The Sam Vimes “Boots” theory of socioeconomic unfairness, often called simply the boots theory, is an economic theory that people in poverty have to buy cheap and subpar products that need to be replaced repeatedly, proving more expensive in the long run than more expensive items.
I mean, everyday? With most purchases? Can’t afford quality most of the time.
The idea isn’t that it’s something you choose to do “to yourself”, it’s that income inequality makes it the reality of being poor.