Do you love to go shopping for shoes? Or, do you hate shopping completely? This article will help make your next shoe shopping trip fun.
Don’t buy shoes before trying them on and walking in them in the shoe store for a bit. A shoe that doesn’t fit right is something you may not see right away unless you actually try it on and walk around. Try a few different sizes to see what fits best.
If you have to wear orthotic devices for your feet, take them with you when you go shopping for a new pair of shoes. Try finding a pair that allows you to comfortably wear your orthotic devices. Get some tips from your orthotist if you are not sure what kind of shoes you should get.
Don’t trust that you’ll be able to “break in” a pair of shoes. You’ll hear lots of sales people say that a pair of shoes will feel fine when broken in. That’s not always the case. In reality, the right shoe for your foot is the pair that feels great from the beginning. Search for a different shoe even if it’s the style you like.
Do not except to be able to buy one pair of shoes that will meet all your needs. Different activities require shoes with different characteristics and it is unrealistic to except to be able to purchase one multitasking pair of shoes. For instance, running shoes need to be flexible and cushioned, whereas walking shoes need to be stiff and supportive.
Never buy a shoe that doesn’t have at least a little wiggle room for your toes. Contrary to popular belief, the shoe doesn’t have to fit snug at the top. Also, look for a heel that is between half and inch and one inch, for maximum comfort no matter what the occasion.
Don’t buy shoes thinking you can break them in. This usually does not work, and it can be a waste of money. If your shoes need to be stretched to accommodate bunions, this could be an exception.
If you enjoy running on a regular basis, make sure you wear shoes that are designed for this activity. Running shoes will help you adopt a good posture and reduce injuries to your muscles. Go to a specialized store and talk to a salesperson if you need help with finding good running shoes.
Remember that sales happen at the end of every season so that the shoe store can clear out its shelves to make room for new stock. Keep an eye on your favorite store to see when their sales occur in relation to the start of the next season, then you can predict the next sale.
If you run, be certain to keep track of the mileage you put on running shoes. These types of shoes take a great deal of pounding in their short life. Running shoes generally are ready to be replaced after about 400 miles of running. Have a journal to record how far you run so you’ll know when you need to buy new shoes.
If you don’t like something about the shoes you are interested in, ask a staff member if there is different pair available which matches your needs. While only a white pair may be shown on the shelf, they can often order you a pair in another color or fabric which isn’t available in store.
Try to ignore trends when you go shoe shopping. Trends do not work for everyone. Some are only made to fit certain types of feet. Instead of risking injuries or buying something that you may ever wear, try ignoring the trends. Try getting shoes that you like that fit you comfortably.
If you are wearing open toe shoes, get a pedicure. This tip goes for men and women alike. You do not want overgrown toe nails and dry crusty skin showing where the world can see them. Spend a little money to have a professional pedicure or do one on your own at home.
Make sure there’s around half an inch in between your shoe and your foot. This can be easily measured by turning your thumb sideways and pressing on your foot’s top. Ask for different sizes and see if you have a shoe where your foot is too big or too small.
Buy shoes that are comfortable, no matter what the size says. If the shoe is described as exactly your size and proper width, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to fit you comfortably. The maker, style and material can all affect how a shoe fits, so go with what feels best.
You should always be able to wiggle your toes inside your shoe. When trying on a new pair of shoe, try wiggling your toes as far as you can in every direction. If you feel that the shoe is somewhat restricting your movements, ask if you can try another size.
The type of arch you have should help determine the type of shoes you buy. Whether you have a high arch or a flat foot, you may need to buy shoes with a built-in arch support. Arch support cushions can be added to shoes you already own. Wearing flats may cause more arch pain than wearing heels.
If you buy shoes for little kids, find the kind with velcro fasteners. Many children have a hard time with tying laces and tripping on them can be dangerous. Velcro makes it easy for a kid to get his own shoe on, and shoes which have velcro fasteners cost about the same as shoes that have laces.
Now that you’ve learned these pointers, put them into practice. So take what you have learned and start shopping for your next pair of shoes today. Eventually, shoe shopping will become an adventure that you’ll enjoy.
