A thrifty shopper who thought she was about to score a cheap pair of designer boots has revealed why she had to leave them behind — after they failed her “shoe rock test”.
Asia Marquis, from the US, was at an op shop when she stumbled across a pair of leather boots for just $A35.50.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Shopper’s ‘shoe rock test’.
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But after trying them on, the self-described “frugal fashionista” realised the boots did not meet her expectations.
“One thing my grandmother taught me about buying shoes… is to make sure that you do the ‘shoe rock test’,” she explained.
“The other day I came across authentic Harley-Davidson leather boots… But when I did the shoe rock test, I noticed these boots were not stable at all.
“My grandmother always used to say, ‘If it rocks off your foot, it’s going to rock on your foot’.”
To do the test, simply place the shoes on a flat surface and gently nudge one side to see if it “rocks”.
If they don’t wobble, Asia says they will be comfortable to walk in.
She then put the boots on to show viewers how “wobbly” they were when she began walking in them.
“As I’m putting on the boots you can already see that the boot is already kind of leaning to the side,” she explained.
“And as I start to walk, you’ll notice the boot is rocking unintentionally.
“Shoes that are made properly will not rock like this when you put them on — and if they do, don’t buy them.
“So next time… make sure you do the shoe rock test and if they lean… they will rock with it, so leave them behind.”
She said the rule applies to new and used boots and high heels.
“This test isn’t just exclusive to thrifted or used shoes. New shoes can rock too, even if they’ve never been worn,” she explained.
In a follow-up video, she went to a store to try on a range of new shoes to see if they passed the test.
When she gently tapped the side of gold heels on a table, they didn’t rock.
“These are pretty stable, they aren’t moving at all so these pass,” she said.
Her first video has been viewed more than three million times — with many saying they are keen to give the test a go the next time they shop.
“This is some of the best information I have ever seen. I will be using the shoe rock test from now on,” one said.
Another suggested: “Ugh, could have saved my ankles so much pain if I’d known this.”
One added: “OMG your grandmother is a GEM! This is valuable information, WOW!”
Meanwhile, one woman pointed out: “Is this why sometimes we roll our ankles in heels? Because the shoe itself isn’t stable?” to which Asia responded: “You’re correct.”
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