It's the most important part of your outfit, but choosing the right shoes can be tough. Women's shoes are usually categorized by heel height and style (e.g., flats, sandals, heels, boots), while men's shoes typically come in only two categories: dress shoes and casual shoes . But what about all the other styles? And how do you know if a shoe will fit or not? Read on for everything you need to know about choosing the perfect pair of shoes for any occasion!
Know your foot type.
If you know your foot type, it will be easier to find a shoe that is comfortable for you. If you have a high arch, look for shoes with a deep toe box or ones that are designed to support the arch of your foot. If you have flat feet, look for shoes with good cushioning, or choose shoes that are unstructured and flexible. If you have wide feet, look for shoes with a wide toe box and extra width in the heel.
Know your running style.
The most important thing to know when selecting a shoe is your running style. There are three types of running styles: over pronator, neutral runner, and supinator. If you're an over pronator, you'll need a shoe with more stability. A neutral runner will need a shoe with less stability. A supinator will need a shoe with even less stability.
Look for a shoe that fits you well.
You should always try on a shoe before you buy it. The shoe should feel snug, but not too tight. Your toes should not touch the front of the shoe. The heel of the shoe should not slip or rub against your heel. If you are going to be running in the shoes, they should be at least a half size larger than your street shoes. You can also get a better idea of how well a shoe fits by walking around in it for a little while.
Consider the environment you'll be running in.
Running shoes are specialized for one activity – running. They're designed to provide a specific level of support and cushioning, depending on the type of surface you'll be running on. You can find shoes for pavement, trails, or even sand.
Consider the surface you'll be running on.
The surface you're running on will dictate the type of shoe you need. Road shoes are designed to deal with a hard surface, with a more cushioned midsole and a little more flexibility. Trail shoes are designed for uneven terrain and soft surfaces, with a more rugged outsole and less cushioning. Cross-trainers are designed for a variety of surfaces and conditions, so they're good for anyone who doesn't know what their running surface will be ahead of time.
Paragraph: You also want to consider your foot type. If you have a high arch, you'll want to look for shoes that have extra arch support. If you have a narrow foot, you'll want to look for shoes that have a narrower toe box. If you have wide feet, you'll want to find shoes that have a wider toe box. And if you have flat feet, you'll want to find shoes with an added heel lift.