Buying shoes isn’t a process you want to rush, unless you want a pair with a bad fit. That’s a waste of effort, funds, and time. Here’s a guide to help you buy footwear for men and make the most of every purchase. By the time you get to the end of the list, you should have a solid idea of what to look for.
Start with Your Shoe Size
That is a given. But you’d be surprised how many people aren’t aware of their foot size, often winging it when they shop for shoes. How long has it been since you measured your foot? Foot size changes over time. Make sure you check before you pick the same size. Don’t only rely on the charts. Sometimes, foot size varies by brand. You could be a 3.5 in another brand and 3 in the next.
Determine What You Want
Consider what you want before looking for a pair of LOWA Renegade for men. Do you like hiking boots or walking boots? What about boots with a short neck? Some boats protect your calves, too. Consider what you have in mind before browsing product pages. A solid idea of where to start can considerably reduce your shopping time.
What About Style?
Do you have a preference for a specific style? Maybe an athletic pair that looks casual? Or do you want something stylish and loud? What about subtle and sturdy? With numerous pairs in an online inventory, you won’t have problems finding the footwear that suits you. Many people, though, consider their style before buying shoes. They use this to express who they are, to show their personality to the rest of the world. Do you love trendy boots or classic rubber shoes? What about an eye-catching pair? Ask yourself these questions to help you get a handle on the style you want.
Think About the Terrain
Factor the terrain into your buying decision. If you love long hikes and spend time crossing challenging terrain, you’ll want shoes that can handle that environment. If you only go on long walks and spend most of your time on flat ground, you’ll want shoes with enough arch support to lessen muscle fatigue and soreness. If you’re buying shoes for an event—let’s say, a running contest or a hiking trip—consider shoes that fit the activity best.
Choose a Colour
Most choose shoes in black, blue, or grey, which are classic colours for a reason. White goes with most of everything but you’ll always attract dirt, and will probably send your shoes to a cleaning service often. Some like colour and go for orange, yellow, or red. Consider if colour is essential enough or if you’d instead buy footwear that fits more practical requirements, like your size, the event, weather conditions, and more.
Look at the Material
Many shoes use gore-tex, which is breathable and waterproof, making the boots perfect for hiking conditions. Hikes up a mountain can mean encountering flash floods or damp terrain. Knowing you have waterproof shoes can save you a ton of stress. Imagine walking around in a wet pair of shoes. If your feet aren’t happy, you won’t be, too. Be ready for your next adventure by choosing shoes to keep your feet safe and dry.
Pair Them with the Right Shoes
Your socks affect your shoe size, too. Think socks mean you’ll need a shoes with enough room and leeway. If you’re wearing thick socks, you can choose shoes in your standard size. If you plan on spending time in places with cold weather, get shoes that you can wear with thick socks. That way, your toes won’t be cold throughout your trip.
Pay Attention to Your Width
Some shoes have different width options, offering shoes with a narrow size, a regular size, and a wide size. By now, you should know if you have a wide-size foot or if shoes with regular width work for you. That’s also why some shoes pinch while others let your feet breathe. A wide foot means a smaller shoe size might fit, but the width might be too tight. If that’s the case, look elsewhere. Keep shopping until you find shoes that give you a comfortable fit.
Pick the Source
Shopping online is fun when you know where to look. If you’re getting shoes online, consider the size and brand. Is the brand trustworthy? Have you bought footwear from the same shop before? What do the reviews say? That’s one of the best things about shopping online. You can go through reviews and see if there are any issues or problems. If many of the shoppers are satisfied, that’s an excellent indication of what your experience will be like, too. But if many comments talk about the same problems—delayed shipping, wrong orders, or unsent packages—consider that a warning and shop elsewhere.
