An incredibly smart exact duplication? (ETA final decision @ bottom)

Y'all know how much I love my bone/silver Fugitive sandal shoes - how comfortable they are and how often I have worn them in the 2+ years I've had them.

But they are starting to show some signs of wear (sigh...). I'm hard on shoes I love. Before Canadian Footwear no longer has them available, I'm thinking of buying the exact same pair that will be ready to step in when the ones I'm wearing fall apart.

When I mentioned this to DH, he quite matter-of-fact stated "why not - makes sense to me".

So...smart duplication? or waste of potential fall purchasing dollars and look for something new when these die?

Over to you ladies...

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36 Comments

  • Mo replied 9 years ago

    My BF does this.  Exact items, color and everything.  And he doesn't have a big wardrobe.  He figures he likes it and when it wears out he'll be glad to have another to replace it.  He calls it 'Oprahfying' lol because he saw/read how she does this with things she loves.
    I don't think this works for me, so it comes down to individual values in how you manage your wardrobe I think.

  • shedev replied 9 years ago

    If you still feel the love, it's a good idea.

  • Gigi replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, I think that given your recent foot issues, this would be a smart duplication. If you already wear them a lot and foresee continuing wanting to wear them, I think you will find it money well spent.

    I think Mo is right that this is an individual wardrobe choice; everyone is different. I have done exact duplicates of shoes in the past, and I would have duplicated other stuff if I could have (but it wasn't available anymore), and I have never regretted it. 

  • columbine(erin) replied 9 years ago

    Every time I see them on you I admire how well they incorporate into your outfits and how becoming they are. I have a few workhorse things I wish I duplicated.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    What the others said. I think they are workhorses for you and I don't think the style is going to look dated in another year or even two. It's got a bit of a funky arty vibe to it that is pretty timeless, while also referencing the current ankle strap and almond or pointed toe trends without being exaggerated. 

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    Brilliant duplication!

  • replied 9 years ago

    I think it makes sense. Angie did this with her white patent booties!

  • Susie replied 9 years ago

    For you- considering your style, wardrobe and need for comfortable, low heeled stylish shoes- I think a duplication makes a great deal of sense. 

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    I think you know what I think :-). Duplicate!

  • Hil replied 9 years ago

    I have done this with a couple of items - especially when i find the perfect wardrobe basic, like a t-shirt. 

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    I think it makes sense if you still love them.  My DH does this with running shoes because he has a hard time finding ones that fit right.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Not a bad idea at all. By "signs of wear," I'm assuming you mean things that can't be refurbished? It doesn't look like the kind of heel or sole that can be resurfaced, for example, and I'm guessing you would polish any scuffs on the leather. Because in that case, it seems wise to replace them, if you still like the style.
    Just for discussion, though, I'm not sure I'd do the same for my go-to Think! shoes (see below). I wear them a lot, especially when I need no-fail comfort. They have the best arch support I've found. But when they get worn out, I might try to find a different style to fill the same wardrobe hole. It would probably be a long, exhausting search, though, and I don't like any of the other current Think! styles as well. So I guess that's another reason that duplication would be worthwhile!

  • gryffin replied 9 years ago

    Big yeah from the Princess of Duplication!!  I've almost never not been thrilled to have a spare of something I love!!

  • Alexandra replied 9 years ago

    It makes sense! I'd do it. I do, actually.

  • Nebraskim replied 9 years ago

    Everytime I see those shoes on you, I admire them. They work with your evolving style, caress your fussy toes and are classic and not trendy. I would totally duplicate them.

  • N-Marie replied 9 years ago

    Can you buy from someplace like Zappos? You could then look for an alternative, and if you find it before your one-year return period is up, return the duplicate.  If not, you keep the new shoes to replace the old.

  • DonnaF replied 9 years ago

    How far in the future are we talking?  If beyond next year, I am assuming that they don't have soles like Ecco's that I and others have had crumble.  Other words of caution:  How are these sandals with your PF?  Sadly, feet can change with age, so footwear that was once comfy may not be down the road. . .I am assuming you don't think your taste will change on these down the road.  These are cute shoes and I like them on you, so duplicate if you feel you will have trouble finding another pair to replace them that you like as much and are as comfy.

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    I have done this, and wished I had on more than on occasion.  (I'm currently trolling ebay for exact replacements for my gold Arlettas and taupe French Connection crops, both of which are nearing the end of their well-used lives). 

