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bluebell861 · 10-17-2008, 03:26 AM

The next time you're shoe shopping, keep these tips in mind:

Choose sensible heels. Select shoes with low heels — an inch and a half or less — and a wide heel base. Narrow, stiletto-type heels provide little support.
Check your shoe size. Your feet get longer and wider as you age. You don't have to have your feet measured every time you go shoe shopping, but it's a good idea to recheck your shoe size every few years or so. Stand up when being sized because your feet expand when you step on them.
Don't rely on shoe size alone. Gauge proper fit by how the shoes feel when you try them on. Sizes can vary from one manufacturer to another and from one style to another.
Compare the width of the shoe with the width of your foot. Stand next to the shoe in your bare feet. Which is wider — your foot or the shoe? Avoid shoes that are too narrow for your feet, no matter how much you like them.
Try on both shoes before buying. Do they both feel comfortable? Many people have one foot that's larger than the other. If this is the case for you, select shoes that fit the larger foot. Make sure you have at least a finger's width between your longest toe and the end of your shoe.
Shop for shoes late in the afternoon or in the evening. Your feet swell during the day. A shoe that feels fine when you try it on in the morning could feel tight that afternoon.
There's no such thing as a 'break in' period. Shoes should feel comfortable right away. Don't buy a pair that you think will fit well after you've worn them for a while.
Ask about the store's return policy. Buy a few pairs of shoes and try each of them in your home for a few days. Most stores will allow you to return shoes within a certain time frame if there aren't obvious signs of wear.
Pay attention to materials and style. Select materials that breathe and allow flexibility, such as leather or nylon mesh. Stay away from shoes with seams across the toe box, which can rub.
Be kind to your feet; they'll return the favor
Your feet are, quite literally, your base of support. By some estimates, you'll log several thousand miles walking during your lifetime. Don't let your sense of style cripple your ability to stand, sit or step pain-free. Take small steps now to prevent foot problems later.