How to identify quality shoes. How to choose the right shoes

This article will not contain any fluff and general phrases that no one needs for nothing. There will be only useful information, only facts and specifics.

I'll tell you what to look for when buying winter shoes, and also give you a couple of practical tips that will help you not only stay healthy, but also save money.

How to choose good and inexpensive winter shoes

1. Choose the right time, size and width of shoes

People prefer to appear at markets and/or shoe stores in the first half of the day. Like, now we’ll quickly buy everything and then we’ll be free all day.

From a practical point of view, this is correct. But not from a physiological point of view.

The fact is that every person’s legs always swell a little in the evening. And shoes bought in the morning can feel tight in the evening.

Therefore, I personally recommend buying shoes in the afternoon. You need to choose the size as follows: between the tip of your thumb and the toe of the shoe there should be a distance approximately equal to the length of your thumbnail.

I do not recommend buying shoes and/or boots that are too narrow. They put pressure on the foot and disrupt blood circulation in it. As a result, your feet will get cold. But what’s even worse is that the risk of arthrosis increases.

2. Choose the right soles and insoles

It is advisable to buy winter shoes with non-slip ribbed soles. The deeper and more prominent the treads, the better! You yourself understand the conditions in which we live: slippery, snow, blizzards and curlicues. This is not the USA or even Spain, where people still swim in the sea in winter.

At the same time, the sole should be flexible (the better it bends, the higher the likelihood that it is of high quality), thick (about one centimeter), and should not lag and get wet.

Generally, the waterproofness of a sole depends on how it is attached to the shoe. There are several most commonly used types of fastening: pierced, adhesive, and lithium-adhesive.

As for insoles, you should not buy shoes with hard insoles. This can lead to calluses. I recommend choosing soft (necessarily thick) insoles.

If the insoles are thin, the cold will penetrate inside through the sole. Which will not add joy and comfort to you at all.

3. Don’t buy high-heeled shoes in winter

Girls always smile at me, prancing decorously along the road in winter in high-heeled shoes. It's how beautiful they can turn out!

Remember ladies, the ideal heel for women's winter shoes is wide and low. Maximum 4 centimeters. Otherwise, there is a risk that your beautiful legs and other limbs will come into contact with gray and unattractive asphalt.

It will also be completely useful if you have high boots, girls - they will protect your ankles from the cold. And if the length is above the knees, then also the knees. This is especially true if you prefer to wear skirts or short dresses.

It's easier for men in this matter. We don't wear stilettos. Skirts too. Well, as for winter shoes, a small heel (one and a half centimeters) is welcome! It provides much better stability than a flat sole.

And, to be honest, I don’t recommend wearing flat-soled shoes in winter at all. Orthopedic doctors say that flat soles deform the foot.

4. Choose shoes with the right insulation

The best and most reliable insulation for winter shoes is, of course, natural fur. It ensures normal air exchange, so your feet don’t sweat or get cold.

In second place is printed natural fur. This fur is sewn onto a fabric base. He's also pretty good. And in some cases it can give a head start to completely natural fur. Thanks to the fabric, these shoes dry faster.

It is very easy to distinguish faux fur from natural fur: it has an unnatural bright shine, is easily pulled out, and feels like a plush toy to the touch.

You can also opt for shoes with artificial modern insulation (for example, with Thinsulate). They are sometimes no worse than fur ones. At the same time, they dry faster.

5. What to choose: suede, leather or leatherette?

I can already see how many will fanatically prove that there is no more beautiful and better material than genuine leather. After all, it is simply ideal for winter’s severe frosts and slush (it takes the shape of a leg, retains heat well and does not allow moisture to pass through).

And suede is fu-fu-fu. It gets dirty quickly and is completely impractical. In general, we need to keep quiet about leatherette, because it’s such a mess that you can’t say it in a fairy tale or describe it with a pen.

In some ways, of course, they will be right. But in some ways, frankly, no!

Here's what I suggest. I will now list the pros and cons of both leather and suede shoes. And you yourself decide what is closer to you.

Pros and cons of shoes made of genuine leather

Pros: practical and convenient. The skin adapts to the shape of the foot. Doesn't get wet. Keeps warm well. Suitable for any time of year.