    It can backfire though. Your style or size (less of an issue with shoes, to be sure) could change in the meantime, but I think it's probably worth the risk for a well-loved item. 

  • replied 9 years ago

    It seems like a calculated risk. I have fussy feet, and I pretty much duplicate the same ballet flats and the same style of sandals in different colors. I like the idea N-Marie had of buying from Zappos. That way if you change your mind in the next year, you can return them for a full refund. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Hmmmm....looks like a bit of split decision here...some great words of wisdom to chew on.

    Unfortunately Zappos does not deliver to Canada so that's not an option :( In fact, the only place I've found these shoes is Canadian Footwear.

    But DonnaF raises an excellent question re: my PF. Although it's getting better, who really knows what kind of shape my feet will be in next summer. The current pair I have will certainly see me through the rest of this summer and possibly next as I do take good care of them with regular cleaning as well as protective spray.

    So after a bit of thinking I'm going to pass and not purchase a duplicate pair - and if I'm sorry later on down the road, so be it.

    Thanks for the collective wisdom ladies :)

  • Glory replied 9 years ago

    I am going to vote no to duplication on this item - this coming from me, the biggest enabler. I think the sole will age (like runners do), if they sit on the shelf. I also think your style preference may change. This would likely not be in rotation until next year, assuming your current ones are wearable for the rest of this season. And, where is the fun in shopping for new sandals next spring if you already have them?

  • Staysfit replied 9 years ago

    Oh, absolutely do it!  If they still feel good on your feet, and you still love to wear them, what is there to lose?  Will you find something you like better?  I have done it with a pair of Naot sandals.  Loved them, and wore them until they wore out.  Discovered they still made the exact same model, in a slightly different color, bought them, and still love them and wear them.

  • Zibbets replied 9 years ago

    Absolutely! I've done it! It's like having money in the bank.

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    I have always loved these on you. Yes please duplicate.

  • MsMary replied 9 years ago

    I agree with Glory about the soles aging.  I think if you do duplicate, I'd suggest wearing both pair in rotation so they both last longer.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Wow, I didn't think about the sole. Interesting. 

  • Aziraphale replied 9 years ago

    A third no from me. I did this once, with a "perfect" pair of rubber-soled sandals, and the second pair already had cracks by the time I pulled them out and wore them. Or what Mary suggests is a good idea -- buy the second pair, but wear them both in rotation.

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    I see you made your decision:)  I actually was going to say go for it!  I believe I recall Angie purchased two pairs of white ankle boots the same for similar reasons to this Shannon. 

    I kind of wish I had purchased two pairs of my Hush Puppies black ankle boots.  I am wearing them to the ground and my love affair with them is no where near over:) 

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    A hundred thumbs up. 

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    I would say yes, but you have decided not to, which is fine too!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

    I was going to say yes as well.  Just by chance I saw these shoes in your WIW and googled them to see if I could find them.  I was considering ordering a pair because they look so good with so many outfits of yours and they are neutral and have shine AND are comfy.

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    I was also going to say yes. You will want to continue wearing your wonderful WIW with the white jeans, Metallic linen EF tee and those shoes...if you think they will be comfortable.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Well I thought my decision was no and that I had made up my mind. But you know, after work I had to run some errands which involved a fair bit of walking and when I got home, my feet were still happy. The comfort of these shoes is probably the highest of any footwear I have owned (except for maybe my Birks) and they are unbelievably versatile. Plus I love the funky vibe which I think gives them a look that won't date in the exact sense of the word.

    I'm also not worried about the rubber sole cracking or drying out on replacements. They would be worn next summer so why would that be different then putting my current pair away for the winter and pulling them out the next summer?

    So I guess this is my long winded way of telling you I'm going to duplicate. Thanks for all the advice and thoughts to ponder :)

  • Vicki replied 9 years ago

    Yay!  Duplicate away, Shannon.  These are proven winners!

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Doing the happy dance!  I think you have made a good decision:)

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    I thought it was obvious that you should duplicate ^_^ (I am a serial duplicator myself! But mostly in different colors.) I am still regretting not duplicating my cap toed ballet flats. I love them to bits and they are the comfiest softest leather flats ever! And they are no longer available :( boo!

    So glad you are duplicating them! Makes complete sense to me too :)

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