Did you know that 43 million Americans have problems with their feet?
Shoes can be life-changing. They can make your outfit look fabulous, they can keep your feet dry and they’ll correct a lot of issues your feet might have. But finding the best pair of shoes isn’t easy. In fact, shoe shopping can be stressful and downright painful.
If you are looking for tips to make buying shoes your feet will love a reality, this short and simple guide is for you.
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Know Your Foot Type
This is one of the most important steps in choosing shoes that your feet will love. You need to know what type of foot you have before going out shopping for new shoes.
If you’re not sure what type of foot you have, there are a few things you can do.
First, take off your shoes and socks and stand on a piece of paper or cardboard with your bare feet. Note how much pressure is on each area by writing it down.
Then, step back and look at the printout to see where most of the pressure is being placed.
You have flat feet if most of it is in one area. If most of it is in the middle, then you have high arches. If you have a combination of both flat and high arches, then you have normal arches.
Knowing what type of foot you have can help make the entire shoe-buying process easier and less stressful.
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Figure Out Your Budget
When buying new shoes, it can be tempting to spend more than you intended on shoes because they look so good.
But before you click “add to cart,” stop and think about what you need. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on shoes if they’re not suited to your lifestyle or budget.
Look for sale items at department stores or sales racks at local shops where you can find quality footwear at a lower price point.
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Consider Your Activities
A shoe buying tip is to think about what you’ll be doing in them.
If you’re going on a long hike, do some research on the best hiking shoes and look for them when you go shopping. If you work on your feet all day or play sports, you’ll want shoes that provide extra support, such as the Air Force 1 low.
If you’re shopping at a department store, find the shoe section and look for options that are labeled for specific activities like running or hiking. If you’re shopping at a specialty shoe shop, ask the staff what shoes they recommend.
You can also look online for reviews of different brands and models to see which ones are popular with people who do the same activities as you.
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Buy Shoes in Person
If you buy shoes in person instead of online, you’ll be able to try them on first and ensure that they fit properly before paying for them.
Shoes are more easily returned in person than online, and you can often get a refund or exchange for a different size. If you buy shoes online, it’s harder to return them if they don’t fit properly or aren’t comfortable.
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Get Measured at a Shoe Store
If you’ve never been measured for shoes before, it’s important to do it at a specialty shop where they have the equipment to measure your feet correctly.
It may surprise you how different your size can be from one brand to another. Or even from one style of shoe to another within the same brand’s line of footwear.
When you go to get measured, the salesperson will probably measure both your feet and then compare the measurements together. This is a good way to ensure that you’re getting comfortable shoes, but it isn’t the best way to determine your size.
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Look for Shoes With Toe Room
Shoes with room for your toes will fit better and be more comfortable. They’ll also keep your toes from jamming into one another.
Shoes that are too tight will pinch your toes together and cause blisters. Shoes that are too big may feel comfortable at first, but they won’t support your feet properly and can make you more likely to get injured.
To check whether a shoe fits, stand in it and wiggle your toes.
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Buy for Comfort First
You’ll want a pair of shoes that feel great no matter where you go, whether that’s walking around town or dancing at a wedding reception.
Shoes should be comfortable from the moment you try them on until the moment you take them off at the end of the night.
Don’t buy shoes that are uncomfortable and expect them to get better. If they’re not comfortable right now, they probably won’t be after you break them in.
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Buy Shoes Made From High-Quality Materials
The materials used in making most modern shoes aren’t very durable.
To avoid this, you’ll want to spend a little more money on shoes made from leather or suede. These materials are more expensive than other types of materials, but they’re also much more durable and comfortable.
Buying Shoes: Keep Your Feet Looking Stylish and Feeling Healthy
From finding a reputable local boutique or specialty shop to learning about the comfort features of each shoe that interests you, there are a variety of factors to consider when buying shoes. But if you take the time to do your research, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of shoes for every occasion and every outfit.
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