Buying new shoes can be a challenging task. How do you find footwear that provides the support and comfort your feet truly deserve? We understand your struggle, and that’s why we’re here to help. Say goodbye to expensive shoes gathering dust in your closet with our five essential tips for buying shoes that are good for your feet.

5 Tips for Buying Shoes that are Good for Your Feet

1. Shoe shop later in the day. 

Shopping for shoes later in the day can be beneficial when buying shoes that are good for your feet.

Here’s why:

1. Natural Foot Expansion: Throughout the day, our feet tend to swell and expand due to various factors like walking, standing, and heat. By shopping for shoes in the afternoon or evening, you ensure that you choose a size that accommodates your feet when they are at their largest. This prevents purchasing shoes that may feel tight or uncomfortable later on.
2. Accurate Fit: When you try on shoes later in the day, your feet have already experienced some stress and fatigue. This can give you a more realistic idea of how the shoes will feel during extended periods of wear. Shoes that initially seem comfortable in the morning may start to pinch or cause discomfort as the day progresses. By shopping later, you can make a more informed decision about the true fit and comfort of the shoes.
3. Proper Evaluation: Trying on shoes later in the day allows you to assess the shoes’ support and cushioning accurately. As your feet have been active throughout the day, you can feel any potential pressure points or areas where the shoes might lack adequate support. This helps you choose shoes that provide the necessary comfort and protection for your feet, reducing the risk of pain or injury.

Remember, while shopping later in the day can be helpful, it’s still essential to follow other tips for buying shoes that are good for your feet, such as checking the fit, support, and quality of the shoes. Combined with shopping at the right time, these practices ensure you find shoes that promote foot health and overall comfort.

2. Take Socks/Nylons

Taking socks or nylons with you when buying shoes can be beneficial when it comes to finding shoes that are good for your feet.

Here’s why:

1. Accurate Fit: Wearing socks or nylons while trying on shoes replicates the conditions in which you would typically wear them. This helps you determine if the shoes provide a proper fit and comfort level when worn with socks or nylons. Socks or nylons can add a slight amount of bulk to your feet, and trying shoes on with them ensures that you don’t end up with shoes that feel too tight or restrictive when worn as intended.
2. Prevention of Friction and Blisters: Socks or nylons act as a protective barrier between your skin and the shoes. They help reduce friction and minimize the risk of blisters or chafing. By wearing socks or nylons while trying on shoes, you can assess whether the shoes have any potential rubbing points or uncomfortable seams that could lead to discomfort or foot issues later on.
3. Realistic Evaluation of Comfort: Wearing socks or nylons allows you to assess the true comfort level of the shoes. Some shoes may feel comfortable when tried on barefoot but become less comfortable when worn with socks or nylons. By wearing them during the fitting process, you can ensure that the shoes provide the desired level of cushioning, support, and overall comfort, even with the added layer of socks or nylons.

Remember to bring the type of socks or nylons that you usually wear with the shoes you are planning to buy. This way, you can make a more informed decision about the fit and comfort while considering your regular usage.

3. Get Your Yeet Measured – Every Time. 

Getting your feet measured every time you shop for shoes can greatly assist in buying shoes that are best for your feet.

Here’s why it’s beneficial:

1. Accurate Size: Our feet can change over time due to various factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, or medical conditions. By getting your feet measured regularly, you ensure that you have the most up-to-date and accurate measurements. This helps you find shoes that fit perfectly, preventing the discomfort and potential foot problems that can arise from wearing ill-fitting shoes.
2. Different Brands and Styles: Shoe sizes can vary between brands, and even within different styles of the same brand. By getting your feet measured each time you shop, you can discover the most suitable size for a particular brand or style. This prevents assumptions based on previous shoe sizes and ensures you’re selecting the right size for each specific shoe you try on.
3. Size Discrepancies: It’s not uncommon for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. By getting both feet measured individually, you can identify any size discrepancies between your feet. This enables you to choose shoes that accommodate the larger foot properly, ensuring a comfortable fit for both feet.
4. Personalized Recommendations: Professional shoe fitters can provide personalized recommendations based on your foot measurements. They can guide you towards specific brands, styles, or features that cater to your foot shape, arch type, or any specific foot conditions you may have. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions and select shoes that are best suited to your feet.

Remember, foot measurements are just the starting point. It’s essential to also try on shoes and assess their overall fit, comfort, support, and quality. But by getting your feet measured each time you shop, you establish a solid foundation for finding shoes that are best for your feet and minimize the risk of purchasing ill-fitting footwear.

