How To Choose The Best Casual and Dress Shoes
Shoes are an essential wardrobe item for both men and women. However for women they are more like an addiction. Have you ever looked in a woman’s closet to see miles of shoes lined up, many which have never been worn. Often it’s because they were purchased on a whim only to find out they weren’t comfortable or appropriate. Follow these tips on how to choose the best casual and dress shoes to save you money and still keep you fashionable and trendy.
- A shoe that pinches your toes or makes your back hurt will sit in your closet worn only for the occasional short period. So when buying shoes make sure they fit properly. When you are trying on shoes wear the stockings or socks that you would normally wear. Take the shoes for a test walk in the store. If they appear fine and you purchase them, wear them for few hours inside your home to make certain they really are comfortable. If they are not you can return them for a different pair.
- Women’s shoes can be purchased in a variety of heel heights from as little as a ½” to as high as a 5” heel. It’s important that you choose a heel height that is appropriate for where you will be wearing the shoes. A 5” heel with add height and make your legs look good but is normally only practical for a few hours of wearing. On the other hand a 3” heel might be comfortable enough to wear all day but still give you the benefits of enhancing your legs.
- There are dress shoes and casual shoes. You’d look pretty funny waltzing along the beach in a high heel and you your boss might not be pleased if you show up at work wearing a flip flop sandal. So choose a shoe that’s appropriate. Just as casual shoes are comfortable your dress shoes should be no different. Any pair of shoes you purchase should be comfortable enough to wear for an extended period of time.
- Shoes come in a variety of material types from man made plastics and vinyl’s to leather. The type of material is often reflected in the price of the shoes. You’ll pay much more for leather shoes however there are several benefits. Your feet will sweat less in leather because it breathes and leather shoes will last a very long time. But if you just want to make a fashion statement you may not be able to justify the cost of leather and you probably won’t have the same number of choices. Man made materials have improved dramatically in the last few years making them a good choice.
- When you are purchasing a shoe with a heel make sure the angle is right for your posture. If you choose an incorrect angle or too steep of an angle you will develop a back ache. Your feet may not hurt but your back will be killing you. When trying on shoes make sure they have a good arch support and that they do not alter your natural standing or walking position. If you find yourself tilting forward or backward from your natural posture’s position you should not purchase the shoes and continue shopping for the right pair.
- Check the sole of the shoes carefully. Make sure the sole is securely attached to the shoe and that it is built to withstand wearing. Watch for imperfections or poorly attached soles. If you are looking at high heels make sure that the heel is firmly attached and that it is sturdy with no side to side movement which could cause you to injure yourself.
- Check the overall quality of the shoes. Watch for imperfections and signs of poor workmanship. A poorly designed or built shoe is not going to stand up to wearing. It might look great in the box but that’s probably where it should stay. Examine any shoe you are looking at purchasing carefully.
- Make sure you try on both shoes. Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other so just because a shoe feels good on one foot doesn’t mean it will fit correctly on the other foot. Put both shoes on and go for an in store walk to make sure there is no slippage or pinching.
As long as there are shoes to buy women will continue to own more pairs than they will ever need or wear. By following these 8 tips you’ll at least be spending your money on casual and dress shoes that you will wear.