Buying the right shoes online can be challenging due to the inability to try them on and ensure proper support. With Canada’s booming online shopping market, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers must be cautious of the “buy before you try” approach to avoid poor fit and wasted money.
Here are essential tips to help you find the right shoes while shopping online.
1. Find the appropriate size
Proper shoe size is crucial for foot health. Shoe sizes vary by brand and style, and feet can differ in size too. Ill-fitting shoes may cause calluses, bunions, or hammertoes.
Before purchasing online, measure both feet’s length and width while standing to capture full weight and at the end of the day when feet are more swollen. Avoid relying solely on numbered shoe sizes as they lack standardization. Opt for shoe models or brands you have previously worn for safer purchases.
2. Choose a good support
Once you know your size, selecting shoes with proper foot support is essential, especially when trying them on is impossible. Good shoes help maintain balance and prevent back or joint pain.
When buying shoes online, look for a pair that:
- Supports your foot’s arch;
- Has adjustable laces for a customized fit (shoe shape adjustment);
- Features a small heel (no higher than 2.4 cm or 1 inch) to reduce foot pressure and maintain balance;
- Contains a flexible sole for shock absorption.
3. Is there a physical store for the brand?
Shopping online offers convenience but can also pose risks like misleading photos, incomplete information, and complicated returns. Prefer brands with physical stores to facilitate returns or replacements if needed.
If a desired brand is only online, try finding similar shoe models in store to understand their fit and comfort better.
4. The podiatrist: when comfy shoes are insufficient
Despite careful shoe selection, discomfort may persist. Foot pain is often mistaken as normal but shouldn’t be ignored since feet endure constant pressure.
Podiatrists treat conditions such as athlete’s foot, ingrown toenails, heel pain, and neuroma. Contact PiedRéseau, a network of professional podiatrists, to address foot problems before they worsen.
PiedRéseau: see a podiatrist if your shoes aren’t helping
Online shoe shopping may seem easy, but finding the perfect pair requires attention to size, support, and fit. Following these guidelines can improve your purchasing decisions.
If you’re experiencing foot pain or injuries, PiedRéseau’s interdisciplinary podiatrists are ready to help prevent discomfort caused by poorly fitting shoes. Contact them today for expert care.