Our first reaction is to get the shoes that catch our attention the most. Our eyes are instantly drawn to its design, how colourful and elaborate it is, and we start thinking about what outfit it goes best with. But put that aside for a second and consider other things.
Your shoes aren’t meant to only look pretty on you, complement your outfit, or look great on your shelf. They protect against injury from dangerous objects, support your feet, enhance your performance, and the right pair can help manage any pre-existing foot problems.
Shoes are more than just must-have fashion items that cover your feet and you need to take your time to pick out the right pair for you.
Don’t Get the First Pair You See
It may be pretty, look great on you, and generally be everything you wanted, but don’t be too quick to go home with your first pair.
Before you settle on a new pair of shoes, think about why you need a new pair in the first place. If you are working with a monthly budget, you don’t want to end up getting a pair that you don’t need or won’t serve you well.
Do you love going hiking and need a replacement for your old shoes? Do you want to pick up running as a hobby? Are you going to be walking long distances? Is there a mini-football or basketball game with your friends on Saturday? Are you going to have a night out with friends that you haven’t seen in a while and want to look your best?
All these questions and more are useful in informing you of the shoes to go for. Once you know the purpose of the shoes and find a pair that ticks all the boxes, you can then focus on the colour theme or what outfit to wear it with.
Your lifestyle is another factor that should guide you on the shoes to buy. If you are someone that is always on their feet, you need shoes with a good amount of cushioning for comfort and support. When you work in a rigorous environment like a construction site, you must have sturdy shoes to protect against the dangerous objects lying around.
Different Materials for Different Shoes
Leather, textiles, rubber, foam, plastic, are some of the common materials used in the manufacturing of shoes. The materials used usually depend on the function of the shoes and the manufacturer’s intended design. For instance, leather is commonly used to make dressing shoes but you can see one or two athletic shoes made with leather.
In most cases, a pair of shoes can be made with more than one material since each has its uses and benefits. Before your next shopping trip to Nike stores in AU, do a little research online and see if you can find the materials used to make shoes you are interested in. Where the materials used are not listed or vague, be on your guard when shopping.
The Return Policy
With brands having their businesses online, it is easy to lay on your bed or sit in the corner of your office and get your shoes delivered to you after a few clicks. While it does make our lives easier as there is no need to walk into the store, it comes with some disadvantages.
It is possible that what you saw, isn’t what was delivered to you. Since you didn’t get to try the shoes on before the purchase, the shoes may have defects that make them unsuitable for use. How can you resolve the problems that come with online shopping?
First, shop from a reputable brand as they have years of good service under their belt and you can rest assured that you would be getting quality. Next, the brand should have a good return policy. You shouldn’t be stuck with something you are unhappy with and should be given the chance to return it when problems have been found or exchange it for something else.
Measurement is Important
Where you are shopping at the store, it wouldn’t hurt to have your feet measured by a consultant before you begin. It doesn’t have to be something you do constantly but where you can, make sure you get it done. This ensures that you get the correct fit and get the best use out of your shoes.