Cheap Sneakers

I can't justify spending more than $30 on a pair of sneakers, and preferably less. And it's not like I go through a pair every 2 months - I probably keep sneakers on average 2 years. I just break a pair in and stick with it until they wear out beyond my standard of presentability.

So I've taken to buying my Kirkland brand Court Classics at Costco for $15. They have genuine leather uppers (balance man-made materials), look snazzy enough, and are very comfortable. And did I mention they cost $15? The problem is they are always out of my size - 8 1/2. If you are a 10 1/2 or 11, Costco's got you covered, but finding my size is like winning the lottery.

So last night we take the family on our big outing to Costco. My wife, after going off on her own, comes back triumphantly with a box of Kirkland Court Classics marked 8 1/2. Super! I'm more excited about this item than any of my other Costco purchases that evening.

Of course, when I get home and prepare to remove the tags I look inside the sneaker to discover that the actual size is 8, not 8 1/2. Looks like someone played the old shoebox switch-a-roo. Awesome. The 8's are just a little too tight. So that's a trip back to Costco for the Mrs and no new sneakers for me.