Minuses: inexpressive in appearance. High price. There is a risk of buying a fake, although the horseman-seller will beat himself in the chest with his fist, insisting that this is the most natural of all natural leathers in the world. Poor breathability (this factor depends on the type of leather).

Pros and cons of suede shoes

Pros: the price is lower than for leather. The shoes are very elegant and attractive in appearance. Pleasant to the touch. Soft and light. Warm and comfortable (in no way inferior to leather). Has good breathability.

Minuses: Compared to leather shoes, they are not as practical to wear. Requires special care. In wet weather and slush, traces of salt and dirt remain on it.

As for leatherette, I agree that this is not the best option for winter. Such shoes can allow moisture to pass through, not retain heat, and crack in the cold. Agree, into the furnace!

It is better to buy shoes once at above-average prices, which you will then wear for two or three years, than to buy cheap shoes and then simply throw them away.

6. Be sure to try on shoes

Under no circumstances should you buy shoes without trying them on. Especially winter! Even if you saw a super profitable offer on the Internet.

The fact is that no two pairs of shoes are the same. Different shoes from different manufacturers vary significantly in size. And as a result, by ordering boots or boots of your standard size online, you can actually get shoes one size or even two smaller (the Chinese are like that!).

I also don’t recommend listening to the sweet speeches of a consultant who will shout like a nightingale that you are just a star in these shoes! And the fact that it’s a little tight for you will cause the skin to stretch and the fur to trample! These are new boots!

Girls, for whom it is very important to hear an outside opinion, are more susceptible to this influence. Men are more persistent in this regard.

The rules for trying on winter shoes are quite simple: you need to try on both boots. You definitely need to walk there in shoes. Your legs should not be cramped (no matter what the consultant says). The boot should not squeeze the leg, and the big toe should not rest against the toe.

7. Don't be fooled by the external beauty of shoes.

I specifically made this point number 7. Because if, when choosing winter shoes, you are led by their beauty after mastering the previous points, there will be nothing wrong with that.

And so, no matter how beautiful the shoes are, first of all, make sure that they are of high quality and practical.

For more tips on how to choose the right winter shoes, watch the video

Shoes are an important part of the wardrobe, which affects our comfort, the condition of our feet, and the integrity of our image. Shoes serve both as an a priori necessary means of protecting our lower extremities, and as a way to emphasize the beauty of our legs and a certain style.

In order for your shoe wardrobe to be complete, you need to remember that for certain purposes you need your own shoes: comfortable for everyday wear to work, light for walking, beautiful for “going out.” The main rule when choosing shoes for any purpose is that they must be of high quality.

Below we will talk about the basic rules for selecting reliable and high-quality shoes.

Comfort and convenience

Often, when choosing shoes, we forget that they directly affect the health of our feet. Doctors believe that uncomfortable shoes and shoes made of low-quality materials cause many diseases of the lower extremities. This primarily applies to women who most like to wear high heels. Uncomfortable high-heeled shoes lead to foot deformation and negatively affect blood circulation and the condition of the hip joints.

If you are choosing shoes for everyday wear, give preference to shoes with a low fit, but with a minimal heel. With men the matter is clear, they often have a heel of 1-2 cm, but for women it is quite difficult to choose even a 5-centimeter heel. Our women are accustomed to wearing shoes with 10-15 cm high heels to work, which is completely unsafe for women's health. At the same time, sandals without heels can also cause discomfort and pain in the feet, so the best option would be shoes with thick heels 2 cm - 5 cm high. High-heeled shoes are not intended for everyday walking and, of course, they are unsafe for legs. It is recommended to wear these shoes no more than 30 minutes a day, if required by the dress code or the event you are going to in them.

