by Conny Manero

Created on: July 17, 2010

When shopping for new shoes, wear comfortable shoes to begin with.  You will want to shop around, and in the process you will do quite a bit of walking in order to stay motivated you will need to keep your feet happy.

Know what you are shopping for.  Are you looking for office shoes, walking shoes or are you invited to a wedding and do you need something suitable?  Start off with an idea of what you want and stick to the plan.

Shop in stores where you have bought before.  Chances are if you bought shoes in a particular store and they were comfortable, the new shoes will be comfortable too.  The opposite is true too.  Were the shoes you bought in a particular store not comfortable, chances are the new ones won’t be either.

Look at shoes with at least a one inch heel.  You may think that flat shoes are comfortable, but completely flat shoes take an incredible toll on your legs and back.   

Avoid kitten heels.  Kitten heels may look comfortable, but unless you are used to wearing heels and have reasonable good balance, you will find yourself wobbling.

If you like a high heel, a stacked heel might be perfect for you.  What is a stacked heel?  A stacked heel is a heel that starts off narrow and broadens towards the 'body' of the shoe.  Stacked heels usually come in a light brown to give the illusion of layers of wood.

Have you tried wedge heels?  Wedge heels are the ultimate in comfort.  They give you height while supporting the entire soles of your feet. 

Do you fancy stilettos?  If you do, go for stilettos that feel comfortable right away.  Never assume that they will get comfortable as you go along.  Shopping for stilettos on-line is not a good idea.  If you do, make sure that the on-line store accepts returns.

While it is true that new shoes should feel snug, they should not pinch, squeeze your toes or scrape at the heel. 

If possible, shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are a little swollen. 

Give preference to real leather over plastic.  Leather will stretch and conform to your feet and allow them to breath.  Plastic will not stretch and suffocate your feet, resulting in sweaty feet.

Be sure when trying on shoes to put both of them on and walk around in them.  Getting up and admiring them in the mirror is not enough.  You should keep them on for at least five minutes.

Learn more about this author, Conny Manero.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.