Look for real value when buying gifts

Sorry, Payless, anyone who spends much time on their feet knows you can’t scrimp when it comes to footwear. A few extra dollars pay off in spades if it means the difference between comfort or misery at the end of a long day.

However, the company did make a good point about perceptions in a recent publicity stunt that resulted in a lot of ... publicity.

In case you missed it, the Topeka, Kan., shoe company, which has been facing tough times recently, decided to make a point.

They took over a former Armani store in Santa Monica, Calif., renamed it “Palessi,” and invited a group of “style influencers” in for a showing.

On the shelves were a selection of boots, heels, running and leisure shoes that normally sell for $20-$40.

Asked to pay $200 to $600, however, and the shoppers fawned about the fashion-forward selection.

“They are elegant (and) sophisticated,” said one shopper.

The shoppers were shocked when they found out the truth, reactions you’ll be able to see in holiday advertising on cable TV networks like Bravo, Lifetime, TBS, Telemundo and USA and on social channels like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

The deceived buyers were refunded their money and got to keep the shoes, in exchange, we’re sure, for signing releases to allow their reactions to be used in advertising.

Truth be told, we all let our emotions play too big a part when it comes to product selection, and, granted, high-fashion shoes are unlikely to be worn long enough to make a difference when it comes to our podiatric health.

A designer brand name may, or may not, make a difference when it comes to quality and durability of any product.

Regardless of how we make our buying decisions this holiday season, however, nothing beats experiencing the product first-hand, seeing it, smelling it, feeling the heft, trying it out a little before plunking down our hard-earned dollars.

Just one more reason to give local mom-and-pop stores a chance to fill our Christmas shopping needs.