13 Simple Tips of How to Spot Poor Quality Shoes Right On

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.

Boys don’t understand

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “women are a mystery,” you’re not alone. Men often joke that understanding what women want is impossible, but the truth is—preferences change with time, experience, and maturity.

A perfect example of this is the difference between an 18-year-old girl and a 30-year-old woman. When she’s younger, she prefers oranges—vibrant, sweet, and easy to enjoy. But as she matures, she starts appreciating grapefruits—more complex, slightly bitter, but richer in depth.

At first glance, this might seem like just a funny metaphor, but it reflects a deeper reality about how a woman’s desires, choices, and perspectives evolve over time. And guess what? Most boys don’t understand this shift. Let’s dive into why!

The Orange Stage: Youthful Excitement and Sweet Simplicity

At 18 years old, life is full of excitement and possibilities. Girls in this phase are drawn to things that are:

✔ Bright and attractive – Just like an orange, they love things that are fun, playful, and full of energy.
✔ Sweet and easy – They prefer relationships and experiences that are uncomplicated and bring instant joy.
✔ Spontaneous and fresh – They crave adventure, excitement, and the thrill of the unknown.

During this stage, many girls are looking for passion, romance, and excitement. They enjoy relationships that are fun and carefree, where every moment feels like a new discovery.

But here’s the thing: as they grow older, their tastes mature too—and that’s when the grapefruit stage begins.

The Grapefruit Stage: Maturity, Depth, and Real Value

By the time a woman reaches 30, her preferences shift. She starts to appreciate things that are:

✔ More refined – She no longer chases after flashy things; she values depth over surface appeal.
✔ Balanced in flavor – Just like grapefruits, which are both sweet and bitter, she understands that life and love are a mix of highs and lows.
✔ Nutritious and beneficial – She is now focused on long-term fulfillment rather than short-lived excitement.

Video : Female Psychology De-Coded – All Men Need To Watch This!

At this point, relationships are less about thrill and more about stability, trust, and emotional depth. She is looking for a partner who offers substance over style, someone who can grow with her rather than just entertain her.

Why Boys Don’t Understand This Evolution

Many men fail to recognize this transition. They often assume that what worked at 18 will still work at 30—but that’s not the case. Here’s where they go wrong:

1. Thinking Women Always Want the Same Things

A girl who once loved spontaneous road trips, surprise texts, and late-night adventures might now prefer deep conversations, consistency, and emotional security. Men who don’t evolve with this shift often feel confused when their usual approach no longer excites her.

2. Assuming Stability Is ‘Boring’

Younger girls might be drawn to the bad boy persona—mysterious, unpredictable, and thrilling. But a 30-year-old woman? She sees through the illusion. She understands that stability, responsibility, and emotional intelligence are far more attractive than a reckless lifestyle.

3. Ignoring Emotional Maturity

At 18, attraction might be about looks, confidence, and charm. At 30, it’s about emotional intelligence, dependability, and shared values. Men who focus only on external qualities often miss out on deeper connections that women seek as they mature.

How to Adapt and Grow with This Change

For men who want to build lasting connections, understanding this evolution is key. Here’s how they can keep up:

1. Focus on Depth, Not Just Fun

Women in their grapefruit stage appreciate men who can hold intelligent conversations, express emotions, and share meaningful experiences. Instead of only planning exciting dates, focus on building emotional intimacy.

2. Show Stability and Reliability

Flashy gestures might impress an 18-year-old, but a 30-year-old woman values consistency, respect, and reliability. Be someone she can count on, not just someone who entertains her.

3. Evolve Alongside Her

As women mature, their desires evolve—and so should men’s approach to relationships. Growing together means adapting to changes, respecting her shifting priorities, and embracing a deeper, more meaningful bond.

Video : How to Understand Women Who Enjoy Physical Intimacy

Final Thoughts: Understanding Women Beyond the Surface

The orange vs. grapefruit metaphor is more than just a funny comparison—it’s a real reflection of how women change as they grow. The key takeaway?

✔ What excites a woman at 18 won’t be the same thing she values at 30.
✔ Maturity brings a desire for depth, stability, and real emotional connections.
✔ Men who adapt and grow with these changes will build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.

So, the next time someone jokes that “women are impossible to understand,” remind them—it’s not about understanding everything. It’s about paying attention to how she grows and being willing to evolve with her.

What do you think? Have you noticed this shift in preferences over time? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!

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