Comments on: Kyle’s Coupons: Shoes don’t make the man, but you need to wear them anyway.

By: Angie @ Many Little Blessings

Angie @ Many Little Blessings — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:14:45 +0000

I’m generally all for picking up inexpensive shoes when they won’t be worn much or whatever. But, I bought my kids all real Crocs and not knock offs because I think they *feel* different, both just touching them with your hands and actually on your feet. I tried on knock offs at Walmart and couldn’t figure out what all the hype was. Then, I tried on real Crocs and loved them. They just felt really different to me.

And, quite frankly, although, again, I couldn’t care less if something is a knock off, I can spot a fake Croc versus a real Croc from quite a distance — they do look quite different, so maybe he’s just observant instead of scrounging for a name brand. Or, maybe he just wants the name brand because it’s a name brand. Who knows. But, I don’t blame him on the fake Crocs.

By: Rich

Rich — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:13:57 +0000

Thanks for the great post – I love reading your blog and was able to get a great deal on shoes today. I have been putting off buying new work and home shoes for months and was able to get the 3 pairs I needed today for less than $130 – Me and my budget thank you. Keep up the good work.

By: Maxile

Maxile — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:30:24 +0000

Piperlime on sale is pretty good. Zappos is expensive but has widest selection. Piperlime has free shipping and free returns!
Flip-flops are cheap but I have high arches and they hurt.

By: finaidgirl

finaidgirl — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:49:51 +0000

I have very vivid childhood memories of knowing exactly how to tell the difference between the “real” brands and fakes. From the ages of about 8-18 I was incredibly concerned with this. In my young brain, I reasoned that the “real” brands came out with the idea first, and it was mean and dishonest for the “fake” brands to pretend to sell the same things. I never had a discussion with my parents about it, but they raised us frugally by example (I almost always used my own money to pay for my “real” things) so I guess I just naturally grew into how I am now – I really could care less about brand and buy the cheap version all the time! :) Interestingly enough, shoes are still the exception, since I’m very hard on my shoes and I prefer to pay for lasting quality.

By: Kyle @ Rather-Be-Shopping.com

Kyle @ Rather-Be-Shopping.com — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:25:33 +0000

Hi Carrie, thanks for the kind words. And yes I am aware it is an ongoing offer at Zappos, that is why I have the expiration set as unknown. Interestingly, I have a couple friends that swear by Zappos.com, but I have found them to be kinda pricey and I have wondered if they were making up for the free shipping offer by charging more. What has been your experience with Zappos?

By: Carrie

Carrie — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:54:46 +0000

Great post! Glad you were able to sit and discuss with your son about the shoes!!

Just a heads up I don’t know if you get a kickback for people going through your site to zappos or not but zappos always has free shipping both ways…

By: Shanti @ Antishay

Shanti @ Antishay — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:43:37 +0000

I like, I like! I already read Rather Be Shopping, but I love the little anecdotes thrown into the longer posts, and it seems we’ll see more of them here with this weekly series. I’m glad you two teemed together :) Thanks!

By: Dr. Nicole

Dr. Nicole — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:46:57 +0000

Wow I feel so happy to have my need for designer shoes validated for environmental reasons! THANK YOU

By: marci357

marci357 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:37:26 +0000

Not having TV, (my choice) I have no clue about the ads nor the peer pressure there. My grandkids enjoy homemade items, and the specialness that makes them unique, and the oldest is already learning to sew and mend for herself.

My solution on the Crocs is – garage sale :)
Sooner or later (probably end of summer) I will find a pair in my size for $1 and then I’ll have a pair. Wal-Mart is not an option – closest is over 75 miles away. Here on the Oregon coast where it rains over 90 inches a year, something non-absorbable and washable is a necessity for muddy gardening and yard work- I’ve tried the knock-offs, from a garage sale or rummage sale, but didn’t find them sturdy enough.

Enjoyed the new “post-it” guy! :)

By: TheNormalMiddle

TheNormalMiddle — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:54:07 +0000

Oh I do understand the “branding” that happens at earlier and earlier ages. That bothers me too. Sorry that I didn’t address that in my comment. I totally agree with you and other commenters that it is sad that our kids are being marketed to and “branded” at such a young age.

But again, that said…

We’re simple folks. With three kids, a hubby, a dog and a small house, I’d rather have one pair of $30 shoes that will last than 6 pairs of $5 cheapie shoes anyday. Too much clutter.

But hey, we each do what works best for us. The older I get, the more I realize that. Whatever floats your boat! :)