How to choose shoes

It seems that it might be easier to come to the store, try on several pairs and buy the model of shoes that you like best in appearance and price. In fact, there are a number of nuances that need to be taken into account when buying boots or sandals, so as not to later regret a bad shopping experience. 

How to choose a shoe size

When trying on shoes The size is always decisive, but some people cannot immediately determine it, since in addition to the length of the foot there are other characteristics. Perhaps the size will fit your feet perfectly, but because of the fullness or protruding bone, it will be impossible to wear shoes and boots. Wearing the wrong pair can provoke the appearance of various diseases; to prevent this from happening, use our tips.

Few people know that leg size is actually its length and width. For example, if your foot is very narrow, you should choose a shoe size smaller, and if you have a wide foot, you should choose a shoe size larger.

There are several shoe sizing systems in the world:

• The international system is popular in Russia and involves measuring the foot in millimeters from the heel to the end of the big toe. The resulting value is usually rounded to 0.5 cm.
• In Europe, foot size is determined by the insole, in centimeters. The unit of measurement is called shtih, it is equal to 2/3 cm. Ideally, if the insole is slightly longer than the length of the foot, about 10-15 mm.
• According to the English system, the leg is measured in inches, the smallest value being 4 inches (the leg of a newborn baby). Numbering occurs in 1/3 inch (8.5 mm) increments.
• The American system is similar to the English one, but the original size is even smaller, and women's sizes are generally separated into a separate table.

How to determine your foot length yourself?

• To begin, take a blank sheet of paper and a sharp pencil.
• Place your foot on the sheet and trace it. It is better to do this closer to bedtime, since in the evening the legs tend to get tired and swell. If you are going to wear a sock with your shoes, then wear that too.
• Then measure the length of your foot with a ruler from toe to heel, this should be done on both feet. Choose a larger value and round to 0.5 mm. Look for the appropriate size in the table.

How to choose boots

Even the most fashionable and stylish boots must, first of all, fulfill their main purpose - to protect from cold and wind and not slip on the surface. To choose the right wardrobe item, you should consider some important characteristics.

• If the boots have a fur trim along the outer edge of the boot, this will be an additional factor of protection against frost and snow that can get into the shoes.
• In icy conditions, it is better to wear boots with corrugated rubber soles or fine-pored rubber soles. At this time, you should give up high heels and give preference to a small heel.
• Boots with a zipper will be the fastest to put on; it is important that the zipper is reliable and resistant to temperature changes. Lace-up shoes look impressive and are more suitable for a set with jeans.
• Undoubtedly, natural fur will better protect against frost and your feet will not sweat as much as when wearing shoes with artificial fur.
• Boots made of genuine leather will cost more, but they will never crack in the cold and will last longer.
• Tall girls should avoid wearing over the knee boots and shoes with narrow toes, especially if their feet are larger than average.

The most important problem in choosing this type of shoe is often the shape of the legs, especially if the boot is too full or, conversely, thin.

Slender beauties can easily afford boots made of well-stretchable material, for example, stocking boots or lace-up boots; they will elegantly hug a thin leg. This model can be complemented with knitted leg warmers or knee socks. Tube boots hide some imperfections due to their straight shape.

Ladies with full calves should avoid tight-fitting shoes; shoes will put too much pressure on the leg and will not look aesthetically pleasing; platform shoes also visually enlarge and make the leg more massive. For curvy women, medium-length boots with special inserts are suitable.

How to choose shoes

Properly chosen shoes, like an expensive perfume, should delight its owner and leave a pleasant impression on the people around her. Therefore, if you want shoes to match your style and image, choose carefully.

• In order not to be mistaken with the size, it is best to go shopping in the evening, as your legs swell a little by the end of the day.
• Don't sacrifice the health and comfort of your feet for a fashionable model. Calluses and corns will not add joy, but they will ruin your mood and sooner or later you will change your beautiful shoes to more comfortable ones.
• First of all, pay attention to the block. All shoe brands use replicas of women's feet to make shoes. If your arch does not fit the last and the weight is distributed unevenly, give up on this model and continue your search.
• Inspect the heel, it should fit snugly against the heel, but not rub. Height is also very important - too high will cause discomfort, too low will cause the foot to “fly out” of the shoes. It is good if the leather on the toe and heel of the shoe is soft and elastic.
• The material of the sole is very important when wearing, because the correct weight distribution depends on the strength and quality of this design.
• The cutout on the toe should not be too deep (inconvenient for the toes) or too small (the foot looks massive).
• Give preference to shoes with an insole made of genuine leather (the foot does not sweat), which perfectly follows the shape of the foot. The color of the lining of shoes is usually made light, otherwise the dark fabric will stain the leather.
• The height of the heel is, of course, a matter of taste, but it is worth noting that not many representatives of the fair sex are able to walk correctly and beautifully in ten-centimeter stiletto heels; in addition, this creates a huge load on the spine.
• In addition to the height, you should pay attention to the shape of the heel; it is better if it is perfectly straight and 5-8 cm long.
• Ladies with curvy figures should choose a heel that is not too thin, at least 5 cm thick. Wedge heels would be the ideal option.
• After inspecting the shoes, proceed to the fitting stage. You should try on shoes on both feet at once - first move the center of gravity to the toe, then to the heel - the toes should not rest on the toe. Sellers often claim that shoes are worn out. Yes, this is true, but remember that during this period you will have to sacrifice your convenience. If the model is too loose, the leg will “walk”, so decide in advance on its exact size.

