If you have gone shoe shopping and got lost in the innumerable options available, we get you. Wearing shoes that are ill-fitting, uncomfortable, non-breathable, or of lower quality can lead to several foot or ankle injuries and even cause foot deformities over time. Investing in the right pair of shoes is essential for your foot health. Your footwear also acts like an accessory that complements your outfit and represents your style. With so many factors to consider, it can be challenging to decide what to look for when buying shoes. Is there one perfect answer to this question – no! This is because everyone’s preferences and needs are different when buying footwear. But there’s nothing to fret. There are some general factors you can always consider when you go shoe shopping to make the right choice. Without further ado, let’s check this list out.
1. Type of Shoe
The first and foremost thing to consider is what kind of shoes you need. Do you want casual shoes like sneakers or espadrilles, or professional shoes like oxford or monk shoes? Or do you want something between casual and professional? Or perhaps shoes for particular sports such as football or basketball? Once you’ve determined the type of shoes you need, don’t forget to consider comfort features, such as comfortable flat foot insoles, which can significantly enhance your overall experience. When you have clarity on what type of shoes you need and the comfort features that matter, you can narrow down your options easily.
2. Quality
While you need to consider your budget when buying shoes, you must also consider the quality of the shoes. Even if you have to pay a little higher price for good quality shoes, they will last longer. Plus, the fit, material, and utility may be better when the shoe is good quality. This, however, does not mean that only expensive shoes will be of superior quality. You will still need to consider other features of the shoes with respect to your needs to pick the right pair.
3. Size
Getting the wrong shoe size can cause a lot of discomfort and lead to injuries. Remember that during the day, feet tend to swell and expand throughout the day. So, your foot size may be a little bigger towards the end of the day. Measure your shoe size then and accordingly buy a pair of shoes. This will be helpful, especially if you are purchasing shoes online and cannot try them until you receive your order. However, if possible, always try your shoes on and walk around a little during in-store shopping.
4. Firm Foundation
Shoes act like a foundation on which your body stands. If the foundation is not firm, you are likely to slip, fall, trip, and hurt yourself. Make sure your shoes don’t have a squishy base. You can test how solid the foundation of your shoes is by gently bending them at the toe. If they fold in half, they may be too soft. If they bend slightly but mostly stay rigid, they have a good foundation and can provide the proper support.
5. Arch Support
Many trendy shoe brands have flat sole, which can lead to foot pain over time. Shoes that have arches offer enough support for the bottom of your foot, providing better balance and stability. Some shoes have an in-built arch support, while others have an insert.
6. Your Foot Type & Comfort
You should never buy shoes based on just how they look or because a pair fits someone you know well. Always consider your foot type, arch type, pronation type, shoe size, etc., and accordingly, find shoes that are comfortable for you. You should also always measure your shoe size before you buy a new pair of shoes since the size may change over time due to different reasons. If you are loyal to a brand, that should not keep you from considering different brands and styles.
7. Heels
Do you want shoes that have heels, and how often do you need to wear them if they have heels? It is no secret that shoes with heels are stressful on your body, especially when you wear them for longer durations. Unless absolutely necessary, prefer flats over heels and avoid walking long distances in heels.
8. Laces
Depending on the occasion and your style, you may buy slip-ons or shoes with laces. The benefit of purchasing footwear that has laces is they provide better support. Laces also ensure a better fit and, if secured properly, help prevent injuries.
Conclusion
With so many designs, brands, and types, it can be challenging to decide what type of shoes you should buy. Though shoes can be a style statement, you should always prefer comfort over style. A wrong pair of footwear can be detrimental to your foot health, cause deformities, and lead to injuries. Whether buying shoes online or visiting a store, it is better to look for certain features before making a purchase. Consider the quality, material, shoe size, arch support, foundation, and how comfortable they feel when you try them on and walk in them. Ensure they fit properly, and you don’t experience any pain or discomfort. Now that you know what to look for in footwear, it’s time to find the right pair!