• The best time to try on shoes is usually at the end of the day, when your feet are most swollen.
• If one of your feet is considerably larger than the other, an insole can be added to the shoe on the smaller foot.
• The size of the feet changes as you grow older so always have your feet measured before buying shoes.
• Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other. Ask the salesperson on measure the length and width of your feet.
• During the fitting process, stand up and walk around with your shoes on. Allow 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch at the end of the longest toe.
• Select shoes that conform as closely as possible to the shape of your feet.
• Don't buy shoes that are tight and expect them to stretch. With time, a shoe may stretch to fit, but this can cause harm to the feet.
• Shoes should be fitted carefully to your heel as well as your toes. Check to make sure your heel has a minimum amount of slipping.

• Shop late in the day because your feet swell during the day.
• Measure your foot while standing.
• Try on both shoes with the socks you will wear.
• Buy for your larger foot (feet are rarely the same exact size).
• Allow a thumbnail's width between the shoe and your big toe.
• Choose shoes that are comfortable immediately. If they hurt in the store, don't buy them.
• Look for a moderately priced shoe. Price is not necessarily an indication of quality.
• Wear new shoes around the house before using them on short runs.
• After you've broken them in slightly, they will be more comfortable on long runs.
• Consider getting an evaluation by a doctor, physical therapist, or podiatrist to learn your foot type.

1. Understand that sizes may vary among shoe brands and styles. Do not select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe. Judge the shoe by how it fits on your foot.
2. Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.
3. Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet change as you grow older.
4. Have both feet measured. Most people have one foot larger than the other one. Fit to the largest foot.
5. Fit at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
6. Stand during the fitting and check that there is adequate space (3/8" to 1/2") for your longest toe at the end of each shoe.
7. Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part (ball pocket) of the shoe.
8. Ask about different widths if your feet are wider or narrower than average.
9. Ask about half sizes if you think you are in between. Not all stores carry them, but when they do, you may find that you're happier in between whole numbers.
10. Don't purchase shoes that feel tight, expecting them to stretch to fit.
11. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with minimum amount of slippage.
12. Walk in the shoe to make sure it fits and feels right. (Fashionable shoes CAN be comfortable and healthy!)
13. Avoid tall heels, especially high, pointy ones. For all their glamor and fashion, these shoes are the least-comfortable of the bunch. They concentrate your weight on a smaller area than your foot was designed to walk on, incleasing pressure and oftencreating pinch points. They can make balance difficult and sink into soft materials, like sand or turf. Go with low heels or flats as much as possible, especially if you will spend much time on your feet in these shoes.
14. Look and feel for padding and cushioning. There doesn't seem to be as much space for it in dress shoes as in athletic shoes, but take all you can get. Any layer of foam or rubber that can cushion the impact between hard pavement and your foot will make standing and walking more comfortable.

• Consider putting comfort above fashion, especially if you'll be standing a lot in these shoes (e.g. waiting tables). That doesn't mean you need to interview for a job or attend a wedding in your old tennis shoes, but you could choose lower heels or elegant flats in a classic style and dress up the outfit with a scarf, necklace, and purse, instead.
• Seek out manufacturers geared toward comfort, and if you find one you like, visit them first next time.
• Get two pairs, if you finally find good dress shoes and they're a classic style you'll wear for a long time.
• Make sure that you wear the shoes around the store while shopping, if appropriate. Many shoes feel great for the first couple of minutes, then begin to burn the ball of the foot, pinch your toes, tilt your foot forward, or slip after a few minutes.
• whenever you shop for anything, wear your most flattering, comfortable clothing, shoes, accessories. If what you are trying on is less wonderful than what you wore into the store, leave it where it is, and look elsewhere. Especially with shoes, comfort is king. How does the shoe look with your normal outfit? Is it as comfortable as what you wore into the store? Can you make it work with more items from your wardrobe?

1. A walker's foot hits heel first and then rolls gradually from heel-to-toe. So, you will need a flexible sole and more bend in the toe than a runner. You should be able to twist and bend the toe area.
2. Look for a shoe that is light weight and breathable. The last thing you want is a heavy walking shoe.
3. Make sure the shoe that fits properly. Be sure your foot has enough room in the toe box. There should be a thumbnails width (or about a half inch) between your toes and the end of the shoe. The shoe should be wide enough in the toe that your toes can move freely. Your heel should not slip, and the shoe should not pinch or bind, especially across the arch or ball of your foot.
4. Try on new shoes at the end of the day or after your walk when your feet may be slightly swollen. Also be sure to wear the same socks you will be wearing during your walks. This can make a huge difference in how the shoe fits. Try on both shoes. Your feet may not be the same size (really!).
5. Walk around for a few minutes on a hard surface. It is worth the effort to find the right shoe for you and it is worth spending a few extra dollars.
6. Wear your shoes in the house for a few days to try them out. Don't venture outdoors until you are sure the shoes are going to work for you. (If the shoes are not going to work out you will want to exchange them before scuffing them up outside.)
7. Keep track of how many miles you have put on your shoes, and replace them every 300 to 600 miles. (If you are wearing very light weight shoes, are overweight, or you are hard on your shoes stay toward the low end on mileage.) To extend the life of your shoes be sure to only wear them only for your walks. Also rotating two pair of shoes will give them time to "bounce back" between walks.
8. Keep these items in mind when purchasing your next walking shoes. Your feet and legs will thank you for it.

• Comfortable walking shoes can be purchased just as easily online now as in a store. If you are buying shoes online make sure that the online merchant offers free return shipping (many do) so that if you need to exchange, this won't pose a problem.
• If you are "a person of size" you may benefit more from purchasing shoes that are made for jogging or running. These shoes have support and padding for extra impact that an overweight walker will need to be comfortable and avoid unnecessary pain.
• Everyone's foot is different, but there are some universal basics.