Shoe Shopping Tips to Find the Right Fit
Amelia Sanders Those who dread shopping often struggle to find the right fit. Whether it’s determining the right shoe size, finding a wide pair, or matching comfort and style, the hunt for footwear is no easy feat.
Find the perfect fit, with these shopping tips for trying on shoes.
1. Shoe Shopping After Lunch
You might think shoe shopping time doesn’t matter, but you’d be wrong. Those who try on shoes in the morning may find the perfect fit in the store, only to put them on and find they’re too tight or too small.
That’s because your feet naturally swell during your daily routine, so it’s important to try on footwear when your feet are at their maximum width. Not only can tight shoes be uncomfortable, but research shows that wearing shoes that are too narrow over time can lead to foot deformities, such as bunions, corns, and calluses.
2. Bring Your Own Socks
If you’re shopping for a specific type of shoe, bring the socks you usually wear with it. If you’re looking for running shoes, bring your favorite socks to ensure a good fit. If you’re trying on casual boots, bring your thin, invisible socks.
Most shoe stores will provide very thin mesh shoe liners to prevent you from trying on shoes barefoot, but these hose-like nylon socks won’t give you an accurate feel for the actual space socks used inside shoes.
There’s also the hygiene issue of wearing shoes that strangers have already tried on. Our feet have 250,000 sweat glands, so unless you don’t mind exchanging sweat (and potentially harmful bacteria) with everyone who tries them on, bring your own socks—and be sure to wash them afterward.
3. Test the Kick (on Hardwood)
You’ve probably already walked around a shoe store to get a feel for how different pairs fit. Depending on the type of shoes you have, simulating the activities you’ll be doing while wearing them can also be helpful. For example, if they’re running shoes, don’t be afraid to simulate running in place, stretching, doing jumping jacks, etc. in the aisle to see the parts of the shoe you’d miss just by walking.
Regardless of the type, pay close attention to the specific features of the shoe. Does the heel rub? If needed, does the shoe provide adequate ankle support?
Also, try walking on hardwood floors whenever possible. Carpet padding can give you an inaccurate shoe feel. A hard surface will give you a more realistic feel, especially when trying out leather soles.
4. Always Consider Shoe Arch Support
Many people choose flat shoes for style or ease of wear. The problem with flat shoes or ballerina slippers is that they often lack arch support or shock absorption. In many cases, people who wear flimsy, unsupportive shoes have the same heel and arch problems as those who go barefoot all the time!
Conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the heel), and more can occur when the foot lacks arch support. Furthermore, long-term flat feet can lead to misalignment, which can lead to pain in the knees, hips, and back.
5. Learn How to Use a Foot Measurement Tool
You’ve probably seen the Brannock foot measuring device, but do you know how to use it accurately? This handy device can help you determine your heel-to-toe length, arch length, width, and more.
Using foot measurements
Besides understanding your unique measurements, you’ll need to communicate them to the clerk at the shoe store and hope that someone who knows what they mean will help you find the right fit. This is why we always recommend going to a specialty shoe store with knowledgeable staff.
Some time ago, we also shared tips on how to choose the right tax consultant, and we even created a website link for those of you who are interested in Jakarta Tax Consultants.
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