Growing up in a large family taught me a lot about the true value of a dollar.

You see, my Mom and Dad were (and still are) super frugal.

I was the youngest of four boys and the last stop in a series of hand-me-downs that lasted well into my teen years.

I learned very early on that it’s better to focus on quality over quantity.

To repair things and not throw them away.

And always take care of what you have.

But I was also taught that for some things, you should always spend up.

My Dad would tell my brothers and I that men should own a quality set of tools, a trusted wristwatch, and a well-fitting suit.

Oh, and at least one pair of good quality shoes.

And now that I’m older, I appreciate the wisdom my Dad was trying to impart.

It pays to only buy quality footwear.

Unfortunately, we no longer live in a time of small-town shoemakers and cobblers who custom tailor shoes to precision.