When choosing comfortable shoes, pay attention to the following points:

Try on shoes at the end of the day, when the feet are at their largest size as a result of normal swelling;
- if you wear orthopedic insoles, do not forget to take them with you and try them on with new shoes;
- if the size of one foot is slightly larger than the size of the other, always focus on the larger foot;
- while trying on, walk around the store and “feel” the new “shoes”, listen to your feelings;
- we do not recommend choosing shoes that are tight or slightly too small, with the hope that they will stretch over time;

Also, when choosing comfortable shoes, consider the following:

Avoid shoes with pointed toes, too narrow and tight, and high thin heels;
- choose shoes with a tight heel, which will prevent your foot from slipping and also help avoid deformation of the heel;
- the sole should be flexible and plastic, which will allow your foot to be comfortable while walking;
- the shoes should fit the foot well in the instep so that the foot does not slip out when walking;
- give preference to shoes made of natural materials, avoid shoes made of plastic or vinyl, which do not allow air to pass through, as a result of which your feet will constantly sweat;
- pay attention to the internal seams, they should not be rough and cause irritation and chafing of the skin.

Material quality

One of the most important characteristics of shoes is the quality of the materials from which they are made. Often in the summer we experience discomfort due to excessive sweating of the feet or an unpleasant odor. This is often caused by poor quality synthetic materials that do not allow air to pass through and cause bacteria. Therefore, buy shoes made from high-quality natural materials, especially in summer, when the issue of “freshness” of feet is especially relevant.

Today, shoe manufacturers use various innovative technologies when sewing shoes. Antibacterial, orthopedic, massage insoles, waterproof materials, shock-absorbing soles, air chambers, etc. - all this makes the walking process much more comfortable and enjoyable, and also has a positive effect on the health of your feet.

The classic and highest quality and most comfortable material for shoe production is Genuine Leather . Genuine leather is soft and pleasant to the touch, due to which the shoes always take the shape of the foot. Leather shoes allow your feet to breathe and do not cause sweating or unpleasant odor. It goes without saying that shoes made from genuine leather will last longer than shoes made from synthetic materials.

Shoes from natural suede has many advantages - it has an aesthetic appearance, looks great, is comfortable and easy to wear, it is not hot in the summer, since the suede allows air to pass through well. However, you need to remember that suede requires proper care, otherwise the shoes will quickly become unusable.

Fullness and size

Such a parameter as the fullness of the foot is very important when choosing shoes. It happens that the length of the shoe fits well on the foot, but there is a significant “freedom” felt, or vice versa, the shoe size is larger than necessary, but the width does not “fit” into the frame at all.
In this case, we are talking about the fullness of the leg - the circumference of the foot in the widest places of its front (toe) part. Today, when it is very difficult to find shoes manufactured according to state standards, the fullness value is not indicated, and only direct fitting will help you understand whether a given model is suitable for you.

As for the size of shoes, according to the international standard, it is determined by measuring the length of the foot in millimeters, usually rounded to 0.5 cm. The length is measured from the heel to the toe that protrudes most above the rest.

The European size measurement system uses centimeters and is measured by the length of the insole. The length of the insole is usually 10-15 mm longer than the length of the foot (“functional allowance”). The size of the insole is also determined by the British and Americans, only the Anglo-American system uses inches.

Even if you know your size and the fullness of your feet, we recommend that you always try on shoes! Today, many manufacturers deviate from established norms and standards and have their own size tables, which, accordingly, may affect discrepancies with your actual size and number on the shoe box. Moreover, each model has its own characteristics that can affect comfort, regardless of whether you guessed your size.

Put on your shoes and walk a little in your new shoes, feel how they sit on your feet, whether they press or pinch your feet. We do not recommend giving in to the seller’s recommendations to use a shoe stretcher - this product is quite suitable, but not in the case when you feel that your shoes are one or two sizes too small!

Quality and guarantees

If you decide to purchase high-quality factory shoes, you can go to a shoe store, but remember a few important points. To determine the manufacturer of the shoes and whether their quality meets established standards and requirements, ask the seller to show quality certificate for these shoes. The certificate confirms that the shoes are made using a certain technology, meet safety requirements and are not harmful to health. In order to see a certificate for a product, you do not necessarily need to have certain powers - documents confirming the quality of the product can be requested by the buyer directly from the seller.

pay attention to guarantees . According to the law protecting consumer rights, the buyer can return the goods within 14 days from the date of purchase. In this case, the warranty period begins to count from the beginning of the season, regardless of the date of purchase. For example, you bought in the summer. In such a situation, you have the opportunity to “wait” for the beginning of the winter season, when you can test the shoes for quality. This consumer right is protected by law, so you can safely buy shoes out of season. An important point is the presence of a receipt from the store, undamaged packaging and the presence of all labels/tags that were originally on the product.

