- High-quality shoes may be made from calf leather, ostrich, lizard or other animal skin, patent leather, suede, canvas and other fabrics such as satin or silk. The quality of the materials can help indicate the quality of the shoes. Look for uniform grain and dyeing in leathers, an even, glossy finish in patent leathers, and a fine, velvety texture with suede. High-quality shoes have full linings made from natural materials rather than man-made materials, which are flexible and absorb perspiration better than synthetic materials. The heels on-high quality shoes are made from leather stacked with other materials; on high-heeled shoes, the heels are constructed from high-quality plastic and covered with leather or another material.
- Very high-quality shoes are constructed by hand, from hand-sewn uppers to hand-stitched soles. Even when high-quality shoes are not hand-stitched, there is careful attention to construction and workmanship. Stitches are usually not visible (except on the soles of oxfords and other men's shoes), but if they are, they should be fine and even. Soles are glued, stitched or both, and heels are attached securely to the shoe. The leather grain, styling details and heels should match perfectly on a high-quality pair of shoes.
- The design of high-quality shoes may be more "fashion forward" than others, or they may be "classic" in style. Either way, for shoes to be of high quality, their design reflects both function and aesthetics. Cheap copies of high-quality shoes are easy to find, but they do not have the balanced designs, important details or attention to functionality that high-quality shoes have. High-quality shoes cost more because they feature good design that is appropriate to their function, as well as high-quality materials.
- Comfort is a hallmark of many high-quality shoes. Less-expensive leathers, patent leathers and other synthetic materials are stiff and do not "breathe," which may result in pinching and other discomfort. High-quality shoes are offered in various widths for a more customized fit. They also have secure heel placement and tend to have greater width at the top of high heels for more even-weight distribution. High-quality shoes are built to withstand stresses to last a long time.
- Some fine leathers, suede and cloth can be delicate and may stain easily with exposure to water, dirt and other substances; using a protective spray before wearing high-quality shoes is advised. After wearing, use a suede or cloth brush to remove dirt; if shoes get wet, dry them promptly with a soft cloth. Check the heels and soles of high-quality shoes regularly; repairing run-down heels, soles and other areas will extend their lives indefinitely. To maintain shape, use shoe trees, and to protect for long periods of time, store high quality shoes in soft fabric bags.
- High-quality shoes often look better, last longer and feel more comfortable than lower-quality shoes, and because they tend to fit better, high-quality shoes are healthier for people with podiatry issues. When considering how much you are willing to spend on a pair of shoes, consider how often you will wear them. Lower-quality shoes are a good bet when choosing shoes for rare use, but for everyday wear and good looks, high-quality shoes are a sensible purchase.
