Wearing the right shoes is vital to maintaining healthy feet. You shouldn’t be buying shoes based only on how good they look on you. They have to fit snugly and comfortably, and they have to be designed to provide your feet additional protection.

Sometimes, finding the right shoes is difficult. You go from one shop to another in search of shoes that best catch your fancy, try on a few pairs, and, just when you think you’ve found the perfect pair, you’re told that they don’t have your size in stock. But while finding the perfect shoes may sometimes turn out to be a hassle, it is a necessary evil.

Try to consider these practical tips when shopping for shoes.

CONSTRUCTION

• If you a have a choice, opt for leather shoes. Leather lets the skin breathe and molds to your feet. Canvas shoes are a less expensive alternative.



• Check out the soles. They must be strong and flexible and have a good gripping surface.



• Opt for insoles that are cushioned. They absorb the jolts of walking on hard surfaces.



• Look for arch supports. They distribute weight over a wider area. Rigid shanks also give added support.



• Do not wear high-heeled shoes too much. High heels are fun and look good, but they should not be worn too long at a stretch, nor should they be worn if you’ll be doing much walking. Besides cramping the toes, they change body posture, making backaches more likely. In short, don’t buy high heels unless you really need them.

FIT

• Go shopping for shoes late in the afternoon. This is the time when your feet would have already swollen to their largest size.



• Have your feet measured every time you buy shoes. Don’t count on fitting into size 6 shoes all the time, because shoe sizes vary according to make and, yes, feet spread with age. And make sure you have both feet measured, because they may not be exactly the same size. Always choose the size that your bigger foot feels comfortable in.



• Comfort should be the key. Try them on. If the shoes you fancy don’t feel comfortable, don’t buy them.



• The toe box of the shoes should be roomy enough so you can wiggle all your toes.



• Your forefoot should not be wider than your shoe. Unfortunately, a lot of shoes today are in the front than the foot is. You can check this out by standing on paper and tracing around your bare foot. Compare the outline of your foot with the sole of your shoe. If the shoe appears to be too narrow, drop them. They’ll only give you foot problems later on.



• Don’t plan on shows stretching with wear. If they feel too tight when you try them on, don’t buy them with the thought that they’d stretch with wear.

The best shoes for you are those whose heel fits snugly and the instep does not gape open.

Again, the best gauge of whether or not you should buy a certain pair of shoes is comfort. You are the best judge of that. The problem is that often, we ignore the seemingly minor discomforts that we feel while trying on a certain pair of shoes because they look good. Remember that part of taking good care of your feet is wearing only comfortable shoes.