Loake Aldwych: buy in the US, or shipped from the UK?

[acarlton]

Hey guys,

I bought a pair of Loake Aldwych black cap toes from Sky Shoes in DC this past weekend for $305. Currently on Pediwear (http://bit.ly/umTnos) they're listed at 150gbp, which comes out to ~$260 shipped (w/ trees and a free tie) at the current exchange rate. Is there any reason why I shouldn't buy the Pediwear shoes and return the ones I bought locally? Am I missing some sort of customs or VAT surcharge that will make them more expensive? I haven't bought shoes internationally before, so I want to make sure I'm not missing something before I buy them.

Thanks for the help!

 

[acarlton]

So in doing some research, I see that there is a chance I could get charged a customs tax in the US. Is there a set percentage what that tax would be, were it assessed?