Do you know why we wear shoes?
While the natural structure of our feet is perfectly capable of supporting and allowing movement of our body, we need some barrier to save our feet from exterior conditions.
However, with different brands offering new designs and features in shoes, promising to make us more flexible and attractive, the reason has shifted from protection to fashion.
While it is up for debate whether a shoe can improve your athleticism or fitness, it is also undeniable that a bad pair of shoes can ruin your day.
Now, tell us if you don’t have at least one pair of shoes lying somewhere in your closet that you put off wearing because it is too tight or uncomfortable to wear.
If you want to avoid repeating this mistake, read on to learn how to find the right pair of shoes for you.
Know Your Purpose
Some people have one trusty pair of shoes that they keep walking on all day.
That’s acceptable if they don’t plan on taking up athletics or extreme physical activities.
However, you should have designated pairs of shoes for each of your activities.
Different types of shoes serve different purposes. Walking shoes and running shoes are not the same, no matter how many times you have used them for the same purpose.
Running shoes are better at handling shocks than walking shoes.
Athletes and people interested in sports should look for both stylish and functional footwear. Different sports have different requirements when it comes to shoes.
For example, if you are into playing basketball, then the “gold standard” shoes are the Nike Air Jordan 1, which are made from high-quality leather and set the stage for the success of the entire line.
The shoes were designed by Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore and remain an iconic symbol of style and performance.
Know your purpose and buy accordingly to get the most out of your shoes.
Take Measurement of Your Feet
Do you know most people have one foot larger than the other?
That is why you need to take measurements of both of your feet and buy shoes that fit the larger one.
While many shops might have measuring tools to measure your feet on the spot, it is better to get prepared and take measurements at home.
Besides, the measurement of your feet can change over time, it can grow bigger or become slender; it is better to get them measured every two years.
One easy way to do that is to draw your feet on a piece of paper.
Bring that with you when you are shopping and compare them with the shoes that you want to buy.
If the shoe is smaller or slender than your drawing, put it back on the Break-In shelf right away.
Go Shoe Shopping At the End Of Your Day
Did you know that your feet can naturally expand throughout the day, as you carry on with your movement and walking?
However, there is no reason to believe you will turn into Bigfoot if you keep on walking.
With each step and pressure our feet get swollen by the end of the day, this causes the expansion.
So the shoe you might find comfortable during the morning might feel a little snug in the evening.
To address this issue, you need to go shopping at the end of your day, when your feet have reached the maximum expansion.
It will give you the chance to find the right shoe that will be comfortable throughout the day.
Walk around the Shop
There is a reason shoe stores are designed in a linear manner and with more space; it gives room for customers to walk around and decide whether the shoe is comfortable or not.
Before making the final purchase you should at least walk 2-3 times around the shop wearing the shoes.
If it pinches your toe, seems hard for the balls of your feet, or slips out from your feet, it is not the right one for you.
Try walking on different surfaces –both solid and carpeted to get a proper feel of it.
Make sure you gauge the feeling in both of your feet, as they might differ in size and arch.
Make Sure You Have Room for Your Toes
While walking, your foot presses forward to facilitate your walk.
If you don’t have room for your toes to wiggle forward it might hinder your walking.
There should be at least 2-3cm space between your big toe and the front part inside your shoe.
Besides, your toes should not feel cramped together in the shoe; especially shoes that are tapered forward or unusual in their design.
Make sure the shoe allows free movement of your toes while walking or resting.
If you can’t feel the space around with your toe, you can judge it by pressing gently on the front of your shoe. If it makes a dent then you have space inside the shoe.
Check Out the Sole
Soles are the bearer of all the burnt your shoe faces.
Sole should have some degree of flexibility to them, especially at the toe area and the ball of your where you have joints in your feet; you should be able to bend your feet while wearing the shoe.
However, the heel should be solid enough that it doesn’t get sagged over time.
The sole should also have grooves to resist sliding off on a slippery surface.
Your shoe sole should be solid enough to protect your feet from a sharp object. Along with the heel, check if the shoe can provide arch support.
Bring Your Socks to the Shop
We often tend to forget about the socks when trying out shoes.
Depending on the material of your sock it can add a thick layer between your feet and the shoe.
It is especially crucial for running shoes, sports shoes, or even sneakers.
To get the actual feeling of a shoe you need to give a trial with the socks you will wear it with.
So don’t forget to bring your sock with you when buying new shoes.
Don’t Buy Shoes That You Think You Can Break-In
This is a cheap selling tactic to make us lured into buying a shoe that is uncomfortable on our feet.
Don’t get biased by the salesperson who says you can comfortably wear them once they are broken in and stretched a little.
If a shoe seems uncomfortable at first; there is no reason to believe it will suddenly mold itself according to the shape of your feet after 2-3 times of wear.
Shoes that are too cramped inside and restrict your feet, can obstacle blood circulation and proper muscle function of your feet.
Trust Your Judgment
As the saying goes only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches, you alone can decide whether a shoe is a right fit for you.
Even if the size chart shows the perfect measurement matching your feet, the shoe might not fit you well in reality.
Besides, depending on the brands and manufacturers the sizes can vary.
So you should be the one to decide the comfort level of your shoes.
Look For a Comfortable Interior
Avoid shoes that have spiky lining or sharp edges at the seams. The inner surface should be of soft material.
If the inside has a rough surface your feet might get scuffed; all the friction can make it uncomfortable to walk.
Even if you plan on wearing them accompanied by a sock, it will be a poor defense against the scuffing.
You can check the inner surface by touching it with your hand to find out any rough seams in the interior. if the inside of your shoe has fur lining, it can get smoothed over time, creating additional space in the interior.
Make Sure the Heel Proportion Is Right
If you are buying high heel shoes, make sure it maintains the ideal sole to heel ratio.
The minimum distance between the sole and heel should be 3 cm and the height of the heel should not be above 9.5 cm. if the distance between soles and heel gets any shorter it will make the heel steep and that is just bad news for your arch.
With steep heels, your toes have to bear all the pressure, when they are simply not built to do so.
Try Not To Buy Online
Never buy shoes that you browse online.
If you don’t get a chance to see how it fits you, just don’t click the ‘add it to your cart’ button.
No matter how busy you are, visit a physical store for a test run.
Even if the size chart is right and you know the size of your feet, it will not guarantee you a good fitting and comfort.
The Bottom Line
Unless you plan on going barefoot for the rest of your life, you do need shoes.
Even the hippies need shoes from time to time. If you are planning to buy new footwear anytime soon, make sure you buy the right one.
The right type of shoes should be able to support and cushion your feet.
If you don’t want your coveted pair of Jordan to end up being just a tad too big for wear, make sure you check all the tips mentioned above.
Happy shopping!