When we buy shoes, sometimes we don’t even think about the process. We walk into a store, see something which will do and buy it. By doing this, you are missing out not only on the fun of the trip, but getting a better pair of shoes. Read on to find out how to shop smarter.
Check your arch type prior to buying athletic shoes. They will not fit on every arch. Wet the bottom of one of your feet, and step on some white paper. Wet parts are going to allow you to see your arch type. If you have flat arches then the whole footprint will show. If you have a high arch, then you will not see the middle of the print. This allows you to choose a more comfortable shoe.
Since your feet swell throughout the day, it is best to shop for shoes at the end of the day. Sizes vary by manufacturer and style so try on a half size smaller and a half size larger than your normal shoe size. These are the best tips for ensuring that you get the right fit.
Keep a nice pair of neutral shoes in your closet. A nice pair of black or brown shoes go with almost anything. If you keep a pair, you are sure to have something to wear with anything. Get a classic style in one of these two colors and you’ll be covered.
Try on a size before you buy it. Too many people obsess over the number in shoes, but what you need to focus on is fit. the problem with relying on the number sizes is that numbers vary by brand. Sometimes, the numbers will vary within a brand depending on the types of shoes they make.
If you see a pair of shoes that you really like at the store, try to resist the urge to buy it right away. Take down the information and check online. You will be surprised how much cheaper you can purchase shoes from a store that has little overhead costs.
Whenever you go shoe shopping, wear or bring the same type of socks that you will be wearing with the shoes you intend to buy. If you don’t try the sizes on while wearing these socks, you really can’t get a good idea about the actual fit. Avoid trying shoes on barefoot or with nylons too, unless they are heels or sandals.
When you are in need of cowboy boots, don’t go hunting around at the typical retailers, no matter how extensive their selections may be. Go instead to a western specialty shop, where you are guaranteed to find great cowboy (or cowgirl) boots, while dealing with top-notch staff who really know their stuff.
Shoe shop near the end of your shopping day. Why, you may be asking? As the day progresses, your feet swell. This is especially true if you’ve been on them all day. Buy shoes that’ll accommodate your feet during this period. If you buy shoes in the morning, you may find they feel uncomfortable as the day goes on.
Understand when it’s best to replace your running shoes. Running shoes need to be replaced around every 400 miles. Even if you think they still feel great, you’ve got to swap them out for a new pair. You’re definitely not getting the support that you need anymore when the mileage on your shoes has reached those levels.
Try to ignore trends when you go shoe shopping. Trends do not work for everyone. Some are only made to fit certain types of feet. Instead of risking injuries or buying something that you may ever wear, try ignoring the trends. Try getting shoes that you like that fit you comfortably.
Join the online mailing list of any shoe store you love. Subscribers often receive coupons, notification about upcoming sales or special news about new arrivals before the information is posted to their website. You might even automatically be entered into contests just by being signed up for the eNewsletter!
If you want to buy shoes which will stand the test of time, shopping at discount stores won’t provide you with the best investment. Higher end brands provide shoes which are not only durable, but also comfortable. When you buy an expensive pair, you are investing in a long life.
Schedule your shoe shopping trips when you have time to shop. Too many people schedule these trips when they are in a hurry and don’t have enough time to decide on anything. They end up getting shoes that don’t fit or that are the wrong style. It can take a while to find a pair that you like that fits, so make time to try on lots of shoes.
Don’t spend a lot on shoes that you’re only going to wear every once in a while. Do not buy yet another pair of shoes that are just like everything else you own. The costliest pair in your collection ought to be smart black shoes that can be worn frequently.
To get the right size of running shoe, ask for a size wider than what you normally wear. As you run over distances, your feet tend to swell, so if you buy your normal size, your shoes cut off circulation and make the task of running even more arduous on the body.
Find a local cobbler to save some money on shoes over time. The soles of shoes tend to wear out much quicker than the fabric and leather it’s made from. A local cobbler likely can replace the sole of your shoe for a fraction of the cost of a bran new pair.
When you are able to utilize what you have learned in this article, you are also able to buy a better pair of shoes. From spending less to getting more, a sound shoe shopping strategy is truly a must. Put this new education to work today to buy the shoes you need.