Finding the right pair of shoes should be a simple task; with a huge variety of ladies shoes in Ireland of all sizes and styles, both online and in stores, there is certainly no shortage of choice. However, it is sometimes the case that we make poor decisions when it comes to purchasing new shoes – many of us don’t like to admit it, but we tend to get sucked in by “the look” of the shoe and fail to consider the bigger picture. For example, does the shoe fit snuggly? Is the material of the shoe comfortable on your feet? We are all guilty of neglecting to ask ourselves these questions or perhaps, asking them but not following-through in our purchasing decisions. It really does help to be educated about what you should look out for before buying a new pair of shoes. Here are our top tips to ensure you find the perfect shoes for your feet.  

The Fit

When was the last time you had your foot measured? Perhaps, it was five years ago or maybe ten? As you get older the ligaments and other soft tissues in your feet tend to relax and stretch out, this causes your feet to change shape and size. It is important to get your feet measured at least once every year so as to ensure that any new shoes you buy are the right size and fit. Choosing shoes that are too small, too large or too narrow can cause discomfort and if worn for long periods, they can be damaging to your foot health. When measuring your foot, make sure to measure the length, width and arch length.

Comfort Level

Comfort is the key to choosing the right pair of shoes. If you’re purchasing shoes in a store then take the time to walk around in them and get a feel for the balance. Check your big toe and see if there is adequate room – there should be about 3/8" to 1/2" of space between the tip of your big toe and the very top of your shoe when standing up. Of course, always ask a sale assistant if in doubt. If you’re purchasing online, get as much information about the shoe as possible: what is the material of the shoe? What type of sole is in the shoe? The answers to these questions should be detailed in the description section on the page in which the shoe is advertised. If it isn’t, then send a quick mail to the online store and they are likely get back to you straight away with a response.

Heel Size

Many studies have shown that wearing high heels over time can have a negative impact on foot health. Putting all the pressure on the balls of your feet as opposed to the heels, where ideally the bulk of the pressure should be, can lead to calluses, corns and other painful conditions.Therefore, when choosing a pair of heels, be mindful of the size of the heel and consider if you will be able to comfortably walk around in these heels. A thicker and smaller heel will always prove more comfortable over the skyscraper skinny heel and most of time, it can be just as stylish.

Style

Finally, style is a big part of choosing the perfect pair of shoes. You want to have a shoe that is not only comfortable and fits well but also, has the wow factor in terms of style. A good question to ask yourself before purchasing a pair of shoes is: where and when will I wear these shoes? Ensure you pick the right shoe for the right occasion. Selecting a shoe that has a timeless style can be a great way to get good wear out of a pair of shoes and of course, it will help you to save money in the long run too.