7 easy tips to find the perfect shoe fit

When purchasing a pair shoe one of the most difficult task is deciding whether the shoe fits properly. It is not only key to preventing future foot problems, but can also help with recurring foot pain. A common source of foot pain is due to improper fitting shoe. Following a few basic guidelines a person can ensure properly fitting shoe for the average foot.

 

Guidelines:

1. Shop for shoes at the end of the day. Feet swell and are a different size at the end of the day. The way a person’s shoe fits in the morning may differ later in the day.
2. Try on the shoe in the store and have your foot measured. Shoes should be comfortable in the store before purchase. An uncomfortable shoe in the store will be one outside the store. People do not grow into shoes. Before a shoe size is decided, each foot should be measured with the person in the standing position. Shoe sizes have various between brand and size selection should be based on foot measurement. Foot sizes tends to change with age and important to asses before each purchase.
3. Make sure there is a “3/8 to1/2” inch from the longest toe to the end of the shoe and 1/8 inch from the back of the heel counter and the heel. Shoes that are too big or too small can increase pressures on the foot and lead to corns and calluses
4. Buy shoes that match the natural shape of your foot. The shoe should allow adequate room for the arch and different contours of a person’s foot. 
5. Make sure there is adequate room in the shoe’s toe box or ball of your foot. Your toes play a large part in proper foot function and need adequate room to perform their task.
6. Buy the right shoe for the right job. All shoes are not made to perform the same task. Make sure to purchase a walking shoe for walking and a basketball shoe for playing basketball. Shoe manufactures design shoes for specific uses, to use a shoes outside their design can lead to injury.
7. Take your shoe for a test drive in the store. It is important to try on both shoes and take them for a test drive.  A properly fitting shoe should feel good when walking around in them. The test drive should be the deciding factor for shoe purchase.