To pick the right shoes, you need to select the right size, check how comfortable they are, the material of the shoes, and the hardness of the sole.

Shoes are an essential part of your day-to-day life. No matter where you go, be it the park, the bar, or your office, you must wear shoes. The right shoes will also bring out the confidence within you and make you comfortable. But since there are so many options, picking the right shoes might be a bit confusing. You need to think everything through before you can get yourself the right pair. This is why we will give you some tips on choosing the right shoe to make you look stunning and feel great.

best ways to choose shoes
best ways to choose shoes

1. The Different Types Of Arches

The arch is the bottom part between the heel and the ball of your feet. Many people do not consider this and end up buying uncomfortable shoes that they hardly wear. There are three types of arches-

  • Neutral Arch
  • If the middle part of your feet is half-filled, that is a neutral or normal arch. If you have neutral arches, you would need shoes that have firm midsoles and semi-curved lasts. The last is the shape of the shoe’s sole. It controls the stability of your rear-foot.

  • Low Arch
  • If you check your footprint and see that the footprint resembles your entire feet, that is a low arch foot. Low arches are also called flat feet. It is recommended to wear shoes with straight lasts for people with this type of feet.

  • High Arch
  • If you check the footprint and see that only the toes and heels are visible in the footprint, you likely have high arch feet. You need shoes with proper cushioning and a curved last to ensure maximum comfort and adequate stability.

    2. The Shoes Must Fit Your Feet

    When you are out at the shop, wear the shoes and test them. Take a few steps back and forth and see how you feel. If you feel pressure at your toes or at your heel, you will know that this is not the right size. On the other hand, if you think that there is too much space inside your shoe, they are obviously much larger than your feet.

    So ask the people working in the shop to get the right size for you. One way to make sure you ask for the right shoe would be to look at shoe size charts before going to a store. That way, you can also order online without being confused.

    3. The Toe And The Heel Must Be Normal

    When you are testing the shoes, you might feel that your toes are getting bent, or there is some pressure on your heel. This means the shoe is not designed in a way that fits your feet. You need to consider your feet type so that your toes and heels can feel relaxed inside the shoes. Always try a few shoes before you select a pair.

    4. The Material Of The Shoes

    The material of the shoe directly impacts how comfortable it is. Shoes are made with a wide variety of materials, such as leather, latex, synthetic, textile, artificial leather, polyurethane, Kevlar, denim, etc. You should consider the material because your feet might be allergic to some of these materials.

    Also, you might not feel comfortable with every material. For example, denim shoes and leather shoes are considered more comfortable compared to synthetic ones. On the other hand, synthetics are much more long-lasting.

    5. The Right Time To Buy The Shoes

    The right time to go to a shoe shop is afternoon or late afternoon because your feet will be swollen that time after running or walking all day. If you find a shoe that fits you perfectly in the afternoon, it will fit you all day long. If you purchase a shoe in the morning and try it out in the afternoon, it will feel tighter than usual.

    6. Tips For Buying High Heels

    Many women prefer wearing high heels, but some rules can guide you regarding good and bad high heels. Good high heels will not make your feet numb or uncomfortable, while bad ones will make your feet numb and can even cause serious foot injuries. Two characteristics distinguish a good heel from a bad one. A good heel will have a maximum heel height of 9.5 cm. Any more than that is considered bad for your feet, but going for a lower height is not an issue.

    The other measurement is the distance between the heel and the sole. It should be at least 3.5 cm. Any lower than that could cause slight injuries in your feet. If the high heel you are about to buy has the right measurements,
    definitely buy that one.

    7. Do Not Purchase Shoes That Fit “Perfectly”

    The term “perfectly” here might be subjective. Some might say that the shoes that fit them just right are perfect, but others might think that shoes that are slightly bigger than the feet are ideal. We will be talking about the former group of people here. If your shoe fits your feet just perfectly, you might feel some discomfort.

    For instance, if you move a lot, these shoes will grasp your feet tightly, causing disruption in blood circulation. This will make your feet sweat a lot, and you will also not feel at ease when walking in these shoes for a long time. This is why it is much better to buy shoes with about ½ an inch gap between the shoe and your feet.

    8. Sturdy Boots For Rough Terrain

    If you are someone who travels a lot or goes hiking, normal shoes and sneakers are not the right choices for you. What you truly need is a pair of strong, sturdy leather boots with good ankle support and plenty of room in the toe box. Also, check that the tongue of the shoe is padded enough to cushion any shocks your feet feel while climbing up rocky terrains or getting down from them.

    9. Consider The Occasion For The Shoe

    You need to wear the right shoe for the right location. So buy shoes with that in mind. If you buy a pair of sneakers for your next official conference, you will look awkward. Everyone will wear formal attire while you will be the one with sneakers.

    On the other hand, wearing shiny leather oxford shoes at a family gathering will make you feel out of place. Of course, everyone knows this, but you need to keep even the smallest details in mind while buying the right shoe.

    10. The Inside Of The Shoe Must Be Comfortable

    Before you try to wear a shoe, you need to check how comfortable it is. The first thing that you need to do is to check the inside of the shoe. If it is padded, that is a good sign. If the pads are soft and made with foam, that makes them even more comfortable.

    Next, the shoe must also be light. If a shoe is heavy, you will feel something is dragging you down as you walk. Lightweight shoes will provide you with an extra boost of torque while walking around, and your feet will feel light as a feather.

    11. The Sole Must Be Bendable

    Take the shoe in your hand and try to bend the shoe. If it bends easily, it means the shoe has better shock-absorbing properties, and the shoe can give you better push power as your feet push the ground.

    The more bendable they are, the better you will feel walking around in them. If the soles are not flexible, your joints will not be able to move freely in a relaxed manner, you will feel more fatigued while walking, and you will have a walking disorder because of the discomfort.

    12. When Should You Replace Your Old Shoes And Buy New Ones?

    There are two answers to that question. First, look at the sole of your shoe. If the sole looks worn out and damaged, obviously, you need to replace your shoes. Over time, the sole can get angled, and every step you take will feel disoriented.

    The other thing that you need to check before replacing your old shoe is to consider the walking distance. Each pair of shoes has a walking distance of about 350 to 500 miles. If you keep using the shoes after that, your shoes will deteriorate, causing sharp pain in your feet. If the sole of your shoe is damaged or you have walked over 500 miles with your shoes, you should replace them and get yourself a new pair.

    Final Thoughts

    Shoes are an essential part of our everyday life. Wherever you go, your shoes will accompany you. But that does not mean you can wear any type of shoe on any occasion. Each shoe serves its own purpose. So choose the right shoe for the right occasion and always consider the comfort factor.

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