Comments on: Pay For Quality – Birks for Dress and Keens for Play http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/ Pay off debt. Save. Give. Live your mission. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:12:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-2340 Matt Jabs Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:14:53 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-2340 ha ha that is a "problem!" :-) I LOVE the point you raise about Keens being cheaper than orthotics shoes, great insight. ha ha that is a “problem!” :-)

I LOVE the point you raise about Keens being cheaper than orthotics shoes, great insight.

]]> By: Dana http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-2116 Dana Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:25:38 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-2116 And I just said "problem" way too many times in one sentence. Clearly, I need to go to bed now. >.< And I just said “problem” way too many times in one sentence. Clearly, I need to go to bed now. >.<

]]> By: Dana http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-2115 Dana Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:24:47 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-2115 Don't completely discount the idea of getting quality shoes for kids. Sometimes they are needed. My daughter's feet do something called "pronating" where they kind of roll inward onto their arches. It's a natural variation and she's got feet like her dad's, which had the same problem when he was her age, only problem is that she might wind up with knee problems later. The only real fix is to get shoes with good arch and ankle support. Believe it or not, Keens fit the bill. When they're fastened properly her ankles are straight like they're supposed to be. I wouldn't be as bothered about it if she didn't have the structural problem, but getting Keens for her is actually cheaper than buying orthotics, which wouldn't have done her that much good anyway. Don’t completely discount the idea of getting quality shoes for kids. Sometimes they are needed. My daughter’s feet do something called “pronating” where they kind of roll inward onto their arches. It’s a natural variation and she’s got feet like her dad’s, which had the same problem when he was her age, only problem is that she might wind up with knee problems later. The only real fix is to get shoes with good arch and ankle support. Believe it or not, Keens fit the bill. When they’re fastened properly her ankles are straight like they’re supposed to be.

I wouldn’t be as bothered about it if she didn’t have the structural problem, but getting Keens for her is actually cheaper than buying orthotics, which wouldn’t have done her that much good anyway.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-2083 Matt Jabs Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:22:05 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-2083 ha ha... you should have bought them just to give them away to someone you do know! That's a great deal. For future reference, I wear an 11.5 shoe. :-) ha ha… you should have bought them just to give them away to someone you do know! That’s a great deal. For future reference, I wear an 11.5 shoe. :-)

]]> By: Craig @ Money Help For Christians http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-2076 Craig @ Money Help For Christians Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:02:53 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-2076 I was at a Salvation Army over the weekend and thought of you! I saw a brand new looking pair of Keen sandals for $9.95. They were size 9 so they were too small for me. I thought I should buy them and send them to you, but I didn't know your size :(. I guess at times you can get your cake and eat it too - quality and a huge discount. I was at a Salvation Army over the weekend and thought of you! I saw a brand new looking pair of Keen sandals for $9.95. They were size 9 so they were too small for me. I thought I should buy them and send them to you, but I didn’t know your size :( . I guess at times you can get your cake and eat it too – quality and a huge discount.

]]> By: » How to Deal With a Bad Deal http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1959 » How to Deal With a Bad Deal Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:02:12 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1959 [...] Pay for quality. Don’t shop solely based on price. A low price is a good thing, but sometimes the trouble that can come along with it far outweighs the money saved. [...] [...] Pay for quality. Don’t shop solely based on price. A low price is a good thing, but sometimes the trouble that can come along with it far outweighs the money saved. [...]

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1954 Matt Jabs Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:31:38 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1954 Good point Karen, I like what you say about "alerts." I would definitely not have the time to do it all manually, but if I could get simply set email alerts for when a good deal strikes - now you're talkin! :-) Good point Karen, I like what you say about “alerts.” I would definitely not have the time to do it all manually, but if I could get simply set email alerts for when a good deal strikes – now you’re talkin! :-)

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1941 Matt Jabs Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:59:22 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1941 Ha ha... the Target train - I like that. I think we're all on the TT for some things but like you say Veronica - "Quality items are an investment and so worth it for personal and environmental reasons." :-) Thanks for stopping by! Ha ha… the Target train – I like that.

I think we’re all on the TT for some things but like you say Veronica – “Quality items are an investment and so worth it for personal and environmental reasons.” :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

]]> By: Veronica http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1916 Veronica Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:42:32 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1916 I am a fan of Birks and Keens and have been wearing both for years. I try to encourage my friends to purchase more wisely in this area as well. It's hard getting them off of the Target train, but those who have seen the light have not been disappointed. Quality items are an investment and so worth it for personal and environmental reasons. Glad to have learned about your blog and funny that the first post I came across is one that I can relate to. I look forward to reading more. Veronica www.drrussbuss.com I am a fan of Birks and Keens and have been wearing both for years. I try to encourage my friends to purchase more wisely in this area as well. It’s hard getting them off of the Target train, but those who have seen the light have not been disappointed. Quality items are an investment and so worth it for personal and environmental reasons.

