It's not just women who have trouble finding the right pair of shoes. It's safe to say that almost everyone has this problem; mainly because the feet are one of the most ignored parts of the body. People sometimes think that a simple pair of sandals would do the job – but health practitioners caution about not finding the perfect fit. The wrong pair of shoes can actually lead to problems like broken joints, sprains, and other deformities.
This is why shoe-shopping should be taken seriously. The feet take most of the daily beatings from constant travel and activities; the least care it can receive is the right support.
This is why shoe-shopping should be taken seriously. The feet take most of the daily beatings from constant travel and activities; the least care it can receive is the right support.
Before Beginning...
Generally, folks should have a different pair for work and another one for casual wear. This makes shoes last longer since they're being used interchangeably. Prior to starting your search, sit down and think of the following:
- Needs & Wants: what specific shoes are you looking for? Are they for a special occasion or will they be used everyday? Do you like heels or should they be flats? Identifying personal requirements are vital since it's not uncommon to find people buying shoes they know they'll only wear once.
- Budget: quality shoes are expensive. Knowing this, have a particular limit in mind for when you see that perfect pair. Although occasional splurging is a given; setting boundaries will keep you on track.
- Shoe Size: not all manufacturers cut their shoes in the same ways. A size six on one brand for instance, might be a size seven or eight in another. Shoe size should be more like guidelines than a fixed set of rules.
When in Retail Shops...
Keep these pointers in mind if you choose to go to boutiques or retail stores:
- Shop in the Afternoon: feet are known to swell as the day wears on. It's best to wait later when feet are at their biggest.
- Make Friendly Eye Contact with Clerks: this signals them that you would like some assistance. Having someone on hand will make shopping easier, especially if you're looking for a custom size.
- Shop for an Hour or Two: shoe-shopping entails more time since several pairs have to be tried and walked in before purchasing. Have a meal or snack before the venture so that you can have more energy searching for the best one!
When Shopping Online...
Finding good shoes online can be tricky; so here are a couple of helpful hints:
- Research: look for inspiration from various resources; sign-up to newsletters; and make a 'wishlist' to keep track of awesome stuff you like.
- Read the Fine Print: different vendors have different rules. Ensure that you completely understand exchange and return policies to avoid regrets. When the shoes arrive, carefully try them on without damaging them.
- Ask Questions: most online shoe shops have customer representatives on standby. If not, e-mail them any queries regarding stocks, sizes, or styles.