How to buy the right shoes. Money down the drain: why buying winter shoes is unprofitable

Hello, dear readers and visitors of the blog site! Today I bring to your attention an article on how the shoes we wear affect our well-being and health, and also determine what points you need to pay attention to when buying shoes so that wearing them and doing Nordic walking (read also how to choose Scandinavian walking sticks) become as comfortable as possible for you. We will also decide which is better: comfortable shoes or fashionable shoes?

The right choice of shoes

What time of day is best buy shoes?

In the morning, our legs are not yet tired from walking, and when trying on new shoes, we will not pay attention to minor inconveniences (a bit tight or rubbing, etc.). In the evening, similar inconveniences will be perceived by us much more sharply and there is a high probability that we will not buy uncomfortable shoes. As you can see, the difference in which half of the day to buy shoes is really significant and this must be borne in mind.

Shoe material and appearance

Of course, we all want to buy exclusively leather shoes, since their quality and service life are an order of magnitude higher than those of analogues made from piece materials. But here you need to keep in mind that now they have learned to make artificial skin so well that no test (sniff or set on fire) will help you. It will be possible to identify only a very low-quality fake. And there should not be such in a normal shoe store (the market is another matter). Therefore, trust first of all the seller, the manufacturer, or your own intuition.

Also, do not judge shoes only by the country of manufacture. After all, it also happens that Turkish shoes are of poor quality, while at the same time, Chinese shoes can last you more than one season. It is best to proceed from your own experience or from the experience of your relatives, friends and acquaintances.

When choosing shoes, you need to carefully examine it. First of all, pay attention to the following points:

• Check that the glue does not protrude anywhere.
• Threads should not stick out anywhere.
• The insole must be well glued.
• The heel (if any) must be stable.
• The sole should be soft and easy to bend.

Shoe fitting

Only after a thorough inspection of the shoes can you start trying them on. This stage is the most important, a mistake in it is fraught with consequences such as swelling and calluses on the legs, joint pain, osteochondrosis, severe tension in the muscles of the lower leg, etc. In the case of prolonged wearing of such uncomfortable shoes, even foot deformity can occur.

So, what are the steps involved in trying on shoes? Here they are:

• First stand on your heel, then on your toe. If at the same time there are any uncomfortable sensations, somewhere it presses and / or the big toe touches the toe of the shoe, take it off immediately.
• You also need to pay attention to the fixation of the leg and the degree of its tension, especially the muscles of the lower leg. First of all, this concerns the female representatives - we are talking about the choice of shoes with heels.
• Press your finger from the outside on the heel and toe. If they easily restore their shape, then everything is in order. If not, then you need to abandon such shoes, which, as a result, can become real shackles for you.

After the shoes suit you in all respects, do not rush to pay money. Overcome your shyness (if any) and demand a certificate of quality. If the seller makes excuses or offers you a photocopy, then it is better not to buy anything. I think that you deserve to get high-quality shoes in return for your money. And the presence of a certificate from the seller is exactly the final touch in our verification, which will allow us to make a purchase that will bring only positive feelings and emotions.

Summing up

Comfortable shoes should attract our attention first of all. Choosing and buying shoes is not an easy task. It is advisable to buy shoes in the afternoon (after work or school). First of all, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer, appearance, convenience and comfort (by trying on shoes). Before making a purchase, you should ask the seller for a quality certificate, which he must have (if he doesn’t have one, then we don’t buy anything).

As you can see, in fact, the procedure for buying shoes has a number of nuances. And only if all of them are taken into account, you can count on the fact that you have really purchased high-quality, comfortable shoes that will allow you to feel extremely good and comfortable always and everywhere!

I'm interested to know what you like more: comfortable shoes or fashionable ones? What shoes do you have more? Please write in the comments.

Buying new shoes is a responsible undertaking. It is not enough to find a couple who will simply like. It is necessary that she sits like a cast, and it was comfortable in her, like in slippers. How else?! In tight, stuffy, heavy shoes, if it is three times fashionable, the legs will “fall off” after half an hour of walking and calluses are provided. And I’m generally silent about the indestructible “sweaty” smell ...

In general, do not want to get into trouble from unsuccessful shopping, follow 8 rules for choosing the right shoes.

