Men's shoes: how to pick a pair and get a better price
Start with the season and the use
A pair that is perfect in the office will not survive rough ground, and winter boots become torture in summer. So before you post a request, decide what the shoes are for: daily walking, work, sport, an occasion or the house. This decides the material, the sole and the insulation.
Size is another catch. Brands cut differently, so give your foot length in centimetres, not just a number. This cuts the risk of returns.
Think about care as well. Leather shoes need polish and water-repellent spray, suede is cleaned with a brush, and fabric sneakers should not be dried next to a heater. It is good to know this before buying, because care decides whether a pair lasts several seasons.
If you want shoes for long walks or for standing all day at work, ask about weight, sole flexibility and a removable insole. For a wide foot, look for a width marking instead of just going a size up. That helps you avoid blisters and paying for a pair you will have to give back.
What to choose in each subcategory
- Trainers — for running, the gym or the city; cushioning and the type of sole matter.
- Formal shoes and boots — leather, suede, nubuck; the last depends on your foot width.
- Long boots — rubber, leather, work and winter boots; insulation and waterproofing matter.
- Loafers and slip-ons — light summer and all-season options.
- Orthopaedic shoes — on a doctor's advice, often with custom insoles.
What to put in your request
- Type and season — summer, all-season, winter, insulation (fur, membrane).
- Size and foot length — in centimetres, plus width if your foot is wide.
- Material — genuine leather, suede, fabric, lining material.
- Brand or model — if you have chosen one; you can also ask for similar ones.
- Colour and style: classic, sporty, casual.
- New or second-hand — and what condition is acceptable.
- Delivery, trying on, returns, your city and budget if you want to name one.
Example: “I'm looking for leather winter boots with fur lining, UK size 9 (foot 28 cm), dark brown, non-slip sole. Shimla, delivery or pick-up, budget up to ₹4,000.”
How to compare offers
Compare more than the price: the upper and lining material, the type of sole, the country of manufacture and the warranty terms. Ask whether you can try the pair or return it, especially when you buy online. For second-hand shoes, check the state of the sole, insole and heel counters.
On BlaBlaPrice sellers compete for your request: they see where their offer stands and can improve their terms. The system shows the best offer by content first, with seller reviews alongside. Contacts stay hidden until you choose who gets them.
Ask about authenticity too. For well-known brands, request photos of the tags, the box and the inside of the sole: this makes it easier to tell an original from a fake. A reliable seller will happily send extra photos.
Common mistakes
Taking a size “out of habit” without measuring. Trying shoes on in the morning: feet swell a little by evening, so it is better to try them on then. Ignoring the sale season: winter models are often cheaper in spring. And do not buy orthopaedic models without a doctor's advice.
