
2. Measuring the Feet Incorrectly
This common mistake can occur when people measure their feet or purchase shoes too early in the day. It’s a mistake as it can lead to shoppers buying kicks that become too snug in the late afternoon or evening.
When you measure your feet or buy shoes in-store matters as their size can change throughout the day. For instance, standing or sitting for extended periods can result in fluid pool-up in the feet. This can lead to your feet becoming swollen late afternoon or evening.
So when measuring your feet or shoe-shopping in-store, do so in the late afternoon or evening. This way, you can account for the swelling your feet typically get during the workday. You can then buy sneakers with extra space to keep your feet comfy, even if they expand throughout the day.
Another foot-measuring-related mistake is forgetting to wear socks when taking measurements. Since you plan to buy sneakers, you should account for the extra length and width socks add to your feet. Also, wear the socks you intend to use with your new kicks when measuring your feet.
3. Not Checking the Sneakers’ Size System
Different sneaker sizes largely depend on their sizing system (e.g., U.S., U.K., Euro, or JP/CM). They may have similar numbers, but the foot sizes they accommodate differ.
For instance, the U.S. shoe-size system has two categories; women’s and men’s. The U.S. women’s sizing system has a 1.5-point difference from the U.S. men’s. So a size of U.S. 5 in women’s is often equivalent to a U.S. 3.5 in men’s size.
The U.K. system doesn’t have a separate category for men and women. It’s also smaller than the U.S. sizes. For example, a size 2 in the U.K. system is often equivalent to a U.S. size 4 in women’s and a U.S. men’s size 3.
Suppose you want to buy Air Jordans from a sneaker store website. You should view this page to check its available sizes and the size system it uses.
If the store is in the U.S., it likely uses the U.S. women’s and men’s shoe-size systems. It may offer other sizing charts, too, such as the U.K., Euro, and JP/CM. If the store you want to buy from doesn’t, and you’re unsure of your U.S. size, you can look up a conversion chart online.
4. Not Comparing Sneaker Prices
The U.S. alone is home to approximately 25,000 shoe stores. Many are retailers, while others are brand-specific.
Either way, 25,000 stores means the competition is tight. So to remain competitive, these establishments often offer promotions and deals. So one store may offer the shoes you want at $150, while another may sell it at a discounted rate of $100.
However, you can only find those discounts if you search and compare them. That’s why before shopping, you should take the time to look up the price of the sneakers you want online. You can buy them from that website or see if it offers the same deal in its physical store.
If you find a deal online but not in-store, you should still visit the latter to try the shoes you want in person. This can help you decide if you like the sneakers and which size best fits you. Then, once you know all that, you can buy the pair online from the site offering a discount.
5. Forgetting to Read the Fine Print
If you fail to read the fine print before you buy sneakers, you may be unable to return them if a problem arises. Such issues may include defects, wrong sizes, or sometimes, even if you change your mind.
Most stores have a return and exchange period from 1 to 2 weeks. You must return the item within that time, usually with the original packaging and tags. If you don’t, you may not get the exchange or refund.
Understanding an online sneaker store’s terms and conditions is even more crucial. For instance, some require buyers to pay for the postage fees of returned items. However, others already shoulder these costs, which is a much better option.
Avoid These Common Sneaker Buyer Mistakes
Remember: Average sneakers cost at least $70 to $250. For many consumers, that’s already a lot of money. That’s also why you should be careful when purchasing a new pair of kicks.
Avoiding the most common sneaker buyer mistakes is one of the best ways to buy the right pair. So, steer clear of these blunders and follow our tips the next time you purchase new kicks.
Ready for more shoe-buying tips and tricks? Then check out our guide on how to pick a running shoe!
