How to Buy Shoes

Co-authored by Joanne Gruber

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Finding shoes that are comfortable and well-made is easy if you shop mindfully. Check shoes for details about their quality and choose reliable footwear brands. When shopping for shoes in person, try them on and make sure they are comfortable on your feet. If you shop online instead, always buy from reliable websites that offer free returns.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking Shoe Quality

1
Buy shoes from a brand known for quality and comfort. Many well-established footwear brands are known for their reliable, functional footwear. Buy a pair of shoes from one of these brands to make sure that you are getting a high quality product. Most of these companies have built their reputations on years of good customer service as well, so these shoes are likely to be covered by a generous warranty.^{[1]
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- Find quality footwear brands by reading online reviews.
2
Examine the soles of the shoes to see if they are sturdy. The soles of good shoes should be sturdy enough to protect your feet from sharp objects. They should also provide some kind of cushioning for your feet while you are walking. Examine the bottom of shoes before trying them on so see how thick and strong the soles look.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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- Avoid flat shoes with very thin bottoms, which are likely to break or wear away quickly.
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3
Verify that the insole and arch offer adequate foot support. Avoid buying shoes with flat insoles, which will not hold your foot in place properly. Shop for shoes with insoles and arches that are slightly raised and curved to support your foot. Note that some shoes will have removable insoles that can be removed and washed periodically.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Look closely at the seams and edges of the shoes. Poor craftsmanship is most evident in the small details on a pair of shoes. Pick up a shoe and look closely at the edges for any loose material or or visible glue. Check the seams for uneven stitching or looped threads. ^{[4]
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5
Make sure that the heel is securely attached to the shoe. If you are looking for shoes with pronounced heels, check them carefully to make sure they are well-constructed. If the heels are sewn on, make sure that the stitches are even and secure. If the heels are glued on, check for any gaps where the soles could start peeling off.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Finding the Best Fit

1
Go shopping for shoes in the afternoon. You feet expand naturally as you walk on the during the day, and are usually at their most swollen point in the afternoon.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Alice Wu
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 12 June 2020} If possible, shop for shoes during this period to ensure that you get the best fit. This way you will be sure to buy shoes that accommodate your feet at their biggest, preventing tightness and discomfort later.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
2
Wear the same type of socks that you'll be wearing with the shoes. To get an accurate idea of how shoes fit, wear socks with the same thickness as those you intend to wear with your new shoes when you go shopping. Trying on shoes with the wrong socks will likely leave you with shoes that are too tight or loose. This will also give you a better picture of how the shoes will actually look when you wear them.^{[8]
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- If you are buying sandals or other shoes you won't wear socks with, try them on your bare feet or bring a pair of nylon knee-highs to wear.
3
Ask the salesperson to measure your feet. Knowing the exact size of your feet can make shopping for shoes much simpler. Ask a salesperson at the shoe store if they can measure your feet using a foot sizer. These measurements will give you unique information, which may prompt you to shop for special styles or brands of shoe.^{[9]
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- For instance, if your feet are wider than average you might want to shop for extra-wide shoes.
4
Leave 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) between your big toe and the tip of the shoe. Your feet shift in your shoes when you are standing or walking, so your shoes should be slightly roomy.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Alice Wu
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 12 June 2020} As a general rule, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) is the ideal amount of space to have between your foot and the shoe material. Test this by sliding your index finger behind your heel to make sure it fits.^{[11]
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- If your finger doesn't fit, try on the shoe in the next size up.
- This is a more accurate way of testing your shoe fit than simply pressing down on the toes of your shoes when you try them on.
5
Make sure that you are comfortable standing and walking in the shoes. Good shoes should not have to be broken in to feel comfortable on your feet. When you try on shoes, stand up in them and take a few steps around the store to see how they feel. If you experience pain, tightness, or difficulty walking, opt for a different size or style.^{[12]
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- Look for a block heel if you want comfortable pumps. A classic black pump is a timeless wardrobe staple. When you want to wear heels but you're looking for something comfortable, choose a shoe with a blocky heel. You'll have more comfort and stability, but you'll still get the look of a pump.^{[13]
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  Expert Source
  
  Joanne Gruber
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 July 2019.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Shopping for Shoes Online

1
Review the comments left by buyers. When you are looking at a particular pair of shoes online, scroll down to look for comments and reviews of the product. Customers who have already bought these shoes may provide important information about how the shoes fit. Avoid buying shoes that have received numerous poor reviews.^{[14]
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2
Make sure that return shipping is free. Shopping for shoes is always a bit of a gamble, so flexible return policies are key.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Alice Wu
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 12 June 2020} Only buy shoes from websites that offer free return shipping on products that don't fit. Many companies will provide you with a prepaid shipping label for stress-free returns.^{[16]
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3
Compare prices on different websites to get the best deals. You can find good quality shoes at steep discounts online, particularly because of the competition between websites. Once you find a model of shoe that you like, research it online and compare the prices of several reliable sellers. If shoes are out of season or discontinued, you may find them at a fraction of their original retail price.^{[17]
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- Make sure to factor shipping fees and taxes into shoes prices when comparison shopping.
4
Shop on websites that feature large, multi-perspective pictures. When online shopping for shoes, you will have to rely heavily on images to gauge the product. Shop on websites with clear pictures that are big enough to show details such as stitching and texture.^{[18]
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Expert Source

Alice Wu
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 12 June 2020} It is also helpful if the websites show each pair of shoes from multiple perspectives.^{[19]
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- For instance, a good website may show pictures of their shoes from the outer edge, inner arch, and overhead to show the insoles.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I know what size shoe to buy when shopping online?

Alice Wu
Image Consultant
Alice Wu is an Image Consultant and Personal Stylist based in San Francisco, California. She is the Owner of Styled by Alice, an image consulting service offering private styling services for men and women. Focused on personalizing the styling experience, Alice provides closet edits, personal shopping, wardrobe planning, and other services such as event styling.

Alice Wu

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Take a look at the reviews to get a really good understanding of how the shoes fit and make sure to always check the size chart. When buying heels or sneakers, I recommend sizing up about a half to a full size.
Question

Do any stores still sell AirWalk shoes?

Community Answer

Yes, Sportsdirect sells AirWalk shoes from about £12 or so. They're also international, so you can order online or find shops outside of the UK.
Question

What kind of socks are suitable to wear in summer?

Community Answer

Ankle socks. Longer socks look tacky in the summer, especially if you're wearing a dress, skirt, or shorts.