Cheap Shoes

Generally the lowest prices are attached to spring and summer shoes while winter and fall boots have a higher price tag throughout the season. Since there's less material in summer and spring foot attire, it's easier to get a low price.

When buying cheap shoes, you must tackle the never-ending battle of quantity versus quality. Don’t get caught up in the nearly-free frenzy and run to the register waving your cheap shoes in your hand without thoroughly examining both of them first. Check the soles to see that they're completely attached to the shoe. Check the heel for cracks. If there are sequins, buckles or even bows, make sure they're not just dangling off the shoe, waiting to fall off as soon as you get them home. If the shoe's fully lined, that's best; good quality shoes are always completely lined.

Pleather vs. Leather

Pleather's a less expensive and more animal-friendly material than leather. Unless you're going for a really impressive pair of work shoes for a professional position, pleather will do just fine. It'll serve the purpose and your pocket. In fact, it’s an ideal material for cheap shoes!

FYI: All leather doesn't just come from cows. Goats, pigs, crocodiles, snakes and even other animals can be used to make leather shoes.

Trends and Classics

Why pay an arm and a leg for a pair of shoes that'll only last you a season? For fun, going-out shoes, check stores like Payless. For Dress Shoes, go with a more expensive, higher quality pair because you could feasibly be wearing them for ages.

Where to Find Inexpensive Footwear

First of all, any shoe has the potential to be inexpensive if you're in the right store at the right time. Some shoes, like casual sandals, have a pre-disposition for cheap. For inexpensive footwear across the board, though, there are a few stores you might want to migrate to.

A lot of bargains can be found online so you don't even have to step foot in a shoe store. Look at Payless.com, Zappos and even department stores' websites--or the shoe departments of your favorite stores like Chadwick's, Victoria's Secret, and J. Crew. A great selection of inexpensive kids' shoes can be found at UniqueHomeStore.

For in-store shopping, you can browse the aisles of RackRoom Shoes or Shoe Carnival. If you check out their websites, you can locate the shoe you want, but you won't be able to order it directly online. Don't neglect eBay when looking for cheapies, either!