How to find comfortable shoes

The right shoes can protect you from foot pain and problems. Try these tips to be a savvy shoe shopper:

• In general, look for soft, flexible shoes with cushioned insoles. Steer clear of vinyl or plastic shoes.
• Choose low-heeled, nonspiked shoes. High-heeled shoes put unwanted pressure on your toes, and spiked heels can be unstable.
• Check for adequate toe room. You should be able to wiggle all your toes within a shoe. In addition, there should be about a half an inch between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe when you’re standing.
• Choose shoes that fit your heel comfortably and don’t slip.
• From time to time, have your feet measured. Your foot size can change as you age or change weight.
• Try shoes on when your feet aren’t overly swollen.
• Try shoes on with the thickest socks you’d wear with them.
• Try this shoe test on shoes you have at home. Stand barefoot on a piece of paper and have someone trace your foot. Then trace the outline of your shoe over that of your foot. If your foot outline is wider than your shoe width, your shoes are too small. –Mayo Clinic