How to choose shoes. Every shoe has its time and place

Shoes need to be bought according to the season and the purpose of its use. Seems like it's obvious. But, believe me, this is the most common mistake - to have 1-2 pairs for all occasions. Moccasins, unlike ballet flats or boots with “tractor” soles, are ideal for long walks, but they are not suitable for morning runs. Sneakers are also different for sneakers: fashion models are appropriate in the club, but not at the stadium. And in winter boots on a high wedge heel, you will look ridiculous, riding, for example, tubing ... In general, having a lot of shoes, all and different, is not a whim, but a necessity.

Let your feet breathe freely

For this choose breathable shoes. And it is not at all necessary that it be made of genuine leather, although this “breathes” for sure. Combined leather shoes with textile or artificial leather inserts will do. Depending on the season, pay attention to the presence of perforations (holes in the uppers of the shoes) - it improves the ventilation of the feet, preventing them from sweating. Shoes made of synthetic materials can also be quite breathable. The only condition: synthetics must be of high quality. But then the price of such shoes may be even higher than natural ones.

Comfortable insoles ("mobile" insoles)

In the right shoes, it should be possible to get the insoles. Very often, an unpleasant smell from the feet appears due to the fact that the shoes do not have time to dry and properly ventilate. So removable insoles are a clear advantage. Even better if they are made from natural materials such as cotton.

Flexible outsole

The sole flexibility test cannot be ignored. So you will know what will come back to haunt your feet walking in these shoes. If the sole is “oak” and does not want to bend, pain and fatigue in your legs are guaranteed. To keep walking easy throughout the day, the sole of the shoe should be easy to bend at the natural bend of the foot approximately in the first third of the sole, closer to the toes.

Shoes with laces (pat the laces)

If you prefer lace-up shoes (you're right, by the way!), then you probably know that laces should be flat. Unlike round ones, they do not untie themselves. So if your chosen pair of shoes has round (and worse, polished) laces, change them to flat ones.

Put your shoes away until the evening

Go shopping for shoes in the evening, not in the morning. During the day, the legs naturally swell. And therefore more sensitive to new shoes. So a pair of shoes bought in the morning on a “fresh foot” may turn out to be uncomfortable and cramped in the evening.

How to choose a shoe size?

Shoes cannot be bought end-to-end. You should always leave 0.5-1 cm in reserve for freedom of movement. In this case, the stock should not be between the heel and the back of the shoe (in this case, the heel will “squish”), but between the toe and the thumb. It is best to measure the stock on the insole (and here is another indisputable plus of the insole that you can get), evenly and at full stop putting your foot on it.

How to try on shoes?

Try on shoes on both feet at once. If you think you have found your pair of shoes, try on both feet at once before you go to the checkout. The fact is that one foot of a person is slightly larger than the other. Trying on shoes for both feet will allow you not to make a mistake when choosing. If shoes or boots sit comfortably on both feet, then this is definitely your pair!

Have a nice walk!

Are suede shoes practical?

With proper care, suede shoes have many advantages:
- creases and deformations are practically not visible on it, which especially often occur during wear in people with wide feet, with "bones";
- suede shoes are softer, and, therefore, “sit down” on your foot faster;
- the foot in suede shoes always looks more neat, the size of the foot visually decreases.

What shoes are better to buy for the winter: suede or leather?

It all depends on personal preference. Both suede and leather shoes will be equally well worn, the main thing is that the sole does not freeze.
It is best to buy winter shoes with genuine leather soles, since the skin has a low thermal conductivity and does not lose its elasticity.

What is "prevention" and why put it on a leather sole?

"Prevention" is a rubber roll on the leather sole, which protects it from wear and tear. Prevention also acts as slip protection.

What is the average lifespan of a shoe?

On average, two to three seasons, but a lot depends on how often you wear it and how you care for it.

How many pairs of shoes should an average person own?

Five or six pairs of shoes is the minimum. The more shoes you have, the longer they will last you. It is advisable to change shoes during the day so that different muscle groups work and your legs do not get tired, this is especially necessary for those who wear high heels.

Will the stitched outsole get wet?

If the sole is stitched with Goodyear or Norwegian stitching, then the chance of getting wet is very low. The thread with which the sole is stitched is waxed. But it should be remembered that it is not the seam that gets wet, but the leather sole itself.

