bWearing a new pair of shoes can feel like navigating a minefield. Between sizing mishaps and questionable shopping habits (like buying early in the day when your feet aren’t awake yet), it’s easy to end up with a pair that pinches, blisters, or just isn’t flattering. But fear not, gentlemen. By following this simple shoe buying guide, you’ll be strutting your stuff in style and comfort in no time. Consider it your crash course in becoming a shoe shopping master.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to buying shoes…
#1. Wear the right socks
Throw away the bulky gym socks. If you try on shoes, choose thinner socks that resemble the socks you actually wear with them. This ensures a good, precise fit so you won’t end up swimming in extra leather later.
#2. Get size
Skip the guesswork and go for a professional fit. A Brannock device (that cool thing that looks like a medieval torture device) not only measures your foot length, but also takes the crucial width into account. Keep in mind that feet can change over time, so don’t rely on your trusty high school sneakers as a benchmark.
#3. Take advantage of the afternoon benefit
Your feet, like the tides, tend to swell during the day. So go to the shoe stores later in the afternoon, when they are the most swollen. This way you don’t end up with shoes that feel like medieval toe prisons when night falls.
#4. Check the inside
Look inside. If the interior is bare and the leather grain is visible, stay away. This is a sign of poor construction that will not stand the test of time. Invest in shoes with a nice, protective lining for maximum durability and comfort.
#5. Walk around the store if you try them
Don’t just sit there and admire your reflection in the shiny floors of the store. Take those puppies with you. Walk around, climb some stairs, and even do a little impromptu tap dancing. You want to make sure they move with you, and not against you.
#6. Do not wear them outdoors
Resist the urge to wear your new shoes out the door right away. Take a night or two to break them into the house. Most stores have a generous return policy if, after some quality time at home, you decide they’re not the perfect match. Just ask about their policies before working your way through.
#7. Try multiple sizes
Especially if you’re buying online, embrace the “try before you cry” mentality. Order multiple sizes. The 9 of one brand may be the 8.5 of another. Don’t be afraid to size up or down a half size to find the Goldilocks fit that’s just right.
Featured image: @carminashoemaker/Instagram
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