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.
BILLIE EILISH FINALLY REVEALS HER FIGURE AFTER YEARS OF HIDING – SEE THE 3 PHOTOS THAT SHOCKED FANS
Billie Eilish’s decision to wear baggy clothes wasn’t just about fashion. She has talked about why she chose to dress in oversized outfits and how her style has changed over time to include more form-fitting looks.
Here are three key moments where fans got a peek at her figure, showing how her fashion has evolved.
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell was born on December 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. She is an American singer and songwriter who became famous with her first single, “Ocean Eyes,” in 2015.
Billie Eilish, who has openly discussed her struggles with body image, quickly rose to fame in the music industry. Her debut album, *”When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”* topped charts around the world, proving she was a major talent to watch. Despite her success, Eilish continued to keep her body hidden, choosing baggy clothes as a way to feel more comfortable in the spotlight.
For years, Billie Eilish became known for her signature oversized clothes and layered chains, which sparked curiosity and speculation about her appearance. However, there are a few moments where Eilish’s figure is visible, offering a glimpse into her evolving style. These three featured images highlight how the singer’s look has shifted, showing a more confident side of her while still staying true to her individuality.
Billie Eilish in 2016
In 2017, Billie Eilish rocked a look that was both laid-back and stylish. She attended an event wearing an oversized fishnet shirt, which added to her signature casual, edgy vibe. This outfit showcased her ability to mix comfort with fashion-forward choices, staying true to her unique style.
At one point, a paparazzo snapped a rare photo of Billie Eilish in a tight tank top and shorts, revealing more of her figure than usual. The image spread quickly online, with people commenting on her appearance, some even suggesting she looked older than her age. This moment fueled more discussion about her body and her choice to typically wear baggy clothes.
The photo, taken when Billie Eilish was quickly walking from her car to her brother’s house, caused many different reactions. Some people supported her, praising body positivity, while others shared negative and hurtful comments.
Billie explained, “I think the people around me were more worried about it than I was. The reason I used to hurt myself was because of my body. To be honest, I only started wearing baggy clothes because of my body.”
Eilish was actually relieved that the paparazzi photo happened when she had a better relationship with her body. Looking back, she remembered struggling with how she viewed her body for many years.
There was a time when Billie Eilish danced excessively and ate very little. At just 12 years old, she even tried a diet pill. Now, looking back, this felt unreal to her, especially since she once thought her body insecurities were only her problem.
It was upsetting for Billie to realize that the internet also had negative opinions about her body. “The internet hates women,” she said.
In 2020, Billie made a short film where she slowly takes off a black hoodie, showing a bra underneath, before sinking into a pool of thick black liquid. In a voiceover, she wonders if people truly understand her, pointing out that they judge her thoughts, music, clothes, and body.
Billie Eilish in 2019
In a Calvin Klein ad for the campaign “I Speak My Truth In #MyCalvins,” Billie Eilish explained why she likes wearing baggy clothes. She said that fashion helps her keep her privacy. By wearing oversized outfits, she feels she can avoid people’s judgments and keep a part of herself hidden from the world.
“No one can say any of that because they don’t know,” Billie Eilish emphasized, referring to the way people form opinions without understanding her. Her fans stood by her decision to wear baggy clothes, saying it made them admire her even more, both as a person and an artist. They appreciated her honesty and the way she stayed true to herself despite outside pressure.
Many fans of Billie Eilish shared their support for her on X.
One fan wrote, “When Billie Eilish said she wears baggy clothes so people can’t judge her body, I really felt that.”
Another fan said, “I always thought that’s why she wore big clothes because I used to do the same. I love you, @billieeilish.”
Another admirer expressed their frustration, saying, “I will always support Billie. It’s sad she feels she has to dress like this to avoid body shaming from people who do it for no reason.”
One fan highlighted the unfairness of the situation, saying, “The fact that Billie Eilish wears baggy clothes to avoid being sexualized shows something is wrong with our society.”
Billie Eilish in 2021
During the pandemic, Billie Eilish spent a lot of time alone and realized she had lost touch with how she saw herself. She started to understand that she didn’t really know who she was anymore, so she decided to go on a journey of self-discovery.
In 2021, Billie Eilish embraced her complexity and individuality by posing for British Vogue in three photos showcasing her figure. She shared that she had embraced her multifaceted nature and recognized that she isn’t limited to just one identity.
Looking back, Billie Eilish shared that she spent much of her life presenting herself in a masculine and boyish way. Over the years, she realized that she had the freedom to express herself in different ways.
Billie Eilish said, “I don’t need to always prove to everyone that I’m a tomboy. That’s part of who I am, but I’m also feminine, sexy, and cute. I can be all these things.”
Billie Eilish, who wore a corset for a photo shoot, said she liked its style but also acknowledged its history of confinement. She admitted, “If I’m honest with you, I hate my stomach, and that’s why.”
Eilish used her new look to send a strong message. She addressed those who exploit underage girls, saying, “Don’t make me not a role model because you’re turned on by me.”
She also spoke out against people who praise her for feeling comfortable in her body, pointing out that it can make things worse. “The more the internet and the world care about somebody doing something different, they put it on such a high pedestal that then it’s even worse,” she explained.
With her new look, including changes to her signature black and green hair, Eilish said, “I feel more like a woman, somehow.”
In 2023, Billie Eilish adopted a more sophisticated and feminine style. She often appeared in elegant and elaborate outfits at high-profile events, highlighting her evolving fashion sense.
For instance, at the 2023 Academy Museum Gala, Eilish put on a busty display in a striking pinstriped suit. The tailored set featured a fitted blazer with a plunging neckline, accentuating her curves. Eilish completed the look with a matching skirt.
At the 2023 Academy Museum Gala, Billie Eilish wore a striking pinstriped suit that showcased her curves. The tailored blazer had a plunging neckline, and she paired it with a matching skirt, giving her a sophisticated and bold appearance.
Billie Eilish in 2024
At the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards, Billie Eilish wore a stunning Thom Browne outfit. She opted for a black, form-fitting corset-style dress layered over a floor-length white collared shirt. To complete her look, she added round glasses and styled her vibrant red and black hair in a sleek, tied-back fashion.
Billie Eilish’s changing fashion style, from edgy tomboy outfits to sophisticated and elegant looks, reflects her growth as both an artist and a person. Her fashion choices show off her unique style and also help her address important issues like body image and body shaming.
By expressing herself through her style and speaking up about these issues, the 22-year-old continues to be a prominent figure in both fashion and music.
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