Whether you love it or dread it, eventually, you’ll need to shop for new shoes. For millions of people, this is a fun and exciting exercise, and for millions more, it’s a boring or annoying chore. Wherever you happen to fall in this spectrum, you’re probably making some mistakes when shopping for new shoes.
So how can you avoid them?
Goals for Successful Shoe Shopping
First, what do we mean when we make reference to mistakes in shoe shopping? What are we trying to achieve and how are we missing that goal?
Generally, successful shoe shopping is defined by achievements in the following four categories:
· Looks. Your shoes should look spectacular and serve as excellent fits for your future outfits. This is largely going to be dependent on your individual needs.
· Comfort and health. Shoes should also be comfortable to wear, or else you won’t want to wear them and you’ll be miserable when you remove them. Beyond the subject aspects of comfort, poorly fitted shoes can result in massive health complications.
· Price. Finding a pair of shoes that looks good and feels even better is excellent, but it’s still possible for you to pay too much for those shoes. Successful shoe shopping also means finding a decent deal.
· Time. Also, your shoe shopping expedition shouldn’t last for weeks. Even if you like shoe shopping, it’s still a good idea to modify your approach to save time.
Mistakes You’re Making When Shopping for New Shoes
With those goals in mind, you’re probably making these critical mistakes:
1. Shopping in one location. Even if you have a brand you know, love, and trust, it’s a mistake to shop for shoes in only one location. There are simply too many shoe options available in today’s digital age; if you ignore competitive options on the market, you’re effectively limiting your choices. Consider looking at a wider range of options from a wider range of sellers so you can get a better idea of what’s out there.
2. Impulse buying. Some people buy shoes for a specific purpose; for example, they may want something for a specific special event or a specific application, like running. Others buy shoes for a more general purpose, like shoes for work or recreation. Both of these are acceptable approaches, but you should avoid buying shoes on impulse or on a whim. Just because a pair of shoes looks temporarily appealing doesn’t mean you should go ahead and buy them.
3. Buying the wrong size. One of the most critical mistakes in shoe buying is buying a pair of shoes that’s the wrong size. Both oversized and undersized shoes are problematic, leading to discomfort and potential health complications if worn long enough. It’s very important to take accurate measurements of your feet and select a pair of shoes that fits them appropriately, without excessive wiggle room or excessive restrictions.
4. Fitting at the wrong time. In line with this, it’s important to try on your shoes at the right time and under the right circumstances. If you’re on your feet regularly, or if you wear shoes and socks constantly, your feet will swell throughout the day. Try on your new shoes in the afternoon or early evening to make sure they fit you properly at all times.
5. Choosing something with narrow applications. Even if you’re choosing shoes for a specific occasion, it’s a good idea to select the most versatile shoes you can. This way, you’ll be able to use them for more events and you’ll get more value for every dollar you spend. If you buy shoes with too narrow of an application, they’ll end up gathering dust in your closet.
6. Ignoring comfort. Shoes can be uncomfortable in many ways and for many reasons. Some of them are overly restrictive. Some of them force your feet into unnatural positions. Even if a shoe looks great, it’s going to make you miserable if it makes you uncomfortable.
7. Buying the cheapest version. There’s nothing wrong with trying to save money on shoes, but if you choose the cheapest pair of shoes on the shelf, you’ll end up regretting it. Excessively cheap shoes tend to be poorly made, with low-quality materials, and they’ll likely fall apart prematurely.
8. Passing over sales and saving opportunities. That said, it’s incredibly valuable to jump on sales and saving opportunities for shoes that you know to be high-quality. Take advantage of holiday and end of year sales, while stacking incentives for even more savings.
9. Failing to check the shoe carefully. When you finalize your purchase of new shoes, inspect them carefully. Most sellers offer free returns and exchanges, so if you find even small defects, consider asking for a replacement.
10. Neglecting shoe care items. Certain types of shoes require ongoing care to remain in good condition. For example, it’s very important to clean and condition your leather shoes on a regular schedule if you want them to last.
If you make these mistakes consistently when shopping for new shoes, don’t feel too bad about it. Most people don’t shop for shoes with expert efficiency. What’s important is that you’re able to recognize the imperfections in your approach, so you can correct for them and eventually maximize your chances of finding the perfect shoes in record time.
