Finding the good shoes...

"Good shoes are hard to find unless I spend a lot of money.”

Sound familiar? The thing is, finding good shoes are not hard to find and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. It comes down to a little bit of research, a little bit of patience and being prepared. Here is a top ten list to consider in making your next shoe shopping event a productive, positive experience:

1. Know your budget for purchasing shoes, and the types of shoes you are looking for. This practice can be helpful to keep your budget in check.

2. Shop for shoes mid afternoon or at the end of the day. This is typically when feet are most swollen. Bring existing shoes to review wear patterns with the fitter.

3. Bring the appropriate socks or hosiery you plan to wear with the shoes. I am amazed how many folks will drop in not wearing socks with their shoes yet expect to find the perfect fit by wearing disposable nylon try on hosiery.

4. Do you wear orthotics or inserts? Be sure to bring them with you. The fit of the shoes can be altered by orthotics or inserts.

5. Never use try on socks at the store – eww gross. Think about it, even if the store claims to wash the socks daily, how many feet were in the socks before your visit? If you forgot your socks, spend a few bucks and purchase socks while in the store. It’s not worth picking up a fungus by trying on used socks.

6.Shop at a store where you are fitted by a shoe fitter or Pedorthist. Both feet should be measured in both length and width.

7. Plan to spend time in the store. Use up the carpet or flooring in the store. If the sales associate appears annoyed with you taking your time, work with another person or simply shop somewhere else.

8. Try on as many brands of shoes in the style you are considering. Do not try on only the brands you are familiar with or what the associate tells you are the best shoe in the store. By the way, the best shoe for you is the shoe that fits correctly on your foot, not the best seller.

9. Know the return policy of the store. Do you need a receipt? Is there a time frame to return? Is the return amount credited to your credit card, issued as a check or only for even exchange? Also know the return policy for sale items. Many stores have final sale only.

10. If you are unsure of the purchase, ask the associate to hold the shoes while you look elsewhere. If you do elect this option and decide not to purchase, be considerate and phone the store to let the staff know to return the shoes to stock.

Finally, have a positive outlook with your shopping adventure. Even with challenging foot fitting, the attitude can walk you into the right shoes for you!