"Seasonal" nuances

Shoes for any season, first of all, should be made of high-quality, preferably natural, materials (leather, suede, nubuck, textiles) that allow air to pass through and do not interfere with natural heat exchange at any time of the year. In the summer, it is even more important that the shoes are made of high-quality materials, because it is in the summer heat that the feet sweat, which can lead to the formation of fungi and various foot diseases.

If you nevertheless purchased shoes made of synthetic materials, take care of the insole. Today you can find special antibacterial insoles that allow air to pass through well and do not allow bacteria to develop. When buying summer shoes, keep in mind that in the summer your feet constantly swell, so you need to try on shoes at the end of the day - this way you won’t be surprised if your shoes suddenly “shrink” in size the next day.

When buying winter shoes, try to choose options made from genuine leather, which will retain heat and will not allow moisture to pass through. The inside should be lined with natural fur; the ideal option would be sheepskin, which will warm your feet in the winter. The sole should be thick enough, with a relief pattern (tread), so that you will not slip on the snow. Please note that autumn and winter boots should not fit your feet too tightly.

When purchasing, be sure to check the pairing of shoes, inspect them - there should be no scratches, wrinkles, stains on them, paired (symmetrical) parts and decorative elements must be the same in shape, size and color. Inspect the seams, sole, heel, toe and zipper - there should be no defects anywhere
. Always try on shoes on both feet, as there is always a minimal difference in the size of both feet, and a couple of millimeters may cause the shoes to be returned to the store
. When trying on shoes, fasten all the fasteners, zippers, tie the laces, walk around the store and feel if decorative details, zippers, or details under the insole cause you discomfort
. Examine the shoes by touch - there should be no rough seams inside, the inner surface should be soft and pleasant to the touch, the insole should stretch
. Remember the safe heel height: for women - 5 cm, for men - 1.5 cm
. The sole should be flexible and flexible - this speaks volumes about its quality and allow your feet to relax throughout the day.
. If you want to make a profitable purchase, buy shoes out of season, for example in summer and winter, and winter ones in summer - this way you will save a decent amount. If you want to “shop” cheaper, go to the market; if you want to stock up on a guarantee, go to specialized stores.

Using our simple tips for choosing shoes, you can choose quality shoes that will be a comfortable “shelter” for your feet. In any case, each buyer has his own individual requirements for the model, material, finishing of shoes - here you can safely focus on your personal preferences and tastes!

We wish you a good choice!

So, having learned what materials shoes should be made of that meet all the requirements of comfort and hygiene, let’s determine how to choose high-quality shoes, and also move on to the issues of hidden defects when purchasing.

In 90% of cases, good and high-quality shoes are made from the skin of the following three animals: calf (bull), pig and goat. The remaining 10% comes from exclusive and exotic shoes. The most durable calfskin leather is suitable for the harshest weather conditions. Its thickness is 1.8 – 2.5 mm.

Possible disadvantages include the presence of many small defects on the skin from insect bites, etc. Pigskin is cheaper than calfskin, has a wider distribution, and is thinner. Disadvantages include high hygroscopicity and loss of shape when frequently wet.

You can choose this material for non-essential elements in the product, such as lining, insoles, tops and all kinds of appliqués. The thinnest leather (0.8 - 1.5 mm) - goat skin - is at the same time the most beautiful with a minimum number of defects. It is often used to make high-quality fashion women's shoes.

When choosing such shoes, you need to understand that such shoes are not very durable and reliable, but they are excellent for non-critical elements.

Skin types and their features

Now let's talk about skin types and their features. Genuine leather can be smooth, patent leather, or have a pile (suede, velor, nubuck). Patent leather shoes do not allow air to pass through well, so they are not recommended for use in hot weather and when feet sweat excessively.

In addition, it is very susceptible to mechanical damage (scratches, etc.) and cracks at temperatures below -10 degrees C or above 25 degrees C, and becomes covered with small cracks due to dampness.

