7 Shoe Shopping Tips

October 4, 2012 | Filed under: Shopping | Posted by: kcooper

Who does not love a good pair of shoes? They can really make an outfit pop and net some great compliments. But, an ill-fitting pair of shoes can make your time on your feet unpleasant; not to mention, the wasted money from buying shoes you ware not going to wear again because they are uncomfortable. Like any purchase, there are some things to keep in mind to get the best product for your needs. Here are some shoe-shopping tips to help you get the perfect pair.

Best Time to Try on Shoes

When it comes to buying shoes, when you purchase them can make all the difference in finding shoes that fit well and will be comfortable. You should shop when your feet are at their largest, which would be at the end of the day after running around all day or right after exercise. Feet swell from activity and trying on shoes at this point will ensure the most accurate fit. This may not seem like a big issue since it is not like your feet are swelling to twice their size, but they can swell enough to affect the comfort level of different types of shoes.

Wear the Hosiery You Will Normally Wear with the Shoe

To ensure the proper fit and comfort, you should go shoe shopping wearing the type of hosiery you plan on wearing with your new shoes. If you are looking for running shoes, wearing the thin socks or the stockings you normally wear to work will not get an accurate fit.

Heel Length

If you are a lady that loves the heels, you may not like to hear this one, but high heels are not good for your feet and you should aim for more foot-friendly shoes. Ideally, shoe heels should be 1.5 inches or less. This allows for more even distribution of your weight over your feet—good for your feet and your back.

Adequate Space around the Front of the Shoe

It is important to have sufficient room between your toes and the front of the shoes to avoid foot pain and other problems. Ideally, there will be a distance of a thumb’s width between the top of your big toe and the tip of the shoe. This is probably one of the biggest factors in finding a comfortable shoe.

Toe Box Tips

The toe box or the area where your toes rest in the shoe should be a shape that naturally supports the foot and does not squish them into unnatural contortions. Round or square toe boxes will support the natural shape of your foot. There should also be enough room that your foot is not rubbing up against the top of the shoe. If you cannot wiggle your toes, the shoes are not a good fit.

Buy the Right Type of Flats

Generally, flats are better than super high-heels but not necessarily. Totally flat soles can cause the foot to roll inward while walking, which can lead to pain and other problems. If you do buy flats, look for ones that have arch-support built in or have a contoured foot bed to support the heels and ankles.

Check the Inside of the Shoe

Make sure to check the inside of the shoe for rough stitching. This may cause blisters, corns or calluses.

Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who covers a range of topics. When it comes to fashion, she particularly enjoys sharing tips on finding items that help you feel more comfortable as well as confident. If you need some new shoes, check out the fashionable selection of boots at Wild Pair

Photo Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitta/

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Posted by kcooper on October 4, 2012. Filed under Shopping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry