In this post, we are going to cover a metric that you can factor into your shoe purchases. Cost per wear (CPW) can help you as you curate your own shoe collection and wardrobe. Understanding CPW is beneficial when it comes to making purchasing decisions. Buying good-quality pieces is not just about spending more—it’s about investing wisely in pieces that offer true value over time. If you want to prioritize comfort, quality, and practicality, choosing the right shoes can make all the difference.

What is it?

First things first… what is cost per wear? CPW is a simple formula used to evaluate the true cost of an item, calculated by dividing the price of the item by the number of times you wear it. For example, a $300 pair of shoes worn 150 times has a cost per wear of $2. This metric helps quantify the actual value you get from each purchase, moving beyond the initial price tag to consider long-term utility and satisfaction.

Not all items have the same cost-per-wear. For instance, the frequency of wearing winter boots compared to daily running sneakers varies significantly. Typically, winter boots might be worn 5-10 times each winter in less snowy climates, while rain boots could see even more usage each year. It’s important to consider these differences when evaluating cost-per-wear. The chart below outlines approximately how often we wear each shoe annually. It might be different for you!

Season	Shoe Type	Typical Usage per Year	Per Week
All Year	Pumps	50-100	1x-2x
All Year	Flats/ Ballet flats	150 – 200	3x-4x
All Year	Sneakers	250 – 300	5x-6x
All Year	Heels	100 -125	2x – 3x
All Year	Loafers	50 – 100	1x-2x
Fall/ Winter	Boots	125 – 150	5x-6x
Spring/ Summer	Sandals/ Flip Flops	50 – 100	2x-3x
Spring/ Summer	Espadrilles/ Canvas Slip-Ons	50 – 100	2x-3x

Benefits of Quality Shoes:

• Longevity: High-quality shoes are built to last. Crafted with superior materials and workmanship, they endure the frequent use and wear-and-tear of daily life. We appreciate brands that transparently break down the materials used in their construction.
• Comfort: Well-made, comfortable shoes are worn more frequently, becoming daily staples. Although they might come with a higher price tag, their utility over time makes them more cost-effective compared to uncomfortable pairs that languish unworn, taking up space and tying up cash—something you feel acutely in a small apartment especially in NYC!
• Timelessness: Quality shoes are often more classic in style. They typically remain fashionable year after year due to their timelessness.
• Construction: Designers invest considerable effort into crafting heels that are elegant and functional, using only the finest materials. We found that designers who do this often have options that meet the following criteria. Quality shoes are often:
  • Gentle on your feel
  • Between 2-3 inches tall
  • Have a classic structure
  • Attractive
  • Made from softer, malleable materials
  • Between $125 – $350

Realizing we had been choosing between style and comfort, we decided it was essential to have both. This led us to seek out new brands that align with our mission (and create Stylishly Grounded!).

Mid-Tier Luxury Shoes

Mid-tier luxury shoes, typically priced between $150 and $500, offer the ideal balance of style and comfort. With a slightly higher budget, these brands can afford to focus on meticulous construction and high-quality materials. Additionally, they offer:

• Durability: Last longer than cheaper alternatives.
• Design and Comfort: Prioritize ergonomic designs that ensure wearability across various occasions without sacrificing style.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Provide better long-term value than repeatedly purchasing lower-quality, less durable pairs.

Investing in mid-tier luxury footwear is not just about aesthetic appeal—it’s a practical decision that pays dividends in comfort, style, and overall satisfaction.

Sales: Smart Shopping Strategies

Given the slightly elevated price point of mid-tier and quality heels, it can be tempting to buy shoes on sale, however, consider it carefully.

Be Strategic About Sale/Clearance Shopping: While we’re not advising against shopping sales altogether, it’s crucial to be aware that often, the best items sell out quickly, leaving behind less desirable options. Especially with common shoe sizes, the leftovers can end up being the least appealing. If a sale involves sitewide discounts, that’s a smarter option, as it includes current, high-quality items. So if you’re curating your shoe collection carefully, remember to shop strategically even during sales. Focus on site-wide sales rather than the sale/clearance section so each new addition aligns with your wardrobe needs and maintains the integrity of your collection.

Conclusion

Next time you’re considering a shoe purchase—particularly if it’s in staple colors like black, white, tan, nude, gold, or silver—prioritize both design and functionality. These colors are wardrobe essentials and will always match something in your closet. Even for occasion wear, such as heels for a wedding, we recommend choosing a pair that’s attractive, sleek, and classic, even if it’s a bit more expensive. Here’s why: 1) You’ll remain comfortable all night (receptions can last up to 5 hours!), and 2) You’ll be more likely to wear them again. Trust us, we’ve experienced the regret of discarding shoes worn only once or twice.

The true cost of an item is not just what you pay for it, but what it provides in return. Choose wisely, invest in quality, and enjoy the comfort and style that comes with it.