Is there a gap between the welt and the vamp?

Yes, the technically permissible gap between the welt and vamp is 1-3 mm.

How to dry shoes properly?

If your shoes get wet:
- clean it with a damp cloth from dirt;
- put on a block or, if there is no block, stuff it with paper;
- place away from heating appliances.

At room temperature, by natural drying.

How to protect shoes from reagents?

There is no 100% panacea for reagents. You can reduce your risk by:
- regularly wash shoes;
- dry properly
- intensively treat with protective equipment

What causes wrinkles on the skin and how to deal with them?

Leather is a natural material, so wrinkles can form at the folds, this is normal. Rough creases are the result of improperly selected shoes for completeness.
But in any case, shoes must be treated with creams so that the skin does not dry out and wrinkles do not turn into cracks.

Will the shoes deform during wear?

If the shoes are correctly selected in terms of completeness and size, then there will be no deformation.

Does the shoe stretch in width and length?

Shoes made of natural materials are really worn in (or stretched by specialists) in width. Shoes made of artificial materials do not stretch or break in.
No shoes are broken in length, so choose the right size when trying on. If the toes rest, then the shoes are small for you.

Can you use sneakers for regular wear?

No, sports shoes can be worn for no more than 4 hours, otherwise you risk damaging your foot.
If you prefer a sporty style, then it is best to choose urban sports shoes designed specifically for such occasions.

How best to choose orthopedic shoes that have a "deep insole".

The foot in the toe and heel should not fit snugly against the edges of the insole, the gap should be 1 mm.

What if the foot in boots with heels began to slip forward?

You can purchase anti-slip latex-cushioned leather insoles as they prevent the foot from slipping in high-heeled shoes.

How do we buy shoes? How do we choose shoes?

Well, it's clear with women. They go to buy ballerinas and leave with boots. Or vice versa, they go for boots, and buy boats with red polka dots to go with their scarf....

Seriously, rarely does anyone think about why it often happens that the shoes that we seem to have tried on in the store and that seem to fit us, and which, no matter how cheap, are eventually put in the closet or left in the hallway, and the desire to wear it disappears.

Sometimes we spontaneously buy the shoes we like (they are so beautiful!), or there was a sale (it’s a sin not to buy at such a price!), but after a couple of days we realize that we bought it in vain: it rubs our legs, it presses, our legs sweat, because of the hard sole, the burning of the feet begins ....

If these are weekend high-heeled boats that we don’t wear often, “on the way out”, then some pains can be endured .... But if these are everyday shoes, which are from morning to evening, at work, on the subway, on a walk with children and when shopping ... Then I would like to figure out how to choose the right shoes so that later you don’t suffer, then don’t use specialized shoe care products to stretch your shoes and shoes, but feel comfortable.

How to choose a shoe size?

Many people think that the most important thing is to choose the right size.

The most common are French (35-47) and English (2-12) sizes.

When choosing a size, most people know that shoes should not be small. If you wear shoes that are small for a long time, this can lead to severe deformity of the foot, painful hallux valgus and hammer toes. Strongly compressed toes can interfere with circulation in the legs.

However, not everyone knows what happens if the shoes are large. In this case, the rolling movement of the foot is disturbed, there is still a little space in front of the toes in the toe of the shoe that the fingers cannot control, and when walking, the foot hits the floor more hard than it should be with a smooth rolling motion. The load on the joints increases and over time the metatarsus will “reduce”.

So, first choose the right size. Many people have different lengths of feet, so when buying, focus on the foot that is longer. If the model you like does not have half sizes and you have to take shoes a little longer than necessary, you can use an insole or half insole to fit.

According to modern statistics, men often buy shoes that are one size, or even two, larger than necessary. The fact is that larger shoes are automatically and wider, so with a wide foot it seems that the shoes are larger and fit better.

If the shoes fit you, but nevertheless presses, in no case take a size larger. Look for another model.

In fact, our foot is three-dimensional, the indicated size only tells about the length of the shoe.

The next thing to pay attention to is completeness.

