Personally, I'd shoot for #4 (of the options offered). Shoes are definitely a "get what you pay for" item. A leather sole is very easily repaired or replaced, and is worlds better looking than rubber.

I did notice that you are shopping online for shoes. Is there a particular reason for that? One problem with that is you never know just HOW a shoe will fit you. There are brands that I love that I simply cannot wear for various reasons- Too narrow, odd arch placement, too high-cut across the top of the foot.

Any one of these could turn your 'value' buy into a "BLAST it all, I've got to get dressed up and put on those bloody shoes again" situation.

Remember: before judging a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you say bad stuff about him, you're a mile away AND you've got his shoes.

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