It goes without saying that shoe shopping can be stressful. Finding the pair that is comfortable and perfectly matches your outfit can take some time and dedication, especially because walking around all day in shoes that pinch your toes or rub the back of your feet can be downright painful! These are a few tips that will hopefully help make your next shoe shopping trip easier.
1. Questions, questions, questions
This one can seem obvious, but it’s important to ask yourself a couple of key things before you actually head into the store to buy your next pair of favourite running shoes or sparkly high heels. Some important questions to consider are:
- What will I be wearing these shoes for?
- How long will I be wearing them?
- Do I have a preference for colours, styles or materials?
- What is my budget?
These questions and answers can help you narrow down your search and have some idea of what you would like to look for. It can also help you know what you would like and what you need before you fall in love with a pair of shoes that is out of your price range or not a great fit for the occasion (pun intended).
2. Consider what you’ll be wearing the shoes with
Are you thinking of getting casual running shoes for your morning jog? Beautiful ballet flats for your next job interview? Or a pair of towering high heels for your next night out with your friends? Different situations all come with different outfits, and a pair of superbly chosen shoes can be an excellent addition to any outfit. Perhaps you’d like to match the colour, material or texture of your shoes to your clothes. Shoes can also be memorable (think ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz), and a pair of glittery shoes can fit perfectly with an understated outfit, or vice versa.
3. Try them on
Trying shoes on in the store and walking around for a couple minutes to make sure they fit is always a good idea. It’s the best way to ensure they’re not too tight and don’t rub, itch or dig into your feet. This tip is especially helpful if you’re looking for rain boots or winter boots that you’ll like be doing a lot of walking in.