How To Buy Shoes & Get The Best Fit
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How To Buy Shoes & Get The Best Fit

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Buying men's shoes is like buying a car. You should have a good idea of what you want when you walk into the store (or onto the lot), and you need to walk away with something you'll be comfortable wearing (and being seen in) for at least a few years.

So while it may not be your idea of weekend fun, you should at least know a little something about how to shop for shoes.

general shoe shopping tips

  • For the best fit and selection, go to specialty sneaker and dress shoe stores.


  • For the best deals, visit department stores, wholesalers and outlet malls. Don't shy away from buying shoes or sneakers on clearance, either. The only thing these shoes are usually guilty of is being a season or two "out of style." Trust me, when you get out on the street, nobody can honestly tell the difference between a 2003 Kenneth Cole Oxford and a 2005 Kenneth Cole Oxford, so long as they're clean and worn with the right pants.


  • If you are going to buy shoes online, a good trick is to try on the same pair in a store to ensure a comfortable fit, and then go online for the best deal. But if you have previous experience with a particular brand, then there's no need to worry about purchasing shoes online without trying them on first. In any case, most online retailers offer full refunds.


  • Visit shoe stores on Sunday mornings, or late on weeknights. Chances are you will be the only customer in the store, and the salesperson will be able to give you his full attention. The result? Knowledgeable, one-on-one service.


  • Check out whether there are any good cobblers in your area. Sure, they're not going to churn out a Nike Zoom LeBron II, but they can produce business and dress shoes that are perfectly sized, and designed to match your feet and style.
  • comfortable shoes

    You'd be surprised how many guys end up settling for a size smaller or a size larger just because they're too lazy to go one store over, or wait an extra week for a new shipment of their preferred style. Trust me: It's vital that you get the right shoe size. Shoes should fit right the moment you buy them. If they don't, you put yourself at risk for everything from bunions and corns to calluses and bone spurs.

    Sizing

    There's no such thing as "breaking in a shoe" — that goes for all types, from sneakers to boots. It's therefore a good idea to measure your foot each time you buy a pair of shoes or sneakers. Different brands have different sizes; just because you're a 12 when it comes to your sneakers, you're not necessarily a 12 in your loafers.

    Furthermore, your feet tend to slightly swell up over the course of the day, due to the hours of walking and standing that they endure. As a result, you should try on shoes at the end of the day in order to ensure that they will be comfortable throughout.

    The socks you wear when trying on a pair of shoes should be the type you would regularly wear with them. This is particularly true when trying on athletic sneakers.

    Get a salesperson's advice, but don't let them talk you into buying uncomfortable shoes...