I’d add to this list “don’t buy ornamental hiking shoes.”
I have a pair of them. Of course I didn’t know that until I tried to walk on something slick. These shoes – which straddle the line between shoes and boots – resemble hiking shoes. A perfect imitation. They were even well-reviewed. And they do really well until you get them near anything wet and/or mildly slippery.
One time my partner and I were on a boardwalk with some moss on its surface and she was walking fine and I looked like I was starring in the Ice Capades.
Have to get better ones soon.