8 Online Sneaker Purchasing Errors and How to Avoid Them

Sneakers took the world by storm in the early part of the 20th century. Arguably, their rise to fame and desirability came in the early to mid-seventies when the Nike Cortez was introduced as a shoe for more than function but fashion as well.

Nowadays, Nike continues to dominate and impress the market with its sneakers. And people are now embracing nostalgia for old sneakers along with brand new designs from prominent and more obscure manufacturers.

Yet, with so much choice these days, how do you avoid online sneaker purchasing errors? Well, in this guide we’ll run you through eight of the most common mistakes people tend to make when buying sneakers online.

Let’s get to it!

1. Guessing Your Sneaker Size

One of the most common errors people make when shopping in an online sneaker store is guessing their sneaker size when they buy. And the last thing sneakers should be is uncomfortable.

So, if you don’t know your size, make a point of getting the measuring tape out and checking your size. It’s easy enough to search for a guide to do this online.

Or, another option is to head down to a local shoe store and ask if they can measure your feet. If you are going to do this, however, it might be a good idea to show some interest in what they have on offer out of politeness.

Also, be aware that certain manufacturers will make their sneakers to slightly different proportions to the standard sizing. So, if you do go to a local store to get measured, why not try on a pair of sneakers that are the same brand as what you’re looking for?

2. Failure to Check the Store’s Returns Policy

Many people neglect to check the returns policy on a sneaker store website. It can be devastating to realize that you got the sizing wrong, for instance, and you can’t return the sneakers, even if unworn! In this case, your only option then might be to sell the sneakers online and cut your losses.

Thus, spend time searching out the small print on the website where you’re planning to buy your sneakers. And, try to avoid any website that does not have a reasonable, or zero, returns policy.

3. Falling into the Fake Sneaker Trap

When comparing sneaker prices online, you have the risk of stumbling across fake versions that are being sold at a too-good-to-be-true price. Straight away, alarm bells should be ringing if the price of the sneakers you want is much cheaper than the average pricing you come across.

A surefire way to ensure you don’t get conned is to only shop with reputable online retailers. For example, if you want to shop for Nike Dunk Low sneakers, pay a fair price to ensure you get the originals delivered to your door.

4. Not Taking Your Time

It’s all too easy to rush into purchasing your new sneakers without checking all the details. After all, we live busy lives and tend to multi-task a lot these days.

As well, we all have moments, maybe on payday sometimes, where we want to spend our hard-earned cash in an impulsive manner. But, this can lead to buyer’s regret. It’s much better to take your time and figure out which sneakers you think you’ll get the best use out of.

Consider what you want to use your sneakers for the most. Then you could make a shortlist of options for sneakers that fit the bill, both in practical and aesthetic terms. Plus, if you take your time with searching, you might come across some excellent deals that you wouldn’t have seen rushing through the purchasing process.

5. Not Caring About Comfort

As much as you might want to make a strong impression with your new footwear, remember that you have to wear your sneakers, possibly every day? If you are planning on wearing them a lot, then make sure they are going to be comfy!

So many people forget about comfort and then realize a few days in of wearing their new sneakers that they hurt like hell! The best way to find out if the sneakers you want to buy are comfy for your feet is to try them on in a local store, if possible.

If you can’t try the sneakers you want on locally, then the next best thing you can do is check out online customer reviews. And while you’re there, try to find out about other practical issues like waterproofing and how durable the sneakers are.

6. Thinking You Have the Right Color

Sometimes pictures can deceive you online when shopping for sneakers and other apparel. Therefore, make sure to check a wide variety of images of the same sneakers from different sources to make sure you’re happy with the color you want to choose.

Also, ensure you take a good look at the color options that the store offers. And, double-check that you have the right color at the checkout stage before you commit to purchase.

7. Opting for Unknown Brands

OK, so there’s nothing wrong with being adventurous and trying out new brands. The problem is that it can be like a lottery in terms of what you get.

For instance, if you’ve always bought Nike sneakers, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect if you buy some new Nike sneakers online. If you chance it with an unknown brand, the odds are you could be disappointed with the results.

8. Buying Sneakers You’ll Never Use

Some of you may remember the scene in Home Alone 2 where Kevin tells the “Pigeon Lady” about how he never wore his new skates because he was afraid of ruining them. In the end, he never wore them.

Well, if you are buying sneakers for function, make sure you buy a pair that you know you’ll wear often. Or what’s the point? That being said, if you are a collector, then ignore this advice!

Avoid Common Online Sneaker Purchasing Errors

So now you are aware of some of the most common online sneaker purchasing errors. If we had to highlight two of the most important on our list, we think not considering comfort and rushing into your purchase are two things you should avoid the most.

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