The more expensive the material used, the pricier will be the pair of shoes. Leathers or specialty materials such as will play a part in establishing the final price of a pair of shoes. In general, the more expensive the materials used to make the shoe, the more it will cost. When you are looking at shoes next time, take a pair of cheap shoes, and pair them up against something in the $100 dollar range. The differences will be striking. You will probably notice that the materials in the expensive shoe revolve around natural materials, and will feel luxurious. The cheap shoe will probably be made with synthetic materials, and look slightly uneven, and may be off shaped a bit. You may see defects in the workmanship as well.
2. Manufacturing Costs, Designer Cost & Research
The more research that is done on the pair of shoes, the pricier it will be. For example, if the amount of money spent on researching a pair of durable and comfy shoes is high, most probably, the price of that pair of shoes is high too. Research also includes design. When you look at "designer" shoes, the word comes from the fact that there is someone who creates the look. The more sought after the designer, and the more in demand their style, the more the shoes will cost. This part is purely a supply demand issue. Great designers can demand high prices.
The cost of manufacturing the pair of shoes also plays a part in establishing the price of the shoes. If the shoes are made with limited stocks, the price would be higher. Other special techniques such as handcrafting techniques also contribute a part in the price of the shoes.
3. Branding
The more established a brand is, the pricier the pair of shoes would be. This goes back to the point that the higher the demand, the higher the cost.
This brings us back to our original question. Is a designer pair of shoes worth the money? The answer is yes and no. If you are looking at a shoe that is extremely high priced because everyone wants one, then you need to use common sense and realize that part of the mark up is due to the demand. The yes part to the answer is that a well made shoe with good materials, and one that fits well on your feet is worth the money. And that price needs to be relative to the style, and design.
In general, the better pair of shoes will be such that you can take it to a shoe repair company and have it re soled over and over, and have the leather re finished over and over. If you have a pair that you take care of, over time you will actually come out ahead. How many cheap pairs of shoes do you go through in a year? What if you just purchased 1-2 pairs of well made shoes a year?
Lastly, with the advent of online companies, and outlet stores, you can get well made shoes at more than half off the list price. At the end of the day, a well made shoe is worth a purchase because it will fit you better, wear better, and last longer. You can also find well made shoes at discount prices, making the decision even easier.