How to choose sandals

On the eve of summer, many girls are already puzzled by the question of how to purchase sandals so that they fully meet their requirements for appearance and walking comfort.

• First of all, remember that in hot weather the rule of evening shopping is especially important, especially since in the summer the foot tends to sweat and friction forms between the skin and the shoe material. Therefore, it is better to opt for a model made of genuine leather or textile, without protruding stitches or sharp transitions that rub your feet.
• When choosing, it is necessary to take into account a number of individual characteristics. Those with wide ankles should not choose sandals with an abundance of decorative elements in this part. The leg will look more graceful if you wear shoes with wedges or heels, this will give the desired visual effect and hide imperfections, while models with flat soles should be avoided. A shoe option with an open top and a closed shaft is also suitable.
• Some ladies have a complex about the so-called “underwires” if they protrude and do not look very aesthetically pleasing. The problem can be solved with the help of sandals that completely hide this area of ​​the foot, or a model with many transverse straps that visually “break up” this area. But flip-flop sandals are contraindicated in this case.
• Many ladies would like to hide their wide feet from prying eyes. Sandals with heels or wedges with closed sides will help with this, but you should avoid a square toe shape; the ideal option is a triangular toe.
• Girls with thin ankles and narrow feet are better off avoiding massive wedge models, but flip-flops or Roman sandals will come in handy.

How to choose sneakers

Initially the main purpose sneakers there was sports. But already in the early 50s of the last century, this type of footwear became everyday and now we simply cannot imagine our wardrobe without at least one pair of sneakers. What should you pay attention to when buying sneakers?

• If in shoes you primarily value brand, reliability and want them to serve you for as long as possible, purchase sneakers in specialized sports stores. But even this does not guarantee you high quality socks; a lot depends on individual characteristics - your weight, intensity of exercise, etc.
• For irregular physical exercise, a simplified shoe model with a rubberized sole is suitable; for better shock absorption in the heel area, the sole is filled with air, the tread of such sneakers is shallow, and the material has mesh inserts for ventilation.
• For jogging, choose a lightweight model with soft filling inside. When running, the main load falls on the back, knees and feet, so shock absorption is very important; when purchasing, check whether the sole has special cavities filled with air (toe and heel area). The sole should be thick enough and flexible enough, and the heel should be slightly raised. The material used is synthetic mesh.
• For those who like to climb high into the mountains or just walk on rocky terrain, a special model of sneakers is needed - for trekking. Shoes should protect the shin well from dislocation and cover the toe in the event of an impact. The basic requirements are a strong ribbed sole with a tread, lacing, a rubberized front part, insulated, waterproof material.
• For ladies who are interested in aerobics or fitness, experts advise buying high-top models, but medium and low-top sneakers are suitable, the main thing is that they provide good ankle support, are light and flexible, and have a thin sole with a shallow tread. Material: leather with mesh elements.

How to choose shoes for a child

As soon as the baby takes his first steps, parents should think about how to provide reliable support and support for the little leg, but at the same time not limit the child’s movements.

Instructions for choosing children's shoes:

• Be sure to take your baby with you to the store; children's shoes need to be tried on. The model should open easily and fit on the baby’s leg, but have fasteners that would be difficult for him to unfasten.
• If the shoe size is significantly larger than the baby’s foot, he will stumble and fall, this will cause great discomfort, and the foot in this case will often become deformed. Ideally, there should be a space of about 1 cm between the baby’s toe and the sock. This is necessary for shoes of any season, because in hot weather the foot can swell, and in winter the free space creates a warming effect. Do not forget about the reserve in case of jumping and running, as well as the rapid growth of the foot.
• General requirements - a reinforced toe, which is necessary in case of stumbling, no rough seams inside the shoe, natural, breathable materials, mainly leather or textiles, a heel without inserts or seams.
• It is better to choose a sole that is flexible, elastic, and has a grooved surface.
• Orthopedists assure that children's shoes should have a heel no more than 7 mm high. This way the child’s gait will be formed correctly.
• High-quality children's shoes are made with a pronounced arch support for prevention of flat feet.