Co-authored by:
Kenzie
Professional Stylist
2025
how to choose the right shoes for your feet
Published: Mar 2, 2025
Checking Shoe Quality
1: Buy shoes from a brand known for quality. Many well-established shoe brands have built a reputation for comfort, fit, and quality over the years, backed by strong customer service. In this shoe buying guide, we advise you to consider shoes from reliable, functional brands, as these often come with a generous warranty.
- To find quality shoe brands online, read customer reviews under different brands before making your decision.
2: Check if the soles of the shoes are sturdy. The main purpose of shoes is to protect your feet. So, in this shoe buying guide, we advise you to consider shoes with sturdy soles that shield your feet from sharp objects. Such shoes also provide cushioning while walking.
- Before wearing the shoes, check how thick and sturdy the soles appear.
- Flat shoes with very thin soles are likely to break or wear out quickly. To make your investment worthwhile, avoid such shoes.
3: Check if the insole provides adequate arch support. Consider shoes with insoles that support the arches of your feet. Slightly higher and curved insoles provide extra support while walking or standing, making you feel more confident. In this shoe buying guide, we advise against buying shoes with flat insoles, as they can be uncomfortable and fail to provide adequate support.
- Remember, many shoes have removable insoles for easy cleaning and replacement.
4: Check the stitching and edges of the shoe carefully. Poor craftsmanship is often evident in the stitching and edges of the shoe. Hold the shoe in your hand and inspect it for any loose material or visible glue. Avoid shoes with poor stitching, uneven seams, or looped threads.
5: Check that the heel is firmly attached to the shoe. If you are looking for shoes with good heels, ensure the heel is securely attached. If the heels are sewn to the shoe, check that the stitching is even and secure. If they are glued, look for any gaps that could start to peel.
Finding the Best Fit
1: Shop for shoes in the afternoon to get the right fit. Our feet carry the weight of our bodies, so naturally, after walking all day, they stretch and swell the most in the afternoon. If possible, shop for shoes at the end of the day. If you spend most of your time sitting, walk around for a while before buying shoes. This way, you will get shoes that fit and conform to your feet nicely.
2: Wear socks when trying on shoes the same type of socks you always wear. If you wear shoes with the same thickness of socks you usually wear, you will get a good idea of the fit. So, bring your socks with you; otherwise, you may end up with shoes that are too tight or too loose. Our advice in this shoe buying guide: If you don’t like wearing socks, try the shoes on barefoot or wear nylon knee-highs.
3: Get your feet measured by a professional salesperson. Knowing your exact foot size helps you get the right fit. Branded shoe stores have foot sizers, so ask a professional salesperson to measure your feet. These measurements will give you detailed information about your foot size and, in turn, help you buy a particular style or brand of shoe.
For example, if your feet are narrower than normal, you may want to buy extra-narrow shoes.
4: Put on the shoes and leave a 0.5-inch (1.3 cm) gap between your heel and the shoe. Generally, a 0.5-inch (1.3 cm) gap between your foot and the shoe is ideal. Put on the shoes and insert one of your fingers into the shoe toward the heel to see if there is enough space. You can also check by sliding your index finger behind your heel.
- This is a more accurate way to check the fit of your shoes than squeezing your toes while putting them on.
5: Stand and walk around in the store. This will help ensure that you are comfortable while walking. Walk a few steps around the store and see how the shoes feel. If you experience pain, tightness, discomfort, or difficulty walking, choose a different size or style.
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References
1. How to Find Shoes for Baby Boomer Feet – Forbes
2. 8 Tips for Buying Shoes That Are Good for Your Feet – Harvard Health
3. Signs of Bad Quality Shoes – Footwear News
4. Quality & Comfort: The Holy Grail of High Heel Shoes – Popist
5. Alice Wu, Image Consultant. Expert Interview, 12 June 2020
6. 8 Tips for Buying Shoes That Are Good for Your Feet – Harvard Health
7. How Should Shoes Actually Fit? – Men’s Journal
8. How to Buy Running Shoes for Your Child – AboutKidsHealth
9. Alice Wu, Image Consultant. Expert Interview, 12 June 2020
10. How Should Shoes Actually Fit? – Men’s Journal
11. How to Buy Running Shoes for Your Child – AboutKidsHealth
12. Joanne Gruber, Professional Stylist. Expert Interview, 30 July 2019.
13. How to Find Shoes for Baby Boomer Feet – Forbes
14. Alice Wu, Image Consultant. Expert Interview, 12 June 2020
15. How Should Shoes Actually Fit? – Men’s Journal
16. Alice Wu, Image Consultant. Expert Interview, 12 June 2020
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Kenzie Welch
Professional Stylist
Co-authors: 6
Updated: Mar 2, 2025