The concept of "fullness" in shoes should not be confused with the width of the shoe. The completeness of shoes is determined by the girth in bundles, i.e. the size of the foot at its widest part. The so-called beam line runs around the foot along the protruding bones of the thumb and little finger. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the rise of the foot. Based on these parameters, the fullness of the shoe is calculated. Thicknesses from E to I are internationally recognized. The most common are F, G and H. F - for fairly thin legs, F1 / 2, G - for medium, from G1 / 2, H and more - for full legs. In stores with a wide assortment, shoes are usually presented in all fullness, ask the seller!

Already in childhood, the feet differ in fullness.

If you have correctly chosen the fullness, then the shoes fit snugly along the beam line, but do not press. With too much fullness, the foot slips forward, and the heel "leaves" from the heel of the shoe. If the fullness is too small, the shoes are quickly “trampled”. In addition, it is bad for the joints of the fingers, because. they are in a "compressed" state.

Why is it important to choose the right fit?

If the fullness is too large, the foot “dangles” inside, with each step the fingers involuntarily try to “keep” inside, which leads to their overstrain and, as a result, spasms. If the fullness is too small - the fingers and metatarsus are compressed with each step, the increased load causes not only characteristic pains, but also the deformity of the foot already described above.

• In the morning, a person's foot, as a rule, is smaller in size, and by the evening it increases. Therefore, ideally, shoes should be bought around the time of the day when you are going to wear them in the future.
• For example, party shoes are best bought in the late afternoon, and shoes that you will wear all day in the afternoon.
• Never try on shoes while sitting! When we walk, our feet lengthen. So be sure to wear shoes.
• Make time to buy shoes! Never buy shoes in a hurry. Put on your shoes and walk around the store for a few minutes.
• A good shoe store is distinguished by experienced and attentive sales assistants. A good salesperson will first (imperceptibly) look at your feet. In the store you can measure the length of the foot and choose the right size. A good salesperson knows the store's range and models that are slimmer or fuller.

Upper and lining materials are of great importance for the comfort of the feet. Genuine leather has the ability to "adjust" to the foot in the process of wearing. Feet swell in the evening, the skin of the shoe stretches naturally during the day, following the contour of the foot, thus maintaining the necessary fullness of the shoe.

Leather lining relieves burning feet, keeps a good climate in the shoes.

Pay attention to the presence of the supinator. Not only high heels can harm health. Flat ballerinas can equally cause foot deformity and severe pain if they do not have an arch support or the sole is too hard.

And once again about heels: of course, you don’t need to give them up completely. A woman looks taller, more attractive, sexier in them. In any case, you just need to know when to stop and not walk in high-heeled shoes all the time. The foot needs time to regenerate. It is recommended to walk in high heels no more than 3-4 hours a day. High heels disrupt the normal distribution of load on the foot. Usually, the main weight falls on the heel, and with a high heel, it moves forward, on the metatarsus, which is physiologically not intended for this. As a result, transverse flat feet and / or "bone" Hallux Valgus develops.

When buying shoes with high heels, it is especially important that they fit well. We recommend purchasing special inserts along with shoes that relieve the load from the metatarsus. They come in leather or gel (see our recommendations for summer insoles).

We hope that these little tips will help you choose shoes that will fit perfectly and will not cause you pain and distress.

We also got information from the book published by the German Shoe Institute “Wie finde ich meinen passenden Schuh?” (How do I choose shoes that fit?)

Often we buy shoes, guided only by their appearance. We care about how attractive and fashionable shoes look. But the choice of shoes must be approached with all seriousness: your health depends on what you wear on your feet.

Choosing shoes

Poor-quality or simply inappropriate shoes can overshadow life with small but annoying troubles, such as corns. In addition, much more serious problems can arise - diseases of the veins, joints, muscles and even the spine. Therefore, the two main rules for choosing shoes are very simple: 1) it is better not to save money and 2) to refuse beautiful but uncomfortable shoes.

You should not buy new shoes in the morning: by the evening, the feet, as a rule, swell slightly, and the shoes purchased in the morning may seem tight. Make sure the shoes are the perfect fit - snug around the foot, but not squeezing it. Tight shoes can cause poor circulation, ingrown toenails, or crooked toes. Do not buy too tight shoes in the hope that they will break over time - do not force yourself to walk in uncomfortable shoes for a long time. However, one should not wear very loose shoes in which the foot “dangles”. Because of such shoes, corns can also appear, and the muscles of the legs are constantly in tension.

