An ensemble is never complete without the right footwear. Whether it is sporting gear or a wedding outfit, to look your very best and to enhance your productivity, you need to wear the right pair of shoes or the sandals as the case may be. Sure, we all end up buying shoes because of the way they look, because they are a popular brand, or because they are a certain type of shoe. But it is important to keep in mind that purchasing a shoe on the basis of its brand, type, price, or look won’t guarantee it’s the best shoe you can buy. After all, your shoe must ensure that your feet look trendy and smart, they also feel comfortable. Remember, any eenie-meenie discomfort your feet experience could translate into undue stress for the rest of your body. “A good shoe is one which does not give any stress to your feet and leaves you feel comfortable as you go about your jobs.” Whether you are picking party pumps or office wear sandals, keep in mind that proper support, flexibility, and protection as well as comfort and durability are the key pointers to any good shoe purchase.
Facts for a shoe: Any shoe has four main points: the heel counter, toe box, the upper, and the mid sole, explains mhhe.com. It’s important to consider all of these parts when selecting a shoe. A heel counter helps prevent the foot from rolling when the heel strikes the ground. The toe box should give the toes enough room to comfortably fit in the shoe. The upper is the body or the top part of the shoe. Uppers can be made only of leather, or of leather and nylon or nylon mesh, which is more flexible and has more give. The mid sole, at the arch of the foot, should have adequate cushioning, since great stress is placed on this area. Before shopping for a shoe, consider what activity the shoe will be used for. Here are some suggestions you can consider while purchasing shoe for different purpose:
While buying shoes for work wear: Wearing the right shoe to work is not only a dress code requirement but also a comfort thing. Imagine if you’ve to attend an important meeting and your heel snaps or if you have to take a trip on the factory floor with your CEO and your shoe decides that today is ‘pinch your toes’ day? In order to avoid such scenes, it is best to segregate your work footwear from party one. The top most criteria while considering purchase of work shoes should be comfort. It is always a good idea to opt for leather or suede instead of canvas, which looks sportier while choosing work wear footwear. Avoid anything that looks too much like a slipper. You don’t want to look like you’re paddling around the house while you’re at work. Choose a slight heel; even a half inch is better than a totally flat skimmer.
While buying shoes for exercising: While buying a shoe for sporting activity, keep in mind whether it is flexible durable and lightweight. I suggest that one should opt for comfort over design while choosing a shoe for action wear. Another point to keep in mind is to choose a shoe in accordance to the sport you play. While multi purpose shoes such as cross trainers may be a good alternative for those who want to combine several sports or activities. If you’ve high arched feet, typically you will need shoes that have a greater tendency to absorb shock while those with flat feet require shoes with less cushioning but greater support and heel control. Also when you go shopping for shoes, bring along the type of socks you’ll be wearing during your athletic activities.
While buying shoes for special occasions: We all love to buy shoes that are pretty but not all that practical. Once you’ve chosen the pair you want, make sure you break them in before you wear them out on a big date or a grand party. While choosing a pair of party shoes, it is always a good idea to pick a pair that can be worn with both western and Indian outfits.
It’s important to buy shoes that fit correctly. If the fit isn’t right, you may develop pressure sores, calluses or blisters. The best time of day to try on shoes is afternoons or evenings, when your feet have expanded. Some simple checks you can perform when buying a new pair of shoes include: Ensure the shoe is well ventilated, always try out both shoes. Stick with these simple basics and you’re sure to purchase footwear that will help you sail through the toughest days easily.