10 Comfort Tips to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Small Women's Shoes
It can be hard enough to find shoes that fit, let alone comfortable ones!
Have a read here to find out what's important for comfort in small women's shoes.
We've all been there. You try on what feels like a million pairs of shoes, and then you finally find a pair that seems to fit. You're so happy that something finally fits that you go ahead and buy them as quickly as possible, just to get out of the store and on with your day.
Then, as soon as you wear your new shoes out, you realize they're not comfortable at all, and you're back at square one.
Shoe shopping can be frustrating for anyone, but it's even more difficult when you have small feet. However, it's totally possible to find shoes that both look and feel great.
Keep reading for 10 great tips on shopping for small women's shoes that are comfortable enough to wear all day and into the night!
1. Shop at the Right Time
Did you know that your feet change sizes throughout the day?
It's not a dramatic amount, but your feet naturally swell as the day goes on, especially in hot weather.
To ensure you don't end up with shoes that fit perfectly in the morning but are too tight later in the day, go shopping in the afternoon.
2. Bring Your Own Socks
It's nice when shoe stores offer socks to try on with your shoes. But, unless you wear that type of sock every day, it's hard to tell if your new shoes will actually be comfortable.
Bring your own socks with you when you go shopping. That way, you'll take the guesswork out of the equation and will know exactly how the shoes will fit.
3. Know Your True Size
A recent study found that nearly 50 percent of UK women are wearing the wrong shoe size!
To increase your comfort level, take the time to get your feet measured before you invest in new small women's shoes.
If you're shopping online, you can still get an accurate measurement at home by following these steps:
- Place a piece of paper on the floor
- Sit down and place your foot flat on the paper
- Trace an outline of your foot
- Draw a straight line on the edges of each foot (inside, outside, across the heel, and across the toes)
- Measure between the lines, top to bottom and side to side
- Subtract 3/16ths of an inch from each number
- Compare the new numbers with the numbers on the store's size guide to find the perfect fit!
4. Don't Forget the Width
Many people focus more on the length of their shoes than the width. Buying shoes that are too narrow can cause just as many problems as shoes that are too short, though.
When you try on a pair of shoes, pay attention to how the ball of your foot feels. If it's at all compressed, ask for a wider size. Be sure emphasize that width, not length is the problem.
5. Move Around
If you don't move around in your potential new shoes, you're never going to know if they truly fit. Stand up and make sure you have between a quarter and a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Once you know you have enough space, the next step is to walk around and see how the shoes feel. Is there still enough room for your toes? Is there any pinching or sliding?
If possible, try to walk on both carpet and a hard floor to see how the surface changes how the shoe feels.
If the shoes don't fit well in the store, they won't fit well at home. So, don't justify buying uncomfortable small women's shoes just because they look nice or are on sale.
6. Focus on Comfort, Not Just a Number
Comfort matters more than the sticker on the bottom of the shoe. Even if it is technically your size, you won't wear it if it's not comfortable. Sizes can vary based on manufacturer, so you might be a size 3 in one brand and a size 5 in another.
7. Check for Quality
There are a few different things you can do when trying on shoes to make sure they're high-quality.
First, the shoe should be flexible, but not too flexible. The tox box should bend slightly upward to move with you as you walk. But, if you can bend the whole shoe in half, it's too flexible and won't last as long as you'd probably like.
Material matters, too. Soft leather is often the best option for a flexible, breathable shoe that will absorb moisture. Faux leather, as long as it's soft and flexible, is also fine.
Avoid hard leather, as it can cut into bonier parts of your feet.
The arches of the shoes should also be thick and supportive and should not bend too easily.
8. Examine the Soles
Don't forget to flip the shoe over!
Look for a sturdy sole that will protect your feet from sharp objects. A good sole will also provide comfort by cushioning against impact from hard surfaces. This is especially important if you do a lot of walking throughout the day.
9. Avoid Potential Irritants
When you're shopping for small women's shoes, feel inside of any pair you're considering to see if there are tags or seems that could irritate your feet or cause blisters after wearing them all day.
A high, narrow heel might look nice for a few minutes, but your feet will start to ache before too long.
Instead of going for the stilettos, look for features that indicate the shoes will be comfortable. Wedges, platforms, and lower heels spread out the impact of each step, so your feet won't ache at the end of the day.
10. Look at Online Reviews
Some people shy away from shopping for shoes online. But, when you have small feet, sometimes shopping online is the best way to find shoes that are comfortable and that fit properly.
Shopping online is also nice because you can try shoes on without any pressure in the comfort of your own home.
When you're shopping online, be sure to read reviews left by other buyers. Reading about other people's experience will give you a lot of insight into how the shoe will fit long term.
Looking for Comfortable Small Women's Shoes?
Now that you know how to tell if small women's shoes will actually be comfortable, it's time to start shopping!
Whether you're looking for heels, flats, or boots, we've got a wide selection available at Pretty Small Shoes. Check out our styles today, and feel free to contact us if you have questions about sizing!
