6 Tips for Choosing the Right Pair of Sneakers

Sneakers are awesome – they both look good and feel good to wear – but they also tend to wear out quickly because of frequent use, and should be replaced every three to five months depending on how frequently you walk in them. Here are a few tips to follow when buying your next pair of sneakers:

1. Set your budget
Your budget should be reasonable for the kind of pair that you’re getting. When it comes to specific types such as athletic shoes, you get what you pay for – the more expensive ones are more likely to be more durable and last longer.

2. Don’t shop based on brand alone
No matter how much you’re loyal to a certain brand for your shoes, that brand might not always offer the size or support that you need. Often, the best fit will come from a brand that you’ve never heard of or tried before.
Take this time to try on brands that you’ve never heard or tried before – who knows, it might just be the pair you’re looking for.

3. Try a lot of pairs
Though not too much – try narrowing your search by looking not just for sizes, but for also one that’s within reach of your budget as well as your type of daily activity.

When your shoes are already worn out, any pair will feel good in the short term, but the most comfortable fit usually only comes to you after comparing several different pairs and seeing which one suits you best.

4. Wear socks
Preferably, you should be wearing your own to the fitting – there’s just no telling what kind of sample socks the store has, and they could either be too thick or thin to let you know that that pair of shoes is the one you should get.

5. Leave wiggle room
The general “rule of thumb” when it comes to shoes is that there should be half an inch of space between your toes and the front of the shoe. This is because your feet will naturally slide forward at the end of the day.

If possible, try a pair that’s one size larger than your current shoe size for a more comfortable fit. Doing this will make your everyday walks to and from work or school much more bearable – and even enjoyable.

6. Time your fitting sessions well
People’s feet swell and shrink throughout the day, and buying a size that happens to be a little tight when they do can make you a little uncomfortable. Ideally, you should do your fittings in the late afternoon or after exercising and working out, as this is when your feet are at their largest.

(Disclaimer: This list is compiled in no particular order.)