“When trying on, always wear both shoes., experts recommend. - Be sure to walk around the fitting area. While walking, you should feel the toe of the shoe slightly with your fingers, but do not rest against it. Run your hand over the surface of the material and make sure that your toes do not stick out on it with bumps.».

Choose shoes with sufficiently soft, flexible soles. Bend the shoes in your hands. In high-quality shoes, the sole bends easily, and the upper of the boot does not deform too much. On a very thin sole, it is convenient to walk only on a flat floor, walking in such shoes on asphalt can hardly be called pleasant - the foot will feel every pebble.

For every day, it is best to prefer shoes with a small wide heel. Passion for high heels can adversely affect your health.

“High heels are bad not only for the forefoot, but also for the midfoot and hindfoot., - says orthopedic surgeon Andrey Kardanov. - The problem is that in the position of the foot practically “on tiptoe”, the load is distributed absolutely not physiologically - some parts of the foot are overloaded, while others, on the contrary, are too unloaded. In addition, a high heel completely “turns off” the spring function of the foot. Ideally, with each step, the foot should “spring”, softening the load. And when wearing high heels, every step responds with a blow to the spine. As a result - osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, which manifest themselves at first glance as causeless back pain.

So, a heel higher than 2-4 centimeters is not recommended. Of course, if necessary, you can wear shoes with a 12-centimeter heel, but such shoes should not be casual. It is best that each pair of casual shoes have arch supports (built-in or glued), that is, an insole or a semi-insole. The insole is fully consistent with the shape of the sole, and the semi-insole is located only under the heel. The task of the insole (and semi-insole) is to support normal (or already descending) arches of the feet. This will avoid flat feet. If, after a few days of wearing new shoes, you feel that your feet are uncomfortable, either change your shoes or contact an orthopedic salon to select the appropriate arch supports or insoles.

In the heat and in the cold

The most successful choice for any season is shoes made of natural material, which will allow the skin of the feet to breathe and will not interfere with natural heat transfer. Shoes made of genuine leather, nubuck, suede, textiles are recommended. Leatherette shoes can be hazardous to health, especially summer shoes: under the influence of temperature, various chemical components of this material begin to interact with the skin of the feet. In addition, leatherette shoes do not allow air to pass to the feet. As a result, you can "earn" diaper rash or fungal diseases.

If you still buy shoes made of artificial materials, make sure that at least the lining of the boot is made of genuine leather or textiles - for health, first of all, the material with which the foot is in direct contact is important. You should also pay attention to the material from which the insole is made. Ideally, it should absorb unpleasant odors, remove moisture, kill bacteria - it's great if the insole is impregnated with a special antibacterial composition.

Do not forget that natural materials, unlike artificial ones, wear out and take the shape of the foot over time. By the way, in hot weather, the legs swell a little, keep this in mind if you buy summer shoes.

In summer, it is not recommended to wear patent leather shoes that do not allow moisture and air to pass through well. In patent leather shoes you can go to any celebration, and for every day it is better to have open sandals or shoes made from natural materials.

For spring and autumn, it is important that the boots do not let water through and at the same time allow the foot to “breathe”. If demi-season boots or boots are fastened with a zipper, it should not start too close to the sole, otherwise your feet will get wet if you step into even a shallow puddle. Unlike summer shoes, boots should not fit close to the foot (you won’t wear them on bare feet, after all) - you need to try them on a tight sock.

In winter boots or boots, the main thing - sole. It should be thick enough, with a special tread that prevents slipping. It is most safe to wear boots with a variety of tread patterns in ice - for example, one part is in the form of stripes, the other is rounded ledges. The heel of the boot must also have a protector and be rubber, not plastic, otherwise the foot will slip.

The best way to keep warm is leather shoes lined with natural fur, such as sheep or zigey, and a fur insole. By choosing the right winter shoes, you can not be afraid of severe cold and slippery sidewalks.

fashion victims

Undoubtedly, every woman wants to look fashionable and elegant. The shoe industry offers many ways to make legs visually slimmer and longer. Studs, narrow toes, platforms - it's hard to argue that such shoes are more feminine than rough boots with thick soles. But how safe are these fashionable delights?