Suede is not afraid of minor impacts and scratches, but dust and dirt are difficult to remove even with a special brush. Nubuck is even less protected from dirt and greasy than suede and velor, but is more moisture resistant.

In general, shoes made of suede, nubuck and velor are quite capricious and require constant care with water-repellent agents due to their high hygroscopicity.

When buying shoes made of nubuck and velor, be sure to take care of purchasing paint of the appropriate color. Only paint will be able to cover quickly formed and difficult to remove abrasions and traces of dirt.

Possible defects in shoes

Pay attention to the inner surface of the selected pair of shoes. The inner surface of high-quality shoes should be flat and smooth to the touch at the joints, otherwise tights and socks will constantly tear on the sharp edges of the seams, etc.

Take a close look at the heel of your chosen shoe. The heel can be decorated not with the usual straight vertical seam, but with a sewn-on solid piece. Such a part can be either an invoice, and then its cut is clearly visible, or have the edges of the seams turned inward.

If you find the heel part in just such designs (turned inward), then in this case the likelihood that the shoes are not made of genuine leather increases significantly.

By turning the edges inward, manufacturers of cheap, low-quality shoes may try to hide the true material and avoid questions from overly meticulous buyers. On the other hand, very high-quality shoes from well-known brands are also often produced with folded edges.

Therefore, if you are not looking at a world-famous shoe brand, and you are not in a company store, then the selected edges should be alarming. In addition, the presence of an open cut in the product will help determine the thickness of the leather, which is an important factor during intensive wear.

Now let's look at the heel on the selected product. Place your shoes on a flat surface. When viewed from the side, a pair of high-quality shoes should stand firmly on the entire surface of the heels, otherwise they may become loose and the instep supports may break. The heel can be either one-piece made of plastic, rubber, metal or wood, or prefabricated - from 2 or more materials.

Plastic is fragile, wood rots from moisture. A metal rod is inserted inside thin plastic heels (studs) to strengthen the structure. The worse the quality of the metal, the softer it is, the greater the likelihood of the heel breaking.

The second reason for broken heels on low-quality shoes or boots is that the metal rod is not inserted the entire length of the heel. Heels, like other parts, tend to get scratched. You can tint them in repair shops. At home, you can try to tint with a waterproof marker.

Choosing a color for a black heel will not be a problem, but selecting other shades can present certain difficulties even in repair shops. This must be taken into account when purchasing shoes with non-black heels.

It also doesn't hurt to check the back seams on your chosen pair. They should be even, sewn with stitches of 2-3 mm. If the stitch is smaller, then when worn, the perforation effect is triggered and tearing is possible, which, of course, is not a sign of quality.

And in conclusion, I would like to give one more piece of advice to women wearing long clothes. Having such a wardrobe, you should choose boots without fittings on the tops. You should be especially wary of metal and plastic fittings. Such fasteners will have time to tear the lining of your coat or fur coat before they serve their purpose.

Source: https://www.ask4style.ru/shoes/choose.html

How to choose the right winter shoes

It is not an exaggeration to say that your health, and sometimes your life, depends on whether you know how to choose winter shoes.

Frost, slush, ice, reagents that are generously sprinkled on the roads - all these are real tests for boots and shoes, and not every pair can cope with them.

Therefore, to feel warm and comfortable, choose your shoes responsibly. To help you, we have collected basic tips for choosing winter shoes.

Upper materials

The answer to the question of how to choose high-quality shoes for winter lies, first of all, in the correct choice of material from which the upper is made.

Despite the development of technology, the shelves of most stores are still divided into two parts: more expensive shoes made from natural materials and budget options made from artificial ones.

Genuine leather can be smooth and fleecy - this variety includes suede, velor, and nubuck, beloved by many. Let's look at the pros and cons of each type of shoe.

Smooth natural leather retains heat well, restores its shape after deformation, withstands low temperatures, repels moisture, and prevents the foot from sweating. In addition, genuine leather can adapt to the shape of your foot when worn, making it more comfortable.

Fuzzy types of leather - suede, velor or nubuck - have most of these properties.

