Have you ordered shoes online?

[LinuxRandal]

Yes, I am sure it exists - not that I have ever bothered to pay any of that; an by now I must have bought stuff worth a few thousand dollars online .

Now I hope no IRS agent is reading this to mark me down for an audit...

You need to check your state. The last time I looked, there was a minimum before our use tax kicked in. I never had enough money to hit it, as a lot of my online purchases may have a state presence, just either not local, or poor local stock.

[dbhost]

I tend to wear the same mfg shoes / boots. For example my last 3 pairs of boots have all been all leather upper Hi Tech waterproof hikers.

For dress shoes, I have had the same pair for 12 years... It might be time to think about buying a new pair..

[LCHIEN]

Yes, I am sure it exists - not that I have ever bothered to pay any of that; an by now I must have bought stuff worth a few thousand dollars online .

Now I hope no IRS agent is reading this to mark me down for an audit...

its not the IRS guys, its the state comptroller or taxing authority of the state you have to keep an eye out for...

but how would they know...
The states have no way of knowing who does business with you how much is spent from other states, to require that would be interfering in interstate commerce, a perogative retained by the federal gov't. So they have to rely on their citizens to be self-reporting, in essence, voluntary compliance.

[woodturner]

but how would they know...
The states have no way of knowing who does business with you how much is spent from other states, to require that would be interfering in interstate commerce, a perogative retained by the federal gov't.

Some states have passed laws or otherwise tried to require mail order vendors to provide customer information to the state to identify those who owe the sales or use taxes. Results have been mixed - if a law is unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, someone has to challenge it in court to change it. In this kind of situation, that's usually a consumer advocate group - it doesn't make economic sense for most individuals to do it.

[atgcpaul]

Trying to steer conversation back on topic....

One thing I really like about online shoe buying is that they're always sending
me discount codes. I don't see much difference in pricing between brick and
mortar and online, but it's the free shipping, no tax-for me, and the 20%
discount codes that really make it worth it.

[radhak]

I find this funny - I can't even remember when I bought my current set of shoes! Must have been years ago - and LOML was shocked when she heard that !

So my first problem is to ascertain what are my size and style preferences, and then think about ordering online. I have to make a list of the shoes I tried in stores nearby (maybe check some more out), then narrow down my choices by eliminating whatever did not work for me because 'if only the color was ___ or the size was ___ or the material was ___ (etc)'.

Because frankly, that is the main problem - there is never the exact choice available locally. And if I am happy with online, I might even be able to buy replacements when I want them...

And yes, the no-shipping, no-tax and possible discount codes should be good motivators for me too!

[Norm in Fujino]

Got me wondering - how could I order shoes without trying them on? Is the size the only thing matters?

Have you ordered shoes online, and what's your experience with that?

I once took a flying leap of faith and ordered two pair of closeout walking shoes from Lands End for about $16 each. They turned out to be among the very best, most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. But I think that's the exception. I also ordered a pair of hiking boots online and have been moderately satisfied with them; my complaints aren't about the size so much as the design and material quality. I thought they'd be better.
I should note that I only bought online because I couldn't find most anything in my size here in Japan. Normally, I buy shoes when I go back to the states on vacation.

I should note that after passing 45 or so, I began to have a lot of trouble with my feet, and I couldn'T figure out what it was until one day I measured them and found them to be 1-2 sizes bigger than they were when I was in my late teens and twenties--but I was still buying my shoes in the old size . Once I started buying bigger shoes much of my feet pain went away. Go figure.

[smckinney]

I have ordered brown/suede/loafer type shoes online from L.L. Bean. The shoes have been great. They are actually better quality than similar shoes I have purchased locally for about the same price.
I hope your online shoe purchasing experience turns out great.

[billwmeyer]

This wouldn't work well for me, because I am so hard to fit. I used to have a b width with a AAA heal. I have never in my life been able to wear slip on shoes. They just won't stay on. After years on my feet and being overweight, I have about a c width now, but the heel is still pretty narrow. Shoe shopping is a pain, but I am not hard on shoes so they last a long time. My current pair of dress shoes, which I mainly wear is about 3 years old a look great. My athletic shoes are about 8 years old and look good.

I wish I could shop on line for shoes. I hate to shop - well except for tools.

Bill

[Luckbox]

I have bought from Zappos.com. They have a good return policy as long as you don't wear them outside. But after about the 3rd return they just refund your money. I guess I am picky with how my shoes fit. I know when I go to a store to buy them it usually takes about 4 pairs before I find ones I like the fit. So for now I have given up on shoes online.