When shopping for shoes, you want to find a pair that are not only visually appealing, but are comfortable. The last thing you want is to buy a pair of shoes, find out they are too uncomfortable and have to visit a podiatrist because of a glaring pain in your feet. Discussed below are five tips for finding the right pair of shoes.
Use an Outline of Your Foot
Shoe stores will usually have outlines in different sizes. You can ask an associate to help you determine which size fits your foot best in determining which shoe size you need. Once you find a shoe you can place it over the outline. If it overlaps the outline, you’ll need to keep shopping.
Don’t Forget to Wear Socks
You will want to wear socks that you will normally be wearing with the shoes you’re buying. This is important since socks can be really thin or thick and will affect how the shoes fit.
Stand in the Shoes
Once you find shoes you like, take your time to test their comfort. Stand in them. Press on the end of your shoe to feel where your longest toe is. There should be about a half inch gap between that toe and the end of the shoe. Wiggle your toes to make sure your toes are not so crowded you can’t move them.
Walk in the Shoes
Walk around in the shoes. If you have any foot problems, such as bunions, you should be able to determine if the shoes will aggravate the problem. A salesperson can make suggestions on the type of shoe you should buy based on any foot problems you have. You will want to make sure the shoes fit well in general. You do not want shoes that slip off when you walk. You also don’t want to wear shoes that fit so snugly that it is uncomfortable to walk.
Check the Soles
The soles are important because this is the part of the shoe that will absorb the shock when you are walking. Shoes that don’t have good soles will leave your feet feeling fatigued. You may also experience substantial pain since your feet will receive most of the shock.
With so many shoes on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right pair. If you are having trouble making a decision, always ask a sales associate for help. The last thing you want is to buy a pair of shoes and then realize they are too uncomfortable to wear.
