Is It Advisable To Buy Custom Shoes?
A pair of shoes can make or break an outfit, which is why it is so important to pay attention to footwear. Off-the-rack shoes may fit you well, but they are not even close in comparison to custom-made shoes. That’s because custom shoes are tailored to have the perfect fit for you alone.
There are several reasons to choose personalized shoes over the ones factories produce. While some people want to own a unique model, physical ailments can also cause people to go the custom way.
If you’ve experienced discomfort from high arches or painful joints, then you know that having a shoe made especially for you has the necessary benefits.
So, here are the reasons why you should consider buying custom shoes:
More Comfort
Just like mass-produced shirts or trousers, shoes that come off a factory line are for the masses. They are based on a generic design built to suit everyone, and the fit isn’t nearly as good as custom shoes. Everybody’s body is not the same. Similarly, shoes also have subtle variations that go a long way in determining comfort.
Since the master cobbler takes measurements of every little feature of your feet, you can expect unprecedented levels of comfort and wearability for your unique model. Specific shoes called orthotics can significantly make things easier and can stabilize your gait.
Increased Foot Support
Have you suffered from sore feet after a long day of walking? Custom shoes offer your feet a constantly rolling, soft surface to walk on, exactly the way things were meant to be. With this in mind, expect to get rid of sore feet with a pair of bespoke shoes.
Having footwear that compliments your features makes things easier on your foot and the ankle and knee joints. This gives your feet increased support right from the base, and you truly walk with a zip in your step.
Custom Design
Arguably the best part about making custom shoes is that you can have any design you want. This goes beyond the nuances of the look to the exterior. You can have any colors or accents you want to design a truly one-of-a-kind pair. Since these are premium products, cobblers pay close attention to every detail from material to texture, and you get everything you ask for
Cost-Effective
This might seem surprising to you since mass-produced shoes are on the market for cheap. However, considering the maintenance costs that go into them, having custom shoes is better in the long run since they are one-time investments. Additionally, having a premium product that is carefully design ensures that it is durable.
While you might end up paying more in the beginning, the costs over the long-term are virtually zero, whereas modifications on factory-produced shoes can often amount to the same or more.
With all these advantages, it might seem like you can blindly go for a custom-made shoe. That being said, there are a couple of drawbacks that you need to consider when deciding between the two kinds.
More Expensive
Depending on the cobbler that you choose to work with, you might have a product that costs anywhere between $500-$1500. The materials to make a custom leather shoe are expensive, and so is the labor. The amount of attention to detail that the shoemaker has to provide is extremely valuable and makes the product that much more expensive.
Keeping that in mind, it might be difficult for some people to pay that much money for shoe upfront. If you’re sticking to a budget, then it might not be the best idea to invest in a bespoke shoe.
Variations With Makers
Every shoemaker has their own way of designing a unique pair for their customers. No set design is considered, and these variations can often present a discrepancy between the product you expect and the one you get.
The time you’ll have to invest in getting a unique model is much more than something off the rack. You also have to look out for the usage of cheap materials to cut costs.
Final Thoughts
So, is it advisable to buy custom-made shoes? The answer depends on your situation. If you have a medical condition that requires orthotics, investing in a personalized model will be better in the long run, even if it is a little more expensive.
However, if you’re operating a budget and can find what you’re looking for in a mass-produced model, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t go for it.