Everyone loves a stylish and comfortable pair of shoes, or as many pairs as they can afford. How should you go about getting the best deal on the shoes you can’t live without? The tips provided in this article can help you get the most for your money and look great in the process.

If you have bad feet, you should think about buying shoes that have an all leather bottom since they help protect the feet from damage. They cost a bit more than other shoes, but that is far less than you will end up paying for regular visits to a podiatrist.

If you put on gym shoes, wear socks. The friction can damage your foot. This also promotes the growth of foot fungus since the foot is in a shoe getting moist. It is better to don a pair of cotton socks and use a bit of foot powder to maintain dryness.

Although high heels are traditionally the sexiest shoes in the stores, be careful when you buy them. They can actually hurt you if you do not know what you are doing. The higher the heel, the harder they are to walk in. Make sure you can are able to walk in the sky-high heels before you buy them.

Do not except to be able to buy one pair of shoes that will meet all your needs. Different activities require shoes with different characteristics and it is unrealistic to except to be able to purchase one multitasking pair of shoes. For instance, running shoes need to be flexible and cushioned, whereas walking shoes need to be stiff and supportive.

Consider entering contests at local shoe stores. By entering only smaller contests, your odds are better at winning. If you do end up winning a gift card or pair of shoes, you can save a ton of money. Even if you don’t win, at least you’ll have fun entering the contests!

Walk around in those shoes before purchasing them. Take a walk around the store to see if they feel as nice as they did while you were sitting. You are sure to notice any rubbing. This can save a lot of money since you won’t be buying ill-fitting shoes.

Don’t be afraid to go to a thrift store to see if they have some nice shoes for a cheaper price than retail. A lot of the time people will donate shoes just because they didn’t like them and barely wore them. You will save a lot of money by doing this and you never know what you’ll find!

Reserve wearing your high heeled shoes for special occasions, or you could face serious physical repercussions. While these types of shoes may look stylish, they are not kind to the bones in your feet or spine. Using high heels for everyday use can cause spurs, pulls and otherwise put unnecessary pressure on your body.

To keep the rest of your house nice, put your shoes by the door when you come inside. Even if you only walk on the cement, your shoes pick up dirt and other garbage outside, and your carpet shows that dirt when you walk across it. Putting shoes by the door keeps everyone happier.

When you are shopping shoes, it’s best to do it later on in the day. Your feet swell naturally during the day. Early evening or late afternoon is a perfect time for shoe shopping. The shoes will fit no matter when you wear them during the day.

If you can’t walk normally in a pair of excessively high heels, don’t bother buying them. Despite being “in” and considered fashionable by people like Lady Gaga, most of us have difficulty with ultra high heels. If you are wobbling around awkwardly, there really is no point in wearing them!

When wearing those high heels, you should do what you can to minimize the bad effects on your feet. High heels that have cushioned inserts are ideal. Doing this makes wearing your favorite heels more comfortable, and may help you avoid harm that you may otherwise suffer.

Invest in a shoe tree. If you really value your shoes, make sure that you are storing them properly. Throwing them in the back of the closet or shoving them under a bed can warp and crack shoes over time. Keeping your shoes on something like a shoe tree can help them retain their shape.

To get the right size of running shoe, ask for a size wider than what you normally wear. As you run over distances, your feet tend to swell, so if you buy your normal size, your shoes cut off circulation and make the task of running even more arduous on the body.

There are comfortable dress shoes for women. These are called ballet flats. They are becoming more and more popular these days. You can find them to coordinate nicely with just about any outfit. They go from jeans to a night out easily. The best thing about them is the level of comfort you will enjoy.

If you need specialty shoes, such as for jiu jitsu classes or ballet, go to a specialty store. While you can buy something suitable at a big box retailer, you won’t get the high quality materials or perfect fit you will get at a specialty store, leaving you buying a new pair in a short time.

Take a look at the soles before buying a new pair of shoes. The sole of a shoe is just as important as the upper. You need to make sure you have a good, sturdy sole with adequate grip so that you are safe and comfortable in your new shoes.

After reading this article, you have some solid information to guide you as you shop for your next pair of shoes. You certainly do not want to spend more than necessary, but you also want to be comfortable. Do not just walk into any shoe store in the mall and purchase the pair that catches your eye.