Choose Comfortable Dress Shoes

Choosing comfortable dress shoes does not have to be a complex affair. Above all else, choose shoes that fit your feet, rather than making your feet fit the shoes. There are now several comfortable dress shoes manufacturers that make shoes with pedorthic or comfort qualities.

Steps

  1. Understand that sizes may vary among shoe brands and styles. Do not select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe. Judge the shoe by how it fits on your foot.
  2. Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.
  3. Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet change as you grow older.
  4. Have both feet measured. Most people have one foot larger than the other one. Fit to the largest foot.
  5. Fit at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
  6. Stand during the fitting and check that there is adequate space (3/8" to 1/2") for your longest toe at the end of each shoe.
  7. Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part (ball pocket) of the shoe.
  8. Ask about different widths if your feet are wider or narrower than average.
  9. Ask about half sizes if you think you are in between. Not all stores carry them, but when they do, you may find that you're happier in between whole numbers.
  10. Don’t purchase shoes that feel tight, expecting them to stretch to fit.
  11. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with minimum amount of slippage.
  12. Walk in the shoe to make sure it fits and feels right. (Fashionable shoes CAN be comfortable and healthy!)
  13. Avoid tall heels, especially high, pointy ones. For all their glamor and fashion, these shoes are the least comfortable of the bunch. They concentrate your weight on a smaller area than your foot was designed to walk on, increasing pressure and often creating pinch points. They can make balance difficult and sink into soft materials, like sand or turf. Go with low heels or flats as much as possible, especially if you will spend much time on your feet in these shoes.
  14. Look and feel for padding and cushioning. There doesn't seem to be as much space for it in dress shoes as in athletic shoes, but take all you can get. Any layer of foam or rubber that can cushion the impact between hard pavement and your foot will make standing and walking more comfortable.

Tips

  • Seek out manufacturers geared toward comfort, and if you find one you like, visit them first next time.
  • Consider putting comfort above fashion, especially if you'll be standing a lot in these shoes (e.g. waiting tables). That doesn't mean you need to interview for a job or attend a wedding in your old tennis shoes, but you could choose lower heels or elegant flats in a classic style and dress up the outfit with a scarf, necklace, and purse, instead.
  • Make sure that you wear the shoes around the store while shopping, if appropriate. Many shoes feel great for the first couple of minutes, then begin to burn the ball of the foot, pinch your toes, tilt your foot forward, or slip after a few minutes.
  • Get two pairs, if you finally find good dress shoes and they're a classic style you'll wear for a long time.
  • Whenever you shop for anything, wear your most flattering, comfortable clothing, shoes, accessories. If what you are trying on is less wonderful than what you wore into the store, leave it where it is, and look elsewhere. Especially with shoes, comfort is king. How does the shoe look with your normal outfit? Is it as comfortable as what you wore into the store? Can you make it work with more items from your wardrobe?

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Sources and Citations

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