by Kessie Carroll

Created on: June 01, 2009

Nobody likes sore feet. Yet sometimes it is difficult to find a pair of shoes that are really comfortable, and shoe stores have a daunting amount of footwear that may or may not suit you. How do you find a comfortable pair of shoes?

First off, look for shoes that fit.

Just because the measuring chart says that you wear a size six doesn't mean that you should only try on size sixes. If you find a pair of shoes that you like but feel too small, move up a size. Shoes vary from brand to brand. Don't fall for the 'breaking-in' myth; if a shoe is uncomfortable in the store, it will stay uncomfortable once you buy it.

Always walk around in the shoes you are trying on. If they are uncomfortable, you will notice.

Make sure that your toes have room to move. If the shoes pinch your toes together, they will become uncomfortable very fast.

The heel should not dig into your foot. There should be a small bit of space between your heel and the back of the shoe.

Try on shoes in the afternoon, because feet swell slightly as the day goes on. Trying on shoes in the morning can fool you into buying smaller shoes than you really need.

Know your feet. If you have low arches or flat feet, look for shoes that allow for that, or have removable padding in the arch. If you have high arches, look for shoes with lots of padding. If your feet are wide, or narrow, make sure to look for shoes that are the same.

If you plan to use these shoes for athletic activities, such as walking or aerobics, ask to see the shoes designed for those activities. Aerobic shoes have extra support for your ankles, whereas walking shoes protect your heels and arches.

If you are looking for comfortable high heels, here are some things to look for:

When looking for pumps, make sure the high heels is centered under your heel. If it is too far forward or back, you will be off balance.

Look for a shoe with a false front. A false front is a long pointy toe that sticks out head of where your toes actually are, making them look attractive while keeping your toes from compression.

The toe area should be wide through the ball of the foot, and feel padded when you press your fingers into it.

Consider buying platform flats, which give you the height of a high heel without the pressure on the ball of the foot.

There are shoes for every profession and activity. If you aren't sure what style to look for, ask a store associate. They will be happy to recommend a style and brand. Use that as a starting point, and try on many different styles. You may find a brand that fits you amazingly well, and is comfortable while being stylish.

References:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/homestyle/09/17/comfo rt.shoes/
http://shoes.about.com/b/2008/12/28/how-to-find-comf ortable-shoes.htm

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