Shoe fitting may seem like such a simple task, but performing it correctly can be somewhat complicated. A proper fitting shoe is vital for comfort and for prevention of injury. This article will discuss the ways one can ensure that their shoe fits properly, and that the proper shoe is selected for one's intended activity.

To begin, it should be known that the best places to purchase shoes are stores that provide staff who perform the fitting, and have a good working knowledge of their shoes. These types of stores vary by location, but a good rule of thumb is to avoid department stores and 'big box' shoe stores that require one to fit themselves. These stores also have limited size variations, despite having an enormous selection of different brands and styles. Shoe stores with clerks who have training and education in the brands they carry will be quite helpful in obtaining a properly fitting shoe. Although shoe sizes are more or less universal, they are simply meant as a guideline as different manufacturers and styles produce slight size variations that may not exactly match a stated size. A good shoe clerk should be aware of these differences.

Ensuring that one is wearing a proper shoe size for the foot length and width is vital for obtaining a good fit. One's shoe size does not necessarily stay the same for their entire adult life. Factors such as swelling, progressive foot conditions like bunions, and general body girth can allow for an increase or decrease in the shoe size. Before each purchase, one should have their foot measured. Once again, this is best done by a shoe clerk. The measuring and fitting should be done at the end of the day, when one's foot is expected to be at it's greatest size if leg swelling is a factor, otherwise the purchased shoe may feel too tight at the end of the day. The measurement will take into account length (which produces the size number), as well as width. Width is a factor often ignored by people who fit themselves for shoes, as many big shoe stores do not carry many varieties of width. Those people will simply buy a shoe one-half to a full size larger to obtain the proper width. Unfortunately, this results in a shoe that is too long, and the foot will slide forward inside the shoe with every step.

If one must fit them self, there are several ways to tell if a shoe fits properly. The first test is to ensure a proper length. In general, there should be a space the width of a thumbnail between the end of the big toe and the tip of the shoe. Anything more or less than this indicates that the shoe may be too long or short, respectively. The sides of the foot should not feel bunched in by the sides of the shoe. If there is overhang of the sides of the foot over the sole of the shoe, or if the foot pushes out the material of the shoe sides, then the shoe is too narrow. Fortunately, a shoe that is too wide is rarely a problem, since most people do not have excessively narrow feet.

If one feels a little extra room in the ball of the foot when fitting a shoe, it should not be a problem. However, if the foot seems to slide around in the shoe despite proper length, this could indicate a foot that is unusually narrow. This type of foot should be fitted for a shoe by a professional to avoid injury. Another way to tell if a shoe fits properly is to walk around the store in it for at least several minutes. If the top of the shoe bunches into the top of the toes when the shoe bends, or if the heel slips out of the shoe when walking, then the shoe should not be purchased. Unfortunately, shoe sizing techniques do not take into account the variations in toe height and heel circumference that everyone has individually. These factors need to be taken into account when fitting a shoe, and one should 'feel' if the fit is proper.

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