Glad to have learned about your blog and funny that the first post I came across is one that I can relate to. I look forward to reading more.

Veronica
http://www.drrussbuss.com

]]> By: Karen Joy http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1857 Karen Joy Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:08:31 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1857 You can also save money by doing a search on eBay and having them send you alerts when the price is only "x" dollars. I have a similar search going (because I want to pay $15 or less including shipping for a pair of leather fisherman-style sandals for my oldest son), and I have seen a couple of pairs of Keens pop in. You have to wade through the listings, of course, because people put used shoes on there, too, which I'm not... keen to buy. But, if you're not pressed for time, searches/alerts are worth it. You can also save money by doing a search on eBay and having them send you alerts when the price is only “x” dollars. I have a similar search going (because I want to pay $15 or less including shipping for a pair of leather fisherman-style sandals for my oldest son), and I have seen a couple of pairs of Keens pop in. You have to wade through the listings, of course, because people put used shoes on there, too, which I’m not… keen to buy. But, if you’re not pressed for time, searches/alerts are worth it.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1854 Matt Jabs Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:52:30 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1854 @Ashley: Simplifying life & returning to "the old ways" is always appealing to me and always seems to leave us better off! Go figure... :-) @Art: The ones in the pic are mine. Newport H2's - the leather ones... I LOVE EM. @Tamara: I want to do this, my Birks are about due. Any suggestions on the best way to ship them over, etc?? @Ashley: Simplifying life & returning to “the old ways” is always appealing to me and always seems to leave us better off! Go figure… :-)

@Art: The ones in the pic are mine. Newport H2′s – the leather ones… I LOVE EM.

@Tamara: I want to do this, my Birks are about due. Any suggestions on the best way to ship them over, etc??

]]> By: Tamara http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1852 Tamara Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:27:25 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1852 The great thing about Birks is that you can keep them going forever by replacing the soles, cork and/or insole as needed. I am still wearing mine after more than 15 years. After they were repaired with new soles year before last they felt like new. I really think I can wear them for the rest of my life, with proper care. The great thing about Birks is that you can keep them going forever by replacing the soles, cork and/or insole as needed. I am still wearing mine after more than 15 years. After they were repaired with new soles year before last they felt like new. I really think I can wear them for the rest of my life, with proper care.

]]> By: ArtVandelay http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1846 ArtVandelay Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:43:07 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1846 Which kind/color of Keens did you buy? Which kind/color of Keens did you buy?

]]> By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1841 Kevin@OutOfYourRut Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:22:32 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1841 Matt, this is well said. There are things you can buy where you can save money by paying more up front, and footware is a big one for me too. I'd rather pay more money for name brand sneekers or shoes at mid-level department stores that I can wear for a couple of years, than to go to Payless or a discount outlet and buy an off brand for half the price but they fall apart in six months. (They also don't look too good or wear well in the process!) Matt, this is well said. There are things you can buy where you can save money by paying more up front, and footware is a big one for me too.

I’d rather pay more money for name brand sneekers or shoes at mid-level department stores that I can wear for a couple of years, than to go to Payless or a discount outlet and buy an off brand for half the price but they fall apart in six months. (They also don’t look too good or wear well in the process!)

]]> By: Ashley http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1820 Ashley Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:21:45 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1820 I totally agree with your philosophy of spending money for quality. Another big advantage of purchasing quality items is helping save resources and reducing the strain on our landfills. As a nation we throw away a ridiculous amount of clothing, shoes, and accessories every year that were cheaply made. If we all went back to the way things used to be, and started buying items we planned on having around for the long haul, we would reduce our waste output considerably. I totally agree with your philosophy of spending money for quality. Another big advantage of purchasing quality items is helping save resources and reducing the strain on our landfills. As a nation we throw away a ridiculous amount of clothing, shoes, and accessories every year that were cheaply made. If we all went back to the way things used to be, and started buying items we planned on having around for the long haul, we would reduce our waste output considerably.