The dangers of high heels have already been said. But you should not abuse platform shoes either. Firstly, a high platform (like a stiletto heel) does not exclude injuries: it is easy to twist your leg on it. Secondly, when walking on the platform, the ligaments and muscles of the foot are left without “work” and flat feet can develop. If you do buy such shoes, choose a platform that is wide enough, and therefore more stable. Remember that neither the hairpin nor the platform is completely suitable for driving a car. The heel can cling to the mat, making it difficult to move the foot from one pedal to another, and the thick platform does not allow you to feel the pressure of the foot on the pedal.

Another favorite fashion detail - a pointed toe - is also not harmless. These shoes clench your toes, bringing them closer to each other. In this case, the thumb and little finger are lowered, and the rest are raised. All this threatens with deformation of the fingers, the formation of painful calluses and "bumps". Since the weight of the body presses the foot into the wedge-shaped space (especially if, in addition to a sharp toe, the shoe has a heel 5–6 centimeters or more high), the entire load is transferred to the bones of the middle toes. Because of this, transverse flat feet occur, and painful corns form on the sole.

Children's shoes

Perhaps more important than your own health can only be the well-being of the child. Incorrectly selected shoes are dangerous not only because they cause inconvenience to the child: the baby begins to act up, and sometimes parents do not even understand that it's all about the wrong shoes. While the child's foot is in the process of formation, it is very important that the shoes do not interfere with this process and do not provoke problems such as flat feet.

What should be children's shoes? “In no case should a child wear shoes “for growth”, but they should not be tight either,- says children's orthopedic traumatologist Mikhail Trunev. - A hard, moderately ribbed sole and a hard upper are desirable. Demi-season and winter shoes should fit the ankle joint, that is, be high..

Experts advise buying shoes for children made of natural material with a small heel, a fixed heel and a soft back, an orthopedic insole and a wide toe. Children's orthopedic shoes are necessary for the prevention of foot deformities and its proper development, so many doctors recommend buying just such shoes for children under 4–5 years old.

In move

Everyone who goes in for sports knows how much the right clothes for training and, of course, shoes mean a lot. Sneakers should be very comfortable so that the feeling of discomfort does not distract you from your workout. It is important that they are suitable for the sport you have chosen and reliably protect the leg from injuries - they protect the foot from “twisting”, ensure the fixation of the ankle and leg stability. When buying sneakers, pay attention not only to the design, but to a greater extent to how comfortable it is for you to move in one or another model. Flexible outsole, rigid heel, lightness are signs of high-quality sports shoes.

It is best to train in leather or gore-tex trainers that allow for normal breathability, with an insole that can be pulled out and dried. When choosing shoes for sports, keep in mind that during training the foot may increase slightly in size, and also remember that there should be a small space between the toes and the toe of the sneaker. In addition to the versatile sneakers suitable for all sports, there are special shoes for specific workouts that the sales assistant of the sports store will help you choose.

Shoes for aerobics and shaping protects against injury with special inserts in the sole area. Such sneakers can be higher than shoes for other sports. This allows you to fix the lower leg and prevent damage to the ankle joint. Since aerobics is very dynamic, you will need shoes that are flexible and lightweight to move easily and comfortably. The wide toe and narrow heel of the shoe provide better grip on the floor.

For running very light sneakers that fit perfectly on the foot are best suited. If the foot slides inside, you risk blisters and scuffs, and the risk of ankle injury will increase. You need a flexible toe box that allows you to better push off the ground, and a reinforced heel. It is important that running shoes have the ability to cushion impacts when they hit the ground. Therefore, sneakers with air pockets - air-filled cavities inside the sole - are suitable for running.

Football shoes should have a wide reinforced toe area, studs for playing on grass or a raised sole for the hall.

When choosing shoes for tennis you need to consider which court you are going to play on - different types of coverage are suitable for different models. Tennis sneakers have a fairly thick sole, flexible in the toe area and more rigid in the heel, as well as a special protector that does not allow slipping on the court surface.

Comfortable, “healthy” shoes will provide you with pleasant and effective workouts, allow you to get less tired during work, entertainment and walks, protect you from diseases - in a word, help you to stand firmly on your feet in any situation.