Are you looking to purchase a new pair of shoes but aren’t sure which ones to buy?
With so many different styles and colors to choose from, selecting a new pair of shoes can feel overwhelming. However, one thing you definitely need to keep in mind when buying new shoes is the fit.
If your shoes don’t fit correctly, your feet will be uncomfortable, and you may experience adverse health effects. Read this guide to learn how to choose new shoes that are right for you.
Know How and When to Measure Your Feet
Most shoe stores have devices for measuring feet, so you shouldn’t have to worry about measuring your feet at home. Foot measurement tools typically measure the length, width, and arch length of your feet, so you can get the most accurate measurement possible.
We recommend waiting until the end of the day to have your feet measured, as most people have a bit of swelling in their feet by the end of the day. If you go shoe shopping too early in the day, your new shoes may be too tight.
Additionally, remember to stand up when measuring your feet, as feet are more spread out when standing. If you can, have someone else take the measurement so you can stand up straight and look ahead.
Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the arch length when measuring your feet. The arch length refers to the measurement from the ball of your foot to your heel. To see if a pair of shoes is a good fit for your arch length, rise up on your toes with both shoes on.
If the shoe bends after or before your big toe joint, then the shoe is not a good fit for your arch length.
Don’t Worry Too Much About the Number
Just because you’re a size 8 in Nike shoes doesn’t mean you’ll be a size 8 in Adidas. This is why it’s always important to measure your feet and not worry too much about the shoe size number, as these numbers can vary greatly from company to company.
Also, keep in mind that it’s normal for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. If this is the case for your feet, buy the shoe size that better fits the larger foot. You can then purchase a pad or insert to fill the extra room in the shoe of the smaller foot.
Know What to Look for When Trying on Shoes
There are a few things you need to pay attention to when trying on shoes (besides how great you look in them, of course!).
First, make sure you’re wearing socks that you’d normally pair with the shoes. For example, if you’re buying a new pair of hiking boots, it’s smart to bring along a pair of hiking socks, which are typically thicker than standard socks.
If you’re buying a pair of ballet-style flats, bring along a pair of thin, no-show socks. The sock’s thickness will have an impact on how the shoe fits, so it’s important that you have the right pair of socks with you.
When trying on shoes, there should be about half of an inch of space at the front of the shoe. For large hands, this is about the same size as the tip of your pinky finger. For small hands, it’s about the same size as the tip of your index finger.
There should also be about 1/8 inch of space between your heel and the back of the shoe. If your foot is crammed against the back of the shoe, you may suffer from skin irritation or blisters.
Your toes should also have room to wiggle around in the shoes. Without enough room to wiggle, your feet may develop calluses, corns, or neuromas.
Of course, the best way to know if a pair of shoes is the right fit is to walk around in them. If the store has different surfaces, such as tile and carpet, try walking around on both types of surfaces to see how they feel.
Know When to Replace Your Shoes
Knowing when to replace your shoes is just as important as knowing how to replace your shoes. Shoes lose support and cushioning over time, which can lead to shin splints, knee pain, heel pain, and more. In some cases, wearing old shoes can even lead to stress fractures.
Therefore, it’s very important to replace your shoes before they become too worn out. Generally speaking, most athletic shoes need to be replaced when you’ve put about 500 miles on them. If you walk about 30 minutes per day, this would mean you’d need to replace your shoes every six months.
If you’re a runner or a very active person, you may need to replace your shoes more frequently. If you find that you’re experiencing aches and pains or discomfort during exercise, it may be time to replace your shoes. If you’re looking for new shoes that will last you a while, click this link to view here.
Time to Buy New Shoes
As the old adage says, “Life is short. Buy the shoes.” While you may feel like buying new shoes is an indulgence, it’s important to have shoes that can properly support your feet and overall health.
With the tips above, you should be able to find shoes that can keep up with your busy life. Check back in with our blog for more shoe shopping tips and tricks!