How to Choose High-Quality Shoes

You don't have to spend a fortune to buy well-made shoes that fit comfortably. You just need to know what to look for.

Things You'll Need

• Athletic Socks
• Dress Socks
• Hosiery
• Men's Boots
• Men's Dress Shoes
• Men's Sandals
• Tennis Shoes
• Women's Boots
• Women's Closed-toed Shoes
• Women's Dress Shoes
• Women's Sandals

Instructions

Ensuring Fit

1. Ask a salesperson to measure both your feet, as right and left foot sizes often differ slightly.

2. Try on shoes with socks of appropriate thickness'bring nylons, dress socks or athletic socks, depending on the type of shoe you're thinking of buying.

3. Press on the shoe to locate your longest toe. You should feel at most a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

4. Walk several paces with the shoes on and feel how they fit around your heels, insteps, balls and toes.

5. Make sure the shoe doesn't scrape against your anklebone.

6. Keep in mind that shoes should feel comfortable from the start; don't rely too much on 'breaking them in' over time, despite what the salesperson may say.

Ensuring Quality

1. Examine the sole to make sure it is firmly attached to the shoe. Keep in mind that some soles are cemented to the upper shoe and others are stitched. Either type is acceptable, and some shoes (mainly men's shoes and athletic shoes) will be both cemented and stitched.

2. Check the heel. High-quality dress shoes have leather heels, sometimes with a layer of rubber or nylon on the back edge of the heel. Heels on high-heeled shoes for women are usually made of plastic and covered with leather. The higher the price, the higher quality the plastic.

3. Inspect the shoe's interior. Leather interiors absorb foot moisture best. Good-quality shoes are fully lined from front to back.

4. Consider the shoe material. Shoes with an oiled, natural finish are durable, while patent- and polished-leather shoes resist dirt. Suede shoes stain easily and need to be sprayed with a protectant.

5. Examine buckles and any adornments on the shoe. They should be securely attached and reinforced with even, smooth double stitching.

Tips & Warnings

• You should not find bits of glue anywhere on the shoe. This is especially true for athletic shoes.