The perfect pair of shoes not only last throughout the years, but it makes you feel comfortable and confident in your attire. A good fitting shoe can also relieve pain and help your feet stay healthy. Trying on pair after pair gets tiring; instead, there are a few easy and simple tips and tricks to getting the perfect fit from any shoe.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can get the perfect shoe fitting during your next shopping experience.
Measure Your Foot
Different brands can have different measurements for their sizes. You may be an 8 in one brand and be a 9 in the other. Although most shoes are universally the same measurements and related sizes as one another, small differences can mean a lot when finding the perfect fit.
By measuring your foot and comparing it to the brand’s size charts, you can easily find your perfect shoe without spending hours rummaging through boxes and trying on different shoes. Measuring is also necessary for kids or teens who are growing quickly and can change shoe sizes within a few months or a year. Since it may be challenging, keeping up with the different sizes measuring your foot will take the guesswork out of picking the right size.
Did you know that the time of day can affect the measurements of your feet? Throughout the day, our feet can become slightly swollen. Just about everyone experiences this; however, it may not be as prominent. By measuring your feet at the end of the day, you will be able to get a shoe that leaves enough room for your foot to swell throughout the day, making it more comfortable.
Determine Your Arch
The arch of your foot is located within the center of both feet. This arch can affect how you walk and even the types of muscles you use when you walk or run. There are three main types of arches that you could have, which include:
- normal arches
- high arches
- flat arches
One way to determine your arch type is to lay out a piece of paper or cardboard on your floor. Next, you are going to take your barefoot and place it in water. Take your foot out of the water and place the imprint onto the paper or cardboard on the floor. After this, you can examine your arch better and determine which type you have.
Knowing your arch is important to getting the best fit out of your shoe and understanding how your body moves.
Move Around
When trying on a pair of shoes, it’s essential to feel comfortable in them. If the shoe is too tight, it could hinder good circulation in your foot leading to future health problems. Having enough room in your shoe will ensure that your feet aren’t constricted and have enough space to allow for proper blood flow.
For young children who are still growing, having space in their shoes is important because it will leave enough room for them to grow and still feel comfortable. Standing in an upright position will also help because it will help you determine if you need a wider shoe size.
When wearing the shoes, take a few laps around the store to ensure your stride is not affected. If the shoe is comfortable, you’ll easily be able to walk around without pain or irritations. If you feel these things, it’s best to try on a new shoe or size up or down, depending on the issue.
Wear the Right Socks
When you try on your shoe, you want to make sure that you wear the socks that you would typically wear. Many people are surprised that a shoe they thought was their size wasn’t just because they had the wrong type of sock.
For example, thick insulted socks can make a shoe that would generally fit with enough room, snug and constricting, and vice versa. It’s always best to determine what the shoe will be used for and if you will be needing extra layers or not. Come prepared to your next shoe fitting and bring the socks you would typically wear with you just in case.
Purchase Inserts
The ultimate way to find the perfect shoe fitting is by adding inserts. When you add an insert into your shoe, it can help relieve any pain or irritations that the shoe may give you. Inserts also come in all different shapes and sizes, which means you can find the perfect one for you, with the most benefits.
Every person can use insoles and inserts in their shoes. Are you suffering from a foot-related injury? There is an insert for you. Need a little extra comfort? There is an insert for you. A few benefits to consider when purchasing an insert for your shoes may include:
- added comfort
- protection and prevention of injuries
- proper weight distribution
If you have a pair of shoes that you love but aren’t as comfortable as you would like them to be, then simply add in an insert. This could save you stress from potential added health problems later on.
Shoe Fitting: Conclusion
Finding the perfect shoe fitting isn’t hard. With our professionals here at Dale’s Shoes, we can help you get the perfect fit no matter your circumstance. We even offer our customers custom fit orthotics and inserts. Stop by our store today to browse our large selection of sneakers, boots, sandals, and much more! You can also visit us online to look through the many different services we offer and the different brands we carry.