The Expert’s Guide To Buying Shoes

Buying a new pair of shoes can feel like navigating a minefield. Between sizing mishaps and questionable shopping habits (like buying early in the day when your feet haven’t woken up yet), it’s easy to end up with a pair that pinches, blisters, or simply doesn’t flatter. But fear not, gentlemen. By following this simple guide to buying shoes, you’ll be strutting your stuff in stylish comfort in no time. Consider it your crash course in becoming a footwear shopping maestro.

Here is a comprehensive guide to buying shoes…

#1. Wear the right socks

Ditch the bulky gym socks. When trying on shoes, opt for thinner socks similar to what you’d actually wear with them. This ensures a snug, accurate fit that won’t leave you swimming in extra leather later.

#2. Get sized

Skip the guesswork and get professionally sized. A Brannock Device (that cool contraption that looks like a medieval torture device) will not only measure your foot length but also factor in crucial width. Remember, feet can change over time, so don’t rely on your trusty high school sneakers as a benchmark.

#3. Use afternoon advantage

Your feet, much like the tides, tend to swell throughout the day. So, hit the shoe stores later in the afternoon when they’re at their puffiest. This way, you won’t end up with shoes that feel like medieval toe prisons by nightfall.

#4. Check the inside

Peek inside. If the interior is bare with exposed leather grain, steer clear. This is a sign of subpar construction that won’t stand the test of time. Invest in shoes with a nice, protective lining for maximum durability and comfort.

#5. Walk around the store when trying them on

Don’t just sit there admiring your reflection in the store’s shiny floors. Take those puppies for a spin. Walk around, climb some stairs, even do a little impromptu tap dance. You want to make sure they move with you, not against you.

#6. Don’t wear them outside

Resist the urge to wear your new shoes out the door immediately. Take a night or two to break them in around the house. Most stores have generous return policies if, after some quality home time, you decide they’re not the perfect match. Just ask about their policy before you tap your way out.

#7. Try multiple sizes

Especially when buying online, embrace the “try before you cry” mentality. Order multiple sizes. One brand’s 9 might be another’s 8.5. Don’t be afraid to size up or down by half a size to find the Goldilocks fit that’s just right.

Featured image: @carminashoemaker/Instagram 

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