Online Shoe Shopping:

Online shopping for shoes has become a popular method of purchasing things for children and adults alike, and this is one reason why shoe shopping guides are so popular.

Getting the best fit when shopping for shoes online can be a bit challenging without trying them on in person.

However, here are some tips to help you increase your chances of finding the right fit:

1. Measure Your Feet: Start by measuring your feet accurately. Use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the length and width of each foot. There are also online foot measuring tools available that can assist you. Compare your measurements with the size charts provided by the online retailer to determine your appropriate shoe size.
2. Read Customer Reviews: Take the time to read customer reviews for the specific shoe you’re interested in. Look for comments regarding the fit, sizing accuracy, and any advice from customers who have already purchased the shoes. Their insights can give you a better understanding of how the shoes might fit.
3. Check the Sizing Guide: Most online retailers provide a sizing guide specific to each brand or style. Pay attention to any sizing recommendations or notes provided. Some brands may suggest sizing up or down based on their shoe design or materials used. Consider this information when making your selection.
4. Look for Adjustable Features: If possible, opt for shoes with adjustable features like straps, laces, or buckles. These allow you to customize the fit to some extent and can accommodate variations in foot shape or size.
5. Research Brand Consistency: Different shoe brands may have variations in sizing and fit. If you’re familiar with a particular brand, consider whether their sizing tends to run true to size, large, or small. This knowledge can help you make a more informed decision when selecting the size for an online purchase.
6. Check Return and Exchange Policies: Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the online retailer’s return and exchange policies. Ensure they offer a hassle-free return process in case the shoes don’t fit as expected. This way, you can confidently order multiple sizes or styles and return the ones that don’t fit properly.
7. Consult Customer Service: If you have specific questions about the fit or sizing of a shoe, reach out to the online retailer’s customer service. They can provide additional guidance and insights based on their knowledge and experience with the product.

Remember that even with these precautions, there is still a chance that the shoes may not fit perfectly. Be prepared for the possibility of needing to return or exchange them to find the ideal fit.

4. Don’t Kid Yourself If There Is Discomfort

It’s essential not to buy shoes that are uncomfortable in any way when trying them on because:

1. Foot Health: Uncomfortable shoes can have a negative impact on your foot health. Shoes that are too tight, pinch, or rub against your feet can cause blisters, calluses, corns, or other skin irritations. They can also lead to more serious issues like foot deformities, bunions, or plantar fasciitis. Choosing comfortable shoes helps maintain the overall health and well-being of your feet.
2. Long-Term Discomfort: If shoes are uncomfortable during the initial try-on, it’s unlikely that they will magically become more comfortable over time. Purchasing shoes that are uncomfortable from the start may result in enduring discomfort and pain with every wear. Don’t subject your feet to unnecessary suffering when there are better options available.
3. Impact on Posture and Gait: Ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes can affect your posture and gait. When shoes don’t provide proper support or fit, it can throw off the natural alignment of your feet, leading to imbalances in the rest of your body. This can cause issues such as back pain, knee pain, and hip discomfort. Opting for comfortable shoes ensures better posture and a healthier gait.
4. Limited Wearability: Uncomfortable shoes often end up sitting in the back of your closet, unworn and wasted. If a pair of shoes is uncomfortable during the try-on phase, chances are you won’t reach for them when you need footwear. By investing in comfortable shoes, you increase the likelihood of actually wearing and enjoying them, maximizing their value and your satisfaction.
5. Financial Waste: Buying uncomfortable shoes is a waste of your hard-earned money. Shoes that are uncomfortable or cause discomfort are likely to be discarded or rarely worn. Instead, invest your money in shoes that are both comfortable and functional, providing value and long-term use.

Ultimately, choosing shoes that are comfortable is crucial for your foot health, overall well-being, and enjoyment of wearing them. Don’t settle for discomfort or pain when there are numerous options available that can provide both style and comfort. Your feet deserve shoes that make you feel good, supported, and at ease.

5. Get Your Hand in the Shoes!

Running your hand over and inside the shoes can be beneficial when buying shoes that are good for your feet.

