When people discuss the kind of custom footwear made by Palmer James Designs, they inevitably cross the bridge that questions: are customized shoes worth the expense? While many positive aspects of custom-made shoes can't be questioned, such as their appearance and quality, the cost of customized shoes is a considerably more contentious debate.
The Obvious
There is very little chance that anyone in the room will notice your new mass-produced name-brand dress shoes when you walk in the room. However, everyone will take notice when you walk in with your one-of-a-kind, beautiful, and quality custom-made shoes.
That distinction and their aesthetic traits are also one of the obvious benefits of customized shoes. The level of quality of custom-made shoes is another unique benefit they offer. With obvious benefits like these, it is hard to argue about the value of customized shoes.
The debate regarding custom-made shoes isn't about their quality or appearance but their cost. And that is where the real discussion begins.
The Debate
Those who say that custom footwear costs too much are typically many of the same people who say they can buy a new pair once every three months and still spend less than getting custom footwear. The truth is, that may or may not be true.
Most other folks who suggest that customized footwear costs are too great aren't necessarily worried about the expense. These people will spend money purchasing top-of-the-line shoes but have difficulty justifying the cost of custom-made shoes.
The Obscure
The best arguments to persuade those who think customized shoes cost too much are the less obvious benefits that customized footwear affords. From aspects such as comfort, longevity, and even our health, there are more than a few less flashy benefits that custom footwear provides.
Many have reported that it typically takes a second or third pair of custom shoes before your shoemaker can make a "near-perfect" shoe for your feet. That also means that your first pair of custom-made shoes are generally less than perfect.
It isn't difficult to understand how someone who doesn't necessarily understand the process of making customized footwear could be disappointed by their first experience. The secret, though, according to experienced custom footwear advocates, is to stick with one shoemaker - and to wait for the second or third pair before rendering a verdict.
Custom-made shoes are designed around your foot and how it moves, flexes, bends, and bears weight. It will take your shoemaker time to see how your foot reacts and wears, at least once, before nearing that perfect shoe utopia.
As anyone with foot problems will tell you, the foot is also vital to your overall physical health. Our gait and how we step impact our ankles, knees, and even our posture. Yes, it really does start with our feet.
Inherently, that also means that our footwear plays an important role in the health of our feet and our whole person. Now, how much is investing in your overall health worth? These benefits are also other arguments for those who say it is worth investing in custom footwear.
The Verdict
What is the best style of suit? Should I have a personal tailor? Is the cost of custom shoes worth the investment? Like many questions in life and shoes, the answer has much to do with personal preference.
Some people with foot conditions or pain might subscribe to the benefits of custom-made shoes for comfort and health reasons. Getting custom-made footwear is more of an investment than an expense for these folks.
It also can't be overlooked that fashion, appearance, and image also play a heavy role in the decision-making process for many people. And for anyone who values these aspects of shoewear, the question of custom shoes being worth the cost is easy.
Regarding the question of quality, the verdict might likely depend on your perspective. One argument might state that you don't have to pay custom-made footwear expenses to get quality shoes. From the other vantage point, others will argue that there is no higher quality than customized footwear.
The truth is, both answers are correct. It isn't necessary to have the cost of having shoes custom-made to get quality footwear. There are many quality brands and options for shoes today. It is also true, however, that no shoe rivals custom-made footwear in terms of quality.
What kind of value you place on factors like quality, durability, and longevity will likely influence your choice of footwear. How much you value these considerations may also help you decide if custom shoe costs are worth the investment.
Last but not least, the cost is another major player in helping people decide whether custom-made footwear is worth the investment. This aspect of the question deals solely with the dollars and cents considerations.
This is a one-sided argument, as anyone can buy multiple pairs of shoes for the cost of one custom-made pair. In the long term, though, there may be other expenses that the right or wrong pair of shoes may save - or cost us, respectively.
The Right Shoe for You
Is the cost of custom shoes worth the investment? The answer is ultimately yours, but if you want to find out if customized footwear is right for you, we can help.
If you are interested in finding the right shoe for you, and the perfect fit for your feet and your life, we invite you to discover custom-made shoes by Palmer James. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.
