How to Choose the Right Sneakers for Your Style

METHOD 2 --> Trying on Shoes

Examine the construction of the shoe before you buy it. Check the materials the shoe is made of, including the top part of the shoe, called the upper, along with the sole, insole, tongue, and any eyelets or laces. Pay attention to whether the seams feel secure and all of the materials feel durable.

• If the shoe seems flimsy, it’s not likely to last long, and it could change the way the shoe fits if it starts to unravel.

Make sure the sole will protect you if you step on anything sharp. The primary purpose of your shoes is to protect your feet. If you wear a shoe with a thin, flimsy sole, and you step on something sharp like a tack or a nail, you could be seriously injured. Make sure the sole is thick enough and sturdy enough to keep anything from penetrating through to your foot.

• If the sole of the shoe is stitched to the upper, rather than glued, it’s a sign that the shoe is very high-quality.
• If you'll be spending time around a construction site or somewhere that's likely to contain a lot of sharp objects, opt for a hard-soled shoe.

Walk around in the store to test the fit when you try on shoes. Sit on the bench and wiggle your toes around to make sure the shoes aren’t too small, but don’t stop there. Walk from one end of the store to the other, paying attention to whether the shoes slip off your heels when you walk or feel tight across your toes or the balls of your feet. The shoes should also support the arch of your foot.

Choose shoes that fit you comfortably from the beginning. Don't worry about the number on the shoe. If it feels too small, try a size larger, even if it's bigger than what you normally wear. Also, don't just assume that you can break in the shoes. Although many shoes do become more comfortable as you wear them, that's not always the case. The shoes should cushion your feet as soon as you try them on, and then get more comfortable from there.

Ask the salesperson to measure the length and width of your feet. Every time you buy shoes, you should have your feet measured. That’s because, over time, the size of your feet can change. Factors like weight gain and pregnancy can cause your feet to spread, leading to the need for a larger shoe size. Often, these changes are permanent.

METHOD 2 -> Considering the Setting

Wear slip-resistant shoes in bad weather or slick conditions. If you’re going to be walking in the rain or on the ice, or if you work in an area where the ground might be wet, icy, or oily, it’s a good idea to wear slip-resistant shoes to help prevent injury. These shoes are made with texturized soles to help provide traction when you’re walking across a slick surface.

Opt for sturdy boots if you’ll be walking on rough terrain. If you’re going somewhere outdoors where the ground may be uneven, choose a pair of boots that provide good ankle support, a snug fit around your heel, and plenty of room in the toe box for your toes to flex. Also, check that the tongue is padded enough to cushion the top of your foot when you’re walking up or down hills.

Match the shoe to the sport if you’re buying athletic shoes. If you participate in an athletic activity 2-3 times a week or more, you should purchase athletic shoes that are designed for that sport. Differences between athletic shoes might include cushioning on different pressure points and adjustments in where the shoe flexes. If you’re not sure what type of shoe you need, visit an athletic store and ask a salesperson, or talk to the person who coaches your team.

• For example, shoes for football typically have cleats that dig into the field, while basketball shoes are made to be lightweight and flexible, while still offering ankle support.

Wear dress shoes to work and nice engagements. If you work in a professional setting, like an office, or you’re going out to a nice dinner or a dressy event, you’ll look more polished if you wear dress shoes. These are often black or brown and made from leather or a material that looks like leather, although this isn’t always the case.

Save sneakers or sandals for casual activities. While they’re not appropriate for dressier occasions, if you’re going to be running errands or hanging out with your friends, there’s nothing more comfortable than your favorite pair of sneakers or an easy pair of sandals. Even better, you can dress these up a little if you want to look casually cute, like if you’re going on a daytime date.

Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes if you know you’ll be outdoors. While high-heeled shoes can make you look put-together and glamorous, they're not right for every occasion. Outdoors, your heels might sink into soft soil, or they could cause you to stumble on uneven ground. This is especially true for stiletto-style heels, which come to a sharper point.

• A flat, broad heel that's 1 in (2.5 cm) or less is probably fine, although it may not be comfortable if you have to do a lot of walking.