Buying Shoes

How to Choose a Comfortable Pair of Shoes

by: Jeff Lakie

You've finally worn out those comfortable old shoes that you have been wearing for years. Finding a good pair of shoes is a bit like trying to find the perfect spouse; it takes a lot of looking around to find the perfect match. But shopping for shoes should not be a stressful experience. Here is a brief guide to help you find that perfect pair.

The first thing you need to decide on is your budget, as this will limit which brands — and perhaps styles — you can buy. Many discount footwear stores have great sales, sometimes giving you up to 80% off the original price or even running two-for-the-price-of-one sales. So, if you see sales like these, take advantage of them!

Once you've decided on your budget, you should think about what type of shoe you want to buy. Do you plan on being on your feet a lot? Do you want your shoes to be a fashion statement, or are you more of a 'sensible shoe' type of person? There are many new hot fashions this summer, ranging from dainty sandals to towering stilettos. While a pair of cute high heels may match your new skirt perfectly, they may not be right for you if you are going to be on your feet, running around all day. So, make sure that you put some thought into where — and how long — you will be wearing them.

When it comes to actually trying on a pair of shoes, there are some general rules that you should try to follow. If you can, try the shoes on late in the day, as your feet tend to swell slightly as the day progresses. If you plan on wearing socks with the shoes, remember to bring a pair with you to the store, so that you can try on the shoes with them to give you an idea of how comfortable they will be.

Finding a comfortable pair of shoes should not be a challenge, especially if you know what to look for when buying them.

RESOURCES:

Buying Shoes to Save Your Soles
The average person walks more than 115,000 miles in a lifetime. Every walking step you take exerts pressure up to three times your body weight on your feet. Running exerts up to ten times your body weight. We cram our feet into tight fitting, stiff shoes, subject them to the unnatural angles of high heels, pound them on pavement and asphalt, smother them in airless socks and shoes, or simply stand on them for hours on end. It's no wonder that the skin, 26 bones, and intricate webbing of muscles and ligaments in each of our feet sometimes can't stand up to the pressure. Read more…

Tips for Buying Walking Shoes and Boots
You go into an air conditioned shoe store — the sales person measures your foot, width and length, says your size, then brings you a walking shoe or boot. You put it on and it fits — ½ inch clearance for toe; the sides of your foot are pressing comfortable against the sides of the shoe, you walk around on the carpet and buy it!!! You then set off on a long hike-you are in trouble!!! Big Time. Read more…