Ideally, a new pair of shoes should be comfortable and fashionable. However, you may find a lot of options in footwear shops that meet these 2 criteria, but at the same time their quality is so bad that they won’t last long. We decided to find out what things you should pay attention to in order to choose a really high-quality pair.
Check the shoes for smudges and glue marks.
Manufacturers often use glue to stick together different parts of the shoe. If the glue is of high quality and the work is done properly, the pair will last a long time. However, small glue drips in the spots where parts meet or traces of glue on the surface indicate that you are looking at low-quality shoes and that there were issues during production.
When a part of the shoe, its sole or insole, comes off a bit, it means the shoemaker probably used bad or expired glue, and this pair will fall apart quickly.
Examine whether the pair is symmetrical.
Quality shoes in a pair should be symmetrical, and any differences between the right and left shoes most likely indicate a defect. To check this, you need to put the soles of both shoes together and see if they match in length and width.
It’s also worth putting the pair on the floor to understand whether the height and outline of the upper edge of the heel are symmetrical. If the soles are painted in different colors, check whether the paint is within the borders of the sole and whether the pattern matches. Gross irregularities in symmetry indicate that the manufacturer didn’t pay much attention to quality.
Check the seams carefully.
Any uneven or diverging seams make shoes look not that good. This happens if the manufacturer used too thin threads or the work was done poorly. As a result, such a pair will fall apart much faster. It’s also necessary to check the uniformity of stitches and the evenness of the seam itself.
If its line is curved or zigzag-looking, this means that the shoes you’re looking at are of poor quality and will lose their appearance in a couple of months. And zigzag-looking stitch is often used to hide the imperfections of the stitching.
Examine the heels.
The heel must be firmly attached to the sole and not wobble. It’s necessary to look at the shoes from the side. In good quality pumps, the high heels are positioned exactly under the center of the heel and touch the ground at a slight incline.
It’s worth looking carefully at the heels from behind – any deviation of the heels from the angle of 90⁰ indicates a defective product. Moreover, these shoes are simply dangerous to wear – this may lead to ankle injuries.
Loose eyelets are a bad sign.
Any metal or plastic parts on the shoe (especially those that come into contact with the skin) should be tightly fastened. Thus, it’s worth carefully examining the eyelets for laces. Although this defect is quite rare, it can lead to wearer’s injury.
You should also check how well any embellishments are attached to the shoe. If they fall off at one point, the pair won’t look good anymore.
Carefully inspect the inside of the shoe.
Some manufacturers save on the training of workers and don’t calibrate equipment before the production of a new product line. As a result, shoes, boots and sneakers may have seemingly insignificant defects such as wrinkles and creases. If these defects are small, they won’t cause much trouble to the wearer. But large creases can rub the skin while walking, which will lead to abrasions and blisters on the feet.
Examine the insoles.
Even if a shoe looks perfect from the outside, you need to scrutinize it from the inside too. If the insoles show small wrinkles and creases, this pair is likely to be uncomfortable to wear. In addition, you should carefully feel the insoles to make sure that there are no bubbles on them.
Another important thing is that there must be cushioning between the insole and the sole, especially in the toe and heel area. Otherwise, a long walk in these shoes will make not only your feet and legs sore, but also your back.
Check how the shoes smell.
Low-quality and cheap shoes often have a strong chemical odor. It’s best to refrain from buying this pair. But if shoes or boots exude the scent of leather, polish or wood, you’ve found the shoes of high quality.
Take a photo of the shoes.
Of course, shoes made of synthetic materials can also be of high quality, especially when it comes to sports models. But good shoes should ideally be made of leather. They are softer and fit better on the foot, which means they will be much more comfortable to wear.
However, the quality of leather also varies. Often, manufacturers don’t mention the type of leather they use to make shoes in order to keep costs down. To determine the quality of the product you are holding in your hands, you need to take a photo of the shoes and enlarge the image. If you can see pores on the leather, you can safely buy the shoes.
Bend the shoe a little bit.
You don’t need to knead your shoes too much, but you can bend the shoe slightly to see how flexible the sole is and whether it remains attached to the upper part when moved. In addition, it’s worth pressing the sides of the shoe a little bit. Throughout the day, our feet usually increase in size a little, so a quality pair should adapt to these changes.
Check how your shoes sound.
Most shoe shops have soft carpeting on the floor, so it’s a good idea to take a short walk on a harder surface before making a purchase. If the soles and heels make unpleasant clanking noises when you walk, you are likely to be wearing a low-quality pair. And platform or wedge shoes shouldn’t sound like there are voids inside the sole.
Examine the material of the sole and heel carefully.
Usually the sole of a really good quality pair is made of leather or good rubber. These shoes are comfortable to wear, and in addition, they almost don’t slip. At the same time, if the base of the sole is uneven, then these shoes will be uncomfortable.
In addition, it’s worth examining the material from which the heels are made. If the manufacturer used plastic or didn’t cover the heel with leather or fabric, then you are looking at a cheap product that is far from being perfect.
Rub the shoes with a cloth.
Sometimes manufacturers use poor quality leather dyes, which can leave marks on the skin or clothes. Therefore, before buying, you should carefully rub the shoes inside and outside, first with a dry cloth and then with a damp cloth. If there are no marks on the fabric, the shoes are okay.
And here’s a list of fashionable shoes that are not as cool as they look.
