Everyday shoes under $50: what you get and what you do not

A $45 pair worn about 200 times costs roughly 22 cents a wear. That is a fair deal if they fit well and hold up.

The trick is knowing what $50 can buy and what it cannot.

At this price you get / do not get

You get: - A comfortable everyday shoe for walking, errands and work that is not formal - Simple, clean looks - Light weight

You do not get: - Real arch support for long days on hard floors - A sole that lasts several years - Leather that ages well

Three styles that work

Walking sneaker. The most comfortable pick. Look for a cushioned midsole and a flexible forefoot.

Slip-on. Easy to wear. Check that the heel holds your foot so you do not shuffle.

Canvas shoe. Light, breathable and cheap to replace. Not for rain or long walks.

Check before you pay

1. Fit. Leave about a thumb's width in front of your toes. Shop in the afternoon when feet are a bit swollen.
2. Sole. Press it with your thumb. It should have some give but not feel hollow. Look at the tread.
3. Bend. The shoe should flex where your foot bends, at the ball, not in the middle.
4. Stitching and glue. Look for clean seams. Glue spill around the sole is a warning.
5. Return policy. Buy only if you can send them back after a walk around the house.

Walk away if

• The sole is a hard, flat slab.
• The insole slides around.
• Reviewers say "runs a full size small" and the listing offers no returns.
• The upper is a single piece of thin plastic.

Make them last

• Rotate between two pairs. Shoes need a day to dry out.
• Do not machine wash unless the label says so.
• Replace the insole if it flattens. A $10 insole can make a $40 shoe feel better.

When to spend more

If you stand or walk for hours each day, shoes are one of the best places to spend extra. Moving up to the $80 to $120 range often gets you better cushioning and a sole that lasts longer. Run the cost per use before you decide. For other items where extra money pays, see what is worth spending more on.