]]> By: FFB http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1816 FFB Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:14:04 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1816 Totally agree about quality! What's even better is when you can get quality at a discount. I remember seeing Keens at Nordstron off the Rack (discount Nordstrom's). I might have to keep an eye out for a pair since my trusty sandals are starting to split in the sole. I think a lot of people go for the cheaper item without realizing how many times they will replace it when it breaks down or wears out. Many times in the end you are better off with quality for a little more cost. Totally agree about quality! What’s even better is when you can get quality at a discount. I remember seeing Keens at Nordstron off the Rack (discount Nordstrom’s). I might have to keep an eye out for a pair since my trusty sandals are starting to split in the sole.

I think a lot of people go for the cheaper item without realizing how many times they will replace it when it breaks down or wears out. Many times in the end you are better off with quality for a little more cost.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1814 Matt Jabs Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:41:25 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1814 Great points all... @Jessica, thanks for bringing up "adults". I suppose buying quality for kids is not always the best option considering they will most likely grow out of them quickly. @Chris, I don't have a problem w/odor either - if they do get funky at all I either throw them in the washer or put some baking soda on them to clear things up. Thanks for bringing up these other items that we should also buy quality. Great points all…

@Jessica, thanks for bringing up “adults”. I suppose buying quality for kids is not always the best option considering they will most likely grow out of them quickly.

@Chris, I don’t have a problem w/odor either – if they do get funky at all I either throw them in the washer or put some baking soda on them to clear things up. Thanks for bringing up these other items that we should also buy quality.

]]> By: Matt Jabs http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1813 Matt Jabs Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:34:19 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1813 Ha ha... not sure what kind of funk you've got going on! As for Birks, don't knock 'em till you try 'em my friend. ;-) Ha ha… not sure what kind of funk you’ve got going on!

As for Birks, don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em my friend. ;-)

]]> By: Chris R. http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1800 Chris R. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:59:18 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1800 I agree with you on both counts. I've had a pair of Keen flip flops that were my everyday shoes for over two years. They still fit and look great. I just got a new pair that I also love. Not sure about the odor issue Paul mentioned. It must be a difference in body chemistry. As for Birkenstock, the best shoe in the food industry is the Birkis Profi: one piece synthetic rubber with removable/replaceable inserts. The whole shoe is meant to be scrubbed and rinsed with a garden hose to clean it. I had a pair of those last over three years where even the best quality leather shoe would dissolve in six months. I still use my second pair to work in the yard. I've had those almost ten years. Shoes, belts, luggage, tools- always buy quality. I agree with you on both counts. I’ve had a pair of Keen flip flops that were my everyday shoes for over two years. They still fit and look great. I just got a new pair that I also love. Not sure about the odor issue Paul mentioned. It must be a difference in body chemistry.
As for Birkenstock, the best shoe in the food industry is the Birkis Profi: one piece synthetic rubber with removable/replaceable inserts. The whole shoe is meant to be scrubbed and rinsed with a garden hose to clean it. I had a pair of those last over three years where even the best quality leather shoe would dissolve in six months. I still use my second pair to work in the yard. I’ve had those almost ten years.
Shoes, belts, luggage, tools- always buy quality.

]]> By: Jessica W http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/pay-for-quality-birks-for-dress-and-keens-for-play/#comment-1798 Jessica W Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:55:39 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=1943#comment-1798 My husband and I buy spendy shoes and make them last also. He buys a particular brand of combat boots, but I can't recall what they're called. this his is preferred "work shoe" (and practically everything else). Once a year he coats them in wax and bakes them in the oven to re-waterproof (and clean) them. It grosses me out and I make him clean the oven. In the 14 years I've known him, he's had the same boots and they look brand now, (and they don't stink!). He replaces insoles once a year. Similarly, I'm a big fan of Dansko-type clogs. I've always gotten a Nordstrom house brand instead of the actual Dankso ones though--spending $120 instead of $200+. These last 8+ years, and look great, are lightweight and can be re-soled if needed. For adults, shoes are absolutely worth buying high quality. My husband and I buy spendy shoes and make them last also. He buys a particular brand of combat boots, but I can’t recall what they’re called. this his is preferred “work shoe” (and practically everything else). Once a year he coats them in wax and bakes them in the oven to re-waterproof (and clean) them. It grosses me out and I make him clean the oven. In the 14 years I’ve known him, he’s had the same boots and they look brand now, (and they don’t stink!). He replaces insoles once a year. Similarly, I’m a big fan of Dansko-type clogs. I’ve always gotten a Nordstrom house brand instead of the actual Dankso ones though–spending $120 instead of $200+. These last 8+ years, and look great, are lightweight and can be re-soled if needed.

For adults, shoes are absolutely worth buying high quality.

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