Buying new shoes seems pretty straightforward, but if you want the best fit, it takes more effort than finding a style you like in your size. A well-fitting shoe can prevent problems as minor as blisters and foot cramps to more serious issues like bunions, and you never have to “break them in.” If this sounds like an impossible feat, keep reading to learn how to get the perfect fit.

4 Tips for Buying Shoes That Fit

1. Be Flexible

Don’t box yourself into a particular size. Shoe sizes between brands will vary, as will sizes of different styles by a single brand. It’s more important to size up or down to get a good, comfortable fit than it is to try to squeeze your foot into a shoe that’s too small. There’s nothing wrong with wearing a size 8 in athletic shoes but a 7.5 or smaller in dress shoes.

2. Account for Changes

Your feet are always changing, so they won’t always be the same size or shape, and one is usually larger than the other. To ensure the best fit, have your feet measured prior to trying on new shoes, and always choose the size that fits the larger foot best. Your feet also change throughout the day and are usually larger (swollen) at the end of the day, which is the best time to do your shoe shopping.

3. Match Your Foot Shape

For the best fit, the perfect shoe should closely resemble the shape of your natural foot. No one’s foot is perfectly round, nor do the toes come to a point. Everything from the heel cup to the toe box should follow your foot’s natural shape for the most comfortable fit.

4. Try Before You Buy

Don’t just take a few steps down the aisle and back. Walk around the store in any new shoes you’re considering to get a feel for them. Take note of how your feet feel. Ask yourself if they feel too tight or if there’s pressure in any weird spots. Make sure your heels don’t slip out. Additionally, notice how other areas of your body feel as you walk, like your ankles, calves, and back. Proper fitting shoes shouldn’t cause pain in any of those areas.

When you find the perfect fit, you’ll want to wear those shoes as often as possible. Eventually, they’ll begin to show signs of wear, which is when most people throw them out. Fortunately, thanks to Sofia Shoe Repair Service, you don’t have to. Instead, bring them to their Rochester, NY, shoe repair shop to mend broken heels or worn out boots. They do shoe resoling, recoloring, and even zipper repair. To learn more about their shoe repair services, call (585) 244-5907 or visit them online.