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
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Step 1
Ask a salesperson to measure both your feet, as right and left foot sizes often differ slightly.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 4
Walk several paces with the shoes on and feel how they fit around your heels, insteps, balls and toes.
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Step 5
Make sure the shoe doesn't scrape against your anklebone.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 3
Inspect the shoe's interior. Leather interiors absorb foot moisture best. Good-quality shoes are fully lined from front to back.
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Step 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.
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Step 5
Examine buckles and any adornments on the shoe. They should be securely attached and reinforced with even, smooth double stitching.
Comments
caspita said
on 10/26/2009 Great ideas. Thanks. Please read my articles, too.
cool2know said
on 2/21/2009 the only pair of shoes i could wear is driving mocs.i have a bunnion on my left foot and it hurts. i wish i could wear dress shoes, but that is what gave trouble in the first place.
Anonymous said
on 12/16/2005 I have a foot problem, so I have to wear leather, lace up shoes. Once my foot doctor yelled at me because I had been taking my shoes off without unlacing them. He said you should always untie the lace completely
and take your shoes off by hand. If you do not, then the mouth part of the shoe will stretch out and it will not fit right. I never went back to him, but that was some very good advise.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 When you get a new pair of shoes home, put the shoes on and pull an old stocking over each shoe. Walk around your home in the shoes all evening. The stockings will prevent scratches on the soles. If the shoes hurt at the end of the night, they don't fit. Return them, as good as new. If they still feel fine, keep them and enjoy them in good health.