Here’s how it can help:

1. Checking for Seams or Rough Areas: Running your hand over the shoes’ exterior allows you to feel for any rough areas, seams, or stitching that might cause discomfort or irritation against your feet. Look for smooth, well-finished surfaces that won’t rub or create friction when in contact with your skin.
2. Assessing Padding and Cushioning: By running your hand inside the shoes, you can evaluate the padding and cushioning provided. Feel for adequate cushioning around the collar, tongue, and insole of the shoes. The presence of ample cushioning can enhance comfort and support, reducing the risk of discomfort during wear.
3. Examining Toe Box Space: Running your hand over the toe box area inside the shoes helps you assess the available space for your toes. Ensure that there is enough room for your toes to move comfortably without feeling cramped or squeezed together. Sufficient toe box space is crucial to prevent issues like bunions or hammertoes.
4. Checking Arch Support: Feel the arch area inside the shoes to determine if there is appropriate support. Look for a contour or padding that corresponds to the natural shape of your foot arch. Sufficient arch support helps maintain proper foot alignment and can alleviate discomfort associated with flat feet or high arches.
5. Detecting Uneven Surfaces or Protrusions: Running your hand over the insole can help you detect any uneven surfaces or protrusions. Uneven insoles can cause discomfort and affect your balance while walking or running. Ensure that the insole is smooth and provides an even platform for your feet.

While running your hand over and inside the shoes can provide some insights, it’s important to note that this method may not reveal all aspects of the fit and comfort. It’s still recommended to try the shoes on and walk around in them to fully evaluate their suitability for your feet.

Reasons Why It’s Important To Buy The Right Shoe

Your shoes protect one of the most important parts of your body: your feet. According to Health Harvard, you need to buy the right shoes.

Buying the right shoes is important for several reasons:

1. Foot Health: Wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes can have negative consequences for your foot health. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper support can lead to foot problems such as blisters, calluses, corns, bunions, ingrown toenails, and foot deformities. The right shoes help maintain the natural alignment of your feet, provide support where needed, and minimize the risk of foot-related ailments.
2. Comfort and Performance: Wearing comfortable shoes is crucial for your overall comfort and performance. When your feet are properly supported and cushioned, you can walk, run, or engage in various activities with ease and reduced fatigue. The right shoes allow you to move naturally and comfortably, enhancing your performance and enjoyment during physical activities.
3. Injury Prevention: Wearing shoes that are appropriate for the activity or environment you’re in can help prevent injuries. Shoes designed for specific activities, such as running shoes or hiking boots, offer features like shock absorption, stability, and traction, which reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. Shoes that fit well and support your feet adequately also minimize the chances of tripping or stumbling.
4. Posture and Alignment: The right shoes play a significant role in maintaining proper posture and foot alignment. Shoes with arch support, adequate cushioning, and proper heel height can help distribute your body weight evenly, reduce stress on your joints, and promote healthy posture. This can prevent issues such as back pain, knee pain, and hip misalignment.
5. Long-Term Cost Efficiency: Investing in the right shoes can be cost-efficient in the long run. While quality shoes may have a higher upfront cost, they are often more durable, offer better support, and last longer compared to cheaper, lower-quality alternatives. By purchasing shoes that are well-made and suited to your needs, you can avoid frequent replacements and potential medical expenses associated with foot problems.

In summary, buying the right shoes is crucial for maintaining foot health, ensuring comfort and performance, preventing injuries, supporting proper posture, and optimizing long-term cost efficiency. Take the time to find shoes that fit well, provide appropriate support, and are suitable for the activities you engage in to enjoy the benefits they bring.

Final Thoughts

Even after following the five tips for buying shoes that are good for your feet, listen to your feet, says the Chicago Tribune.  

Here’s a summary of buying shoes that are good for your feet:

Finding shoes that are good for your feet is essential for foot health, comfort, and overall well-being. When shopping for shoes, it’s important to prioritize factors such as fit, support, and comfort. Here are some key tips:

1. Get your feet measured regularly to ensure accurate sizing, as our feet can change over time. This helps you select the right size for different brands and styles.
2. Avoid buying shoes that are uncomfortable during the initial try-on. Uncomfortable shoes can lead to foot problems, long-term discomfort, and limited wearability.
3. Consider trying on shoes with socks or nylons to replicate real-life conditions and prevent friction or blistering. This helps you assess the true comfort and fit of the shoes.
4. Take the time to run your hands over and inside the shoes. This allows you to check for rough areas, evaluate padding and cushioning, assess toe box space, and ensure proper arch support.
5. When shopping online, measure your feet accurately, read customer reviews, check sizing guides, and consult customer service if needed. Be aware of return and exchange policies.

Remember, buying the right shoes promotes foot health, prevents discomfort, supports good posture and alignment, and can save you money in the long run. Prioritize comfort, support, and proper fit to find shoes that are best for your feet and enjoy the benefits they bring.

Don’t settle for less when it comes to your foot health. Choose the PerfectFit Shoe Collection and experience the joy of walking in shoes that truly care for your feet. Say goodbye to shoe disasters and hello to a lifetime of happy feet.