10 TOP TIPS FOR CORRECTLY FITTING SHOES

In todays fashion focused world people often choose their footwear based purely on appearance rather than how well they actually fit. Shoes that are too small confine our feet and don’t allow our them to spread. This confinement can easily lead to bad circulation; it can impinge nerves and cause the joints to bend in odd directions in addition to causing black toenails, blisters and foot numbness - not nice!

Shoes that are too large, on the other hand, don't provide the support our feet need and are likely to rub aswell as lead to posture problems. It is important to be aware that problems with our feet can be the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders. Therefore, we cannot stress enough the importance of making sure each of your feet are measured correctly (ideally by a professional shoe fitter). The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

We know that it isn't always practical to get your feet professionally measured, particularly if you are buying online, so as a guide here are 10 pointers from Buskins to make sure you get the best possible fit for your feet:

1. Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other, so fit your shoe to your larger foot. However, don't always rely on the size marked inside the shoe as these can vary in size during production by different manufacturers. Instead, select your shoe by how it fits your foot.

2. Make sure you check the location of your longest toe (not always your big toe), ensuring that it is not pushed up right against the front of the shoe. There should be a space of 3/8" to 1/2" from your longest toe to the end of each shoe when you are standing up.

3. Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.

4. Remember to try on shoes with the socks or tights you are likely to wear them with.

5. Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe. Never buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit.

6. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk. Stand on your tiptoes to make sure that your heel does not come out of the shoe.

7. Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right. Make sure there is no tightness or rubbing, and that the shoe’s arch support matches up with your foot’s arch. Take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to make sure you are happy with the fit.

8. The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations.

9. Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces but make sure that the shoe still bends easily under the ball of your foot.

10. If you are purchasing lace up shoes make sure that the lace holes on either side of the shoe are at least one inch apart. If they are too close, you will not have enough room to adjust the laces. If they are more than two inches apart, the shoes may be too tight.

If you need any further help with finding the right shoes to fit your feet pop into Buskins Shoe Shop in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire and make use of our free professional shoes fitting service.