The following 8 tips give you practical directions for buying your next pair of shoes. In addition to the correct shoe size and width, optimum fit, traditional workmanship and the use of high-quality materials for lining and soles, there are a number of important factors for selection and quality. We want you to stay comfortable in your shoes for as long as possible.
1. The most important advice first
The shoes must fit the shape of your foot, not the other way around. That is why a new shoe must fit perfectly with the length and width of your foot. The most important thing is that your toes need enough space (they move about half an inch while walking). That is not the case for heels, they must be kept firmly in place. A good fit around the heel is very important in finding the perfect shoe.
2. Many people buy shoes that don’t fit
According to research from the German Shoe Institute, almost 80% of the German population buys shoes that do not fit well. This is an incredibly high figure. Although women tend to buy shoes that are too small, men buy shoes that are too large.
3. Have high expectations
Shoes should, where possible, be made of soft leather, and give your feet enough space in all three dimensions: height, width and length. As soon as shoes start to rub you know you have the wrong one. Don’t be fooled by the standard slogans “they get wider with time” or “you have to walk them in”, they have to fit right away otherwise you shouldn’t buy them.
4. Take your time buying shoes
Also check the inside of the shoes for stitching that can be annoying, as well as bumps or hard pieces. Many shoe manufacturers do not feed the shoes entirely to save costs. The lining stops exactly where you can no longer see it. This may expose seams, bumps and edges.
5. A flexible sole is a must
When you have found the right size and width of the shoe you should pay attention to the softness of the leather and the flexibility of the sole. Flexible means: the sole can bend. Many people confuse themselves with the flexibility of the sole and the softness of the inner lining. Therefore do the “bend test”. If you bend the shoe (the tip of the shoe towards the heel) and the shoe changes to a “V-shape” the flexibility is excellent.
6. Keep it as flat as possible
Another recommendation we mentioned earlier is that when you buy shoes, the soles should be as anatomically and orthopedagogically flat as possible. The rolling movement of the foot can only take place in flat shoes, because there is no incorrect weight distribution over the arch of the foot, as well as the metatarsal bones. We don’t want to ruin it for you: if you want to wear high heels, just don’t wear them too often and only as long as you can walk on them without pain. It is important that you change the style of your shoes so that you wear comfortable shoes every day.
7. Fit both shoes
Feet almost never have the same length and width. People who are right-handed usually have a dominant right foot, which is therefore larger than the left. This is of course the other way around for left-handed people. Therefore, always try both shoes when you are going to buy shoes. In addition: shoes get longer and wider as they get older. This can change the shoe size, take this into account when you buy shoes. If a shoe fits, then it doesn’t matter what size the shoe has. Different manufacturers give a different interpretation to the size of the shoes they make. It is only about how the shoe feels when you wear it.
8. The time you buy it at matters
Your feet change shape and size during the day, especially on hot summer days when your feet can swell. It is therefore wise to buy shoes in the evening, and to jog a little in advance, so that your feet reach the “working temperature” and swell a bit, before putting on your shoes.
Leave a Comment