How To Shop For Shoes
When it’s time to pick out your next pair of shoes, here are a few tips that may help you find what you need.
If you’re Imelda Marcos, shoes may represent one of life’s little luxuries. But for most of us, footwear is a necessity rather than an extravagance. However you look at it, buying shoes is a task all of us face at one time or another. Sometimes we end up with blisters when the new purchase doesn’t fit right or wear well.
So what can you do to avoid a mistake and find the pair of shoes that will let you feel as though you’re walking on air?
1. Shop at the end of the day. If you’re a person whose feet tend to swell, they will be at their worst in the late afternoon or early evening. That is the best time to try on a new pair of shoes, because you want them to fit even when your feet are swollen. If you shop earlier when you are not retaining fluid, the shoes you buy may feel too tight later in the day.
2. Try on several pairs of shoes at the store. Even if you think you’ve found the perfect footwear with the first shoes you try on, you may want to consider a second and third fit to compare them with the first pair of shoes. That way you can be sure the fit is genuine rather than convenient or based on style rather than comfort.
3. Go for comfort over fashion. Unless you are shopping for a very special occasion when your new footwear will be worn seldom or rarely, take care in choosing shoes that fit your foot in a relaxed way. After all, you’ll most likely wear them for hours at a time, perhaps part of that time while standing, so be sure the shoes are cozy and don’t cramp your feet. Shoes that are too tight can lead to distorted muscles, tendons, and bones in the ankles, arches, and soles of your feet.
4. Choose a neutral color. While trendy hues may catch your eye, they not coordinate with many of your outfits. Select an earth or natural tone, such as black, brown, navy, or tan that will go with many types of clothing styles. Especially for professional wear, a neutral shoe color does not look ostentatious, but rather complements a subdued, classy look.
5. Look for special sales or discounts. Many stores offer a two-for-one sale that allows you to purchase two pairs of shoes for the price of one pair, usually the more expensive of the two. Other sales include a buy one and get the other half off type of deal. Traditional sales may offer up to seventy-five percent off on certain days or with the help of newspaper coupons or bonus ads.
6. Replace exercise shoes every three to six months. Even when they don’t appear to be worn, shoes that are used for frequent exercise such as walking, hiking, or running, tend to lose their firm hold and grip over time. Keep your feet in great shape by purchasing new exercise shoes at least twice a year.
7. Get the correct size. Don’t try to feel better about yourself or project a trim image by buying shoes that are too small or too tight. Measure your feet at the shoe store with the stand-in metal device to get the most accurate fit. Your feet will thank you for it.
Buying shoes may seem like a burdensome chore, but it’s an important opportunity to treat your feet with the respect they deserve. After all, they take you everywhere you need to go. Make their job easier by fitting them with a comfortable, sturdy fit that will flatter and nurture your feet.
Written by Debra Johanyak – 2002 Pagewise
