Whether you like to buy shoes online or in retail outlets, there is a strategy which will make your shopping trips more fruitful. From saving money to reducing stress, the right tips and tricks will help you get the job done. Check out the list we’ve compiled for you below.
When buying new athletic shoes, do not make them do more than what they were intended to do. If you buy a walking shoe, do not play basketball in them. Athletic shoes are designed for specific sports for a reason. They will give you additional support in the areas that are needed for the desired sport.
Gladiator inspired cutout boots are a huge trend for this fall and winter. Similar to the gladiator sandals that have been popular for the past two seasons, these boots should be paired with a simple outfit. Don’t overdo it. Just let the edgy details of these stylish shoes make the statement.
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.
If you want to keep your outdoor shoes in good shape, you should take good care of them. You should keep them waterproofed and polished. This will help them repel water and stay looking nice. There are many options for shoe polish and waterproofing creams and most can be purchased at your local shoe store.
The perfect pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. To show off your good fashion sense, spice up a plain outfit with a patterned or textured shoe. If your outfit is a mix of prints or decorated with florals, a solid color shoe will be the best compliment.
Do not except to be able to buy one pair of shoes that will meet all your needs. Different activities require shoes with different characteristics and it is unrealistic to except to be able to purchase one multitasking pair of shoes. For instance, running shoes need to be flexible and cushioned, whereas walking shoes need to be stiff and supportive.
Believe or not, your feet tend to grow the older you get. Therefore, it is important to try each pair of shoes on before purchasing them. The size you wore a year ago may not be the size you wear now. Plus, the fit of shoes varies by brand and style, so you need to be sure they fit.
Never buy a shoe that doesn’t have at least a little wiggle room for your toes. Contrary to popular belief, the shoe doesn’t have to fit snug at the top. Also, look for a heel that is between half and inch and one inch, for maximum comfort no matter what the occasion.
If you scrape your pedicure when you step out of the shower but do not have the time to fix it before heading to work, just put on a close-toed pump or heel. That way, you still have the cute look from your shoe, and the damage stays hidden from view.
Walk in your shoes before you make a purchase. Walk a couple of laps around the shoe store to ensure that they fit as well as they do when you are sitting. You need to feel if they will rub. Making sure the shoes are comfortable in the store can save you a lot of time and money.
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 getting a pair of wedges. Wedges are a great alternative to high heels and they don’t have anywhere near the number of risk that high heels do. They also tend to be much easier to walk in for mots people. This is because they distribute weight more evenly than high heels do, and they have a shorter heel.
Never buy shoes and think they’re going to fit better once they’ve been worn a couple of times. Typically these shoes will never get more comfortable. You can stretch them just for bunions or corns, though.
Always try on shoes later in the afternoon, instead of first thing in the morning. As the day wears on, your feet swell slightly. So, the best time to buy shoes is in the later part of the afternoon or the early part of the evening. No matter when you wear the shoes, they’ll always fit properly that way.
When it comes to running shoes, you may have to get more to get the quality you need. Truthfully, you get what you pay for; a $20 pair of running shoes is not going to give you the comfort and quality as an $80 pair. Spend more to get what you need.
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.
Always keep a pair of classic pumps in your shoe collection. Many outfits can be dressed up just by adding a nice pair of simple pumps. If you slide your feet into a pair while wearing jeans, you are good for a night out at a decent restaurant or club.
With this list in hand, you are ready to tackle the shoe shopping world. Consider how you will change your habits to make your trip a fruitful one. In the end, this article has given you the knowledge you need to succeed, so make use if your learning and shop ’til you drop!