Jason Momoa Stuns the Internet with Photos of His New Girlfriend—12 Years Younger
Jason Momoa’s new relationship is making news after he shared photos of his famous girlfriend.
Fans are noticing that she looks a lot like his ex-wife and their child, which has sparked reactions online.
Some people are uncomfortable, saying that his girlfriend resembles his teenage daughter.
Jason Momoa confirmed that he is dating again. When photos of his new girlfriend surfaced on social media, fans began comparing her to his family. Some believe his ex-wife is more beautiful, while others find it unsettling that his new girlfriend looks similar to his daughter.
Jason Momoa is best known for his lead role in the 2018 film *Aquaman*, where he starred alongside Amber Heard. The two returned to their roles in the highly anticipated sequel, released five years later in 2023.
Jason Momoa was previously married to *The Cosby Show* actress, Lisa Bonet, and the two were seen as a power couple in Hollywood. Their relationship began in 2005 after they were introduced by mutual friends, and they quickly became a beloved pair in the public eye.
At the time, Lisa Bonet, who is 12 years older than Jason Momoa, was a single mother raising her teenage daughter, Zoë Kravitz. Zoë is Bonet’s daughter from her previous marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz. Despite the age difference and family dynamics, Momoa and Bonet formed a strong bond that made them one of Hollywood’s favorite couples.
Through his relationship with Lisa Bonet, Jason Momoa developed close bonds with his stepdaughter, Zoë Kravitz, and her father, Lenny Kravitz. Momoa affectionately calls Zoë “Zozo bear,” while she refers to him as “Papa bear.” Momoa has also spoken highly of Lenny Kravitz, expressing deep respect for him, and that admiration is mutual. Their blended family dynamic has often been praised for its warmth and mutual respect.
Jason Momoa, best known for his role in “Baywatch,” and Lisa Bonet officially tied the knot in October 2017 after more than a decade together. The couple welcomed two children during their relationship: daughter Lola and son Nakoa-Wolf, who are both teenagers now. Despite their eventual separation, the family remains in the public eye due to their close bond and co-parenting.
In a 2018 interview, Jason Momoa expressed his deep admiration for his marriage with Lisa Bonet, sharing how much he enjoyed their relationship. He revealed a side of Bonet many people might not know, saying, “Not a lot of people know how absolutely hysterical she is. She makes me laugh and is just really quirky.” His affectionate words highlighted the playful and humorous connection they shared throughout their time together.
The Hawaii native, Jason Momoa, also spoke highly of Lisa Bonet as a devoted mother, saying, “My wife is amazing. Her ultimate art form is being a phenomenal mother.” He admired her parenting skills and how she balanced life with their children. Momoa further emphasized their strong bond by describing their relationship as a “perfect fit,” showing the deep connection they shared as partners and parents.
“The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived. We free each other to be who we are learning to become,” the couple shared in their joint statement, announcing their separation. Their breakup sent shockwaves among fans, as they had been seen as a strong and loving couple.
Later, an insider revealed that their split was largely due to differing lifestyles and priorities. While Momoa was focused on his booming career and travel, Bonet preferred a more low-key, grounded life, which eventually created distance between them.
“Jason is very focused on his career and wants to work. He has found success and it’s driving him and is very fulfilling. Lisa wants to be in LA and is not interested in going on location for long periods of time with him,” the source disclosed.
According to the insider, Bonet’s priorities shifted as she focused more on health and wellness, which motivated her. Since Momoa’s lifestyle didn’t align with hers, they eventually grew apart and began seeking different things.
Two years after announcing their split, Bonet officially filed for divorce in January 2024. She cited irreconcilable differences and listed October 2020 as the date of separation.
The Superior Court of California approved the divorce filing the day after Bonet submitted it. The couple had reportedly agreed on the terms of their divorce before filing, and were granted joint custody of their children. Neither child support nor spousal support was awarded.
Since the breakup, Momoa has found love again with another well-known Hollywood figure. The 32-year-old woman is also a divorcee. She was previously married to lawyer Edgardo Carnales, whom she wed in July 2019.
However, the pair, who kept their romance private, divorced in June 2023 after over three years of marriage. She listed their separation date as January 2023 and requested that both parties’ rights to support be terminated.
She once praised her famous father in an interview, saying, “He motivates me and pushes my limits, making sure I’m always growing as an artist.” Before hitting it big in Hollywood, Arjona worked as a waitress and hostess in New York City.
At the time, she was studying acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. She reflected, “I learned the value of money and working hard. It helped me because I got used to being on my feet. And I think today I can handle 16-hour days thanks to my experience as a waitress.”
The Hollywood star shared, “I have a mother who is extremely spiritual and positive. She guides me through every obstacle in my life.”
This was when the “Game of Thrones” actor went public with his new relationship with Puerto Rican actress Adria Arjona. Arjona, who is 12 years younger than him, was featured in several of his photos. In one of the pictures, she was smiling while sitting on his lap.
“She actually looks like his ex-wife Lisa Bonet, just younger,” wrote one person. Another user agreed, saying, “Looks like a younger Lisa.”
Arjona has starred in movies like “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Hit Man,” “Father of the Bride,” and “Triple Frontier.” Besides their shared passion for acting, she and Momoa also bond over another mutual interest.
Adria Arjona and Jason Momoa’s relationship continues to capture the public’s attention. As they share more glimpses of their life together, fans are excited to see how their love story unfolds.
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