Finding the Best Shoe for Your Daily Life

Finding the best pair of shoes for your needs is easier to do when you keep certain factors in mind. After all, you want shoes to look good, but you also want them to serve a practical purpose. That’s why you should remember these tips. Not only will they save you a whole lot of confusion, but they’ll also help you find the ideal footwear, whether they be a pair of comfortable sandals or work shoes.

Match the Outfit to the Shoe

When trying on shoes, make sure you’re wearing the same basic garments you would wear with the specific types of shoes you’re looking for. You want to make sure the look of the shoe matches the rest of the outfit you would wear with it. Also, wear the same type of socks (or lack thereof) you plan on wearing with the shoe; the style of sock can impact the fit of the shoe.

Walk Around

It may seem obvious, but walking around in a shoe for a minute or so before deciding you want to buy it is important for one major reason: sizes vary from one manufacturer to another. Even if you’ve been wearing the same shoe size for years, you need first-hand experience walking in a style to be absolutely sure the fit is comfortable for you.

It’s also a good idea to walk around on both hard and soft surfaces if you have the chance to. Comfort levels can change depending on the surface.

Shop Later in the Day

Did you know that your feet naturally expand throughout the day as you use them? Shop for a pair of shoes in the morning, and you may find they’re too tight by the afternoon. Shopping later in the day is a surefire way to make sure you end up with the right fit.

Measure Your Feet Every Time

The exact size and shape of your feet will continue to change with age. While they may not change as dramatically or quickly as they did when you were a child, it still happens. Having a salesperson measure your feet each time you buy a new pair is key to finding shoes that fit perfectly.

Check for Space

When you first stand up in a pair of shoes, check to ensure there’s about a half inch of space remaining between your longest toe and the shoe’s end. You need this space because your toes press forward slightly when you’re walking.

Keep Width in Mind

So many people focus on the length of a shoe that they forget to pay attention to the width. If the shoe feels tight along the sides, it may be available in a slightly wider size.

Check for Irritants

Finally, check the inside of the shoes for any uncomfortable materials, tags, or other potential irritants. Size isn’t the only factor that can impact your comfort level when breaking in a new pair of shoes. You should also inspect the sole to ensure it’s in good shape and will protect your feet from any sharp objects on the ground.

Luckily, these are all simple ways to make shoe shopping a lot more straightforward. You want to have fun, but you also want to buy a stylish pair that fits right. Keep these tips in mind, and finding that perfect pair will be easy.

By freelance editor Rae Steinbach