Smaggle says: Know your brands before you shop for shoes online

I have an incredibly old pair of gorgeous brown suede pumps that I purchased with my news agency pay packet at the age of eighteen. They cost a whole Sunday shift in wages but they are classic, beautifully shaped and most importantly I can wear them to an eight hour long wedding and reception and not have to carry them to the cab at the end of the night. The brand of these miracle shoes? Wittner, baby.

When shopping online it’s important to remember that you cannot compromise on footwear. If a dress is a little large, you belt it. Those pants are a little snug? Get yourself some Spanx… no seriously get yourself some Spanx… but with shoes there doesn’t seem to be a solution to slight sizing problems if you purchase online. This is why I stick to brands that I know and also why as of a few years ago, I refuse to buy cheap shoes. They just aren’t worth it.

Riding on the back of the success of the brown pumps I purchased two pairs of shoes from Wittner’s online store in the same size as my original pair. I was in need of something neutral and pretty so I bought a pair of Precinct satin heels in Champagne. I also wanted to get a pair of amazing platforms, so I bought the Checkers in Honey Buttermilk Leather. I mean really… Honey Buttermilk? Food association is such a cruel marketing ploy. The shoes arrived in a little less than a week and because it was November racing season they gave me free shipping. How could I refuse? Wittner periodically offers free shipping but even if they didn’t the shipping costs are only $14.95 which is totally worth the saved stressed and parking fees of a trip to the city store.

The good thing about Wittner is that if you are a size 40 in one style you are size 40 in all styles which is frustratingly rare in most stores and which is an enormous benefit to online shoppers. Also I’m in possession of some pretty slender feet and Wittner cut a perfect shoe for my slight tootsies. Lovely.

I must say I’m delighted with the new additions to my footwear wardrobe and I’m sure that ten years from now will still be wearing them.

What about you? Are there any footwear brands that you are loyal to? Any brands that have stood the test of time?