Top tips for successful shoe-shopping

Know your size

Shoe shops require you to know your shoe size—particularly if you're shopping online and can't try them on.

Get measured

A shoe shop will measure your feet for you. Feet are measured length-ways—as a number—and width ways—as a letter. Make a note of both. And remember sizes differ by country so check which a shoe size is quoted in.

Women—know your shoe styles

Shoe shops categorise shoes by style, so know the lingo:

• peep toe—with a cut-away toe area
• pump—a slip-on flat shoe
• sandal—a strappy rather than closed shoe
• slide—a slip-on sandal
• slip-on—one that requires no other fastening
• stiletto—a very high heel with a spiked heel shape
• trainer—a shoe for exercising, usually lace-up
• wedge—where the space between heel and toe is completely filled, no matter the height

Men—know your shoe styles, too

There may appear to be fewer options for men in shoe shops, but you'd be surprised...

• brogue—a laced shoe with a distinctive pin hole pattern
• penny loafer—a slip-on enclosed shoe
• Oxford—a classic laced shoe
• deck shoe—a casual leather lace-up shoe

Try them for size?

Shoe shops let you try shoes on. Make sure you do, and that you walk around the shoe shop with both on. Check that:

• your toe doesn't touch the end of the shoe
• there's no gaping at either side or the back
• the shoe isn't rubbing any part of your foot

Sizes can vary from shoe shop to shoe shop so try on a variety of sizes to be sure.

Use the mirrors

Most shoe shops typically offer two types of mirror—full-length to check for the overall look of a shoe, and a shoe-only mirror to allow you to look closely at your feet in the shoes. Use both before making a decision.

Are they leather?

If you're unsure if shoes in a shoe shop are genuine leather, smell them: plastic smells like soap and leather, well, like leather.

Do the shoes need special care?

Some shoe materials, such as suede, may need treatments or cleaners that you don't already have at home. These should be offered to you in a shoe shop as you pay.

Can you take them back?

Ask the shoe shop about its returns policy. Most will provide a refund or exchange within a set period if the shoes aren't visibly worn and you provide a receipt. This is particularly important if you're buying from an online shoe shop.

Bespoke shoes

Some shoe shops offer a personalised service with shoes made especially for you. As you'd expect, these tend to be extremely comfortable and well-fitting, but are dearer than off-the-peg shoes.