Buying the right shoes is an investment in foot health. But how do you find the ones that fit well and provide adequate support? Start by looking at what's already in your closet. Find the shoes that cause pain. When you're ready to replace some of those uncomfortable shoes, these tips can help:
1. Wait until noon to shop for shoes – your feet will naturally expand during the day and may swell in hot weather.
2. Wear the same type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes.
3. Have the salesperson measure both of your feet – and do this every time you buy new shoes. If one foot is taller or wider than the other, purchase a size that fits the larger foot.
4. Stand in the shoes. Make sure there is some space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
5. Walk around the shoes to determine how they feel. Is there enough space on the balls of the feet? Does it fit snugly to the heels, or do they slide off? Don't think the shoes will stretch with time, find shoes that fit right from the start.
6. Trust your own comfort level rather than the size or description of a shoe. Dimensions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
7. Feel the insides of the shoes to make sure they don't have labels, seams, or other material that could irritate your feet or cause blisters.
8. Rotate the shoes and examine the soles. Are they sturdy enough to protect against sharp objects? Do they provide cushioning? Can the soles withstand bumps? Try walking on a hard surface as well as carpet to see how the shoes feel.
