How to Buy a Pair of Shoes That Fit

Ten steps to a satisfying shoe shopping experience

Many people, both men and women, have a closet full of shoes they never wear. The reasons those shoes don’t ever see the light of day vary, but generally it is because those shoes don’t fit.

When buying a new pair of shoes there are a few guidelines to follow that will see you through to a stylish and comfortable (and wearable) pair of shoes.

1) Don’t scrimp on price and quality. Buy the best you can afford. Better quality shoes are made of better quality materials. Your feet will sweat and they need to be able to breath. Make sure the sole and the material is breathable. Leather is the best option.

2) Try on shoes in the late afternoon when your feet are fattest. Everyone’s feet expand as the day goes on, whether you are on your feet all day or not. If the shoes feel good at 3pm, they will feel good all day.

3) Always wear the socks you’re going to be wearing with the footwear when making any measurements or when trying shoes on. Don’t try on a dress shoe with an athletic sock, when you know you will be wearing a dress sock and vice versa.

4) Never get a shoe that you think will feel good after break-in. If the shoe doesn’t feel good immediately, it is not going to get better until it after it gets worse. No one needs get a blister to” break in” a shoe.

5) Try on several different sizes and walk around the store to see how they fit. Remember different brands and different styles will fit differently. Shoes from the same designer may be made in different factories in different countries. Some brands may fit smaller than others. (Note: Size is just a number. Don’t worry if you have gone up a size. It doesn’t necessarily mean your feet are getting bigger.)

6) Ignore the siren call of the good deal that’s a half-size to small or large. By all means, try them on, but if the shoe doesn’t fit, you won’t wear it.

7) Remember, the shoe is not going to get bigger as you wear it. The length of the shoe is never going to change. It is only the softer leathers and suedes that are going give a bit in width.

8) If you have a shoe that is comfortable and fits great, try to buy other shoes that have the same shape and feel. If you find a brand and style you like, go back and buy another pair, as the company may never make that style again.

9) One pair of shoes can’t serve all purposes. If you want a shoe to wear to work with your suit, you cannot use the same pair of shoes to go golfing or hiking in.

10) You don’t need 100 pairs of cheap shoes that sit in your closet, but you do need a handful of stylish and comfortable shoes that meet your needs.

So, go through your closet and get rid of all the shoes you never wear. Then come down to Philip Nyren Menswear & Womenswear and buy a new pair of quality shoes.

By Darcy J. Baillie
(Originally published in British Importers Magazine Spring/Summer 2009 Edition.)