The only exception is that they allow moisture to pass through and, moreover, under the influence of water and dirt they can lose their neat appearance. Special sprays can be a salvation, but they cannot be called a panacea.

Therefore, it is better not to wear such shoes in bad weather. But it has a beautiful appearance and is suitable for festive occasions.

Modern industry has invented hundreds of synthetic materials for making shoes, but no matter how good they are, they cannot keep up with natural leather in quality. Leatherette shoes are less durable - as a rule, they last for one season. It is not as warm and less comfortable. The biggest advantage of shoes made from non-natural materials is their low price.

Sports shoes should be placed in a separate category. Synthetic materials and insulation like foam rubber are often used for it. As a rule, they do a good job of maintaining heat. But you will agree that wearing such shoes with business-style clothes will not work.

How to choose quality shoes

1. To determine whether a shoe is made of genuine or artificial leather, gently touch it with a needle. Genuine leather will bend elastically and then restore its shape; unnatural leather will remain marked with a puncture.
2. Examine the pair carefully and look for places where you can see the underside of the material. If a fabric base is found there, it is leatherette.
3. Evaluate the quality of the seams - a manufacturer of good shoes will not skimp on their processing.
4. Inspect the heel pad adjacent to the heel - it should be firm but flexible to support the foot. The inside should be covered with flannel or leather. There is no point in making the backdrop fur - the pile will be wiped off instantly.
5. The sole must be firmly and neatly fastened - without glue smudges or knocked down protruding threads if the shoes are stitched.

Interior decoration

It is clear that one of the best options for the interior finishing of winter shoes is natural fur. It maintains heat well and prevents your feet from sweating. In addition, it does not fall off for a long time, which means that there is an air layer between its fibers, thanks to which the foot does not freeze.

To distinguish natural insulation from artificial insulation, you need to move the fibers apart and examine the base of the lining. If you see a fabric base there, then the insulation is not natural.

Please note that manufacturers often use different linings for the top and bottom of shoes. In hard-to-reach places adjacent to the foot, low-quality material may suddenly appear.

The insoles of winter shoes should be soft enough. It’s good if they have a Seitz roller - a special thickening under the forefoot.

Sole

The minimum sole thickness for winter shoes is one centimeter. Keep in mind that the thinner it is, the faster your foot will cool. Optimal materials are polyurethane, rubber, polyvinyl chloride.

Good “adhesion” to the surface is provided by the corrugated pattern, but sometimes this is not enough. If the shoes turn out to be slippery, you can ask the workshop to glue special pads on them.

However, this will require additional costs.

Heel

Modern doctors are gradually moving away from the idea that comfortable and safe shoes must have a heel. We will not interfere in the discussions of orthopedists and will only note one thing: high-heeled winter boots are not an option for every day, and you need to move with the utmost caution in them.

A more or less safe heel height for hiking on snow and ice is up to five centimeters. It is better that the heel is wide and stable.

Make sure that the heel does not move back under load, and that the toe, even without your weight, does not rise above the floor by more than one centimeter. If these requirements are not met, it will be very difficult for you to stay on your feet in icy conditions, and in general it will be uncomfortable.

Lightning

Immediately appreciate how neatly and competently the zipper is sewn. There should be a flap adjacent to it on the inside, which will prevent your socks and tights from tearing when fastening and not damaging the zipper itself. However, it should not reach the bottom of the shoe, otherwise water will constantly get inside through the fastener.

How to choose winter shoe size

1. Come to the shoe store in the afternoon, when your feet are already a little swollen.
2. If you plan to wear shoes with a sock, put it on immediately when trying them on.
3. Put on your new shoes and measure how far your big toe is from the edge of the shoe.

   Experts say that it is optimal if it is one centimeter. In any case, make sure that nothing is squeezing all your fingers inside so that they can straighten out. In places where shoes restrict your feet, there is a high risk of frostbite in winter.

4. Leather shoes should fit comfortably, but at the same time fit snugly (remember that leather can take the shape of your foot over time).
5. Keep in mind that if leather shoes are worn in, then only in width.

   If your big toe is not free in it when trying it on, even prolonged wear will not change anything - it will always be so.

1. Shoes made of natural smooth leather with heels no more than five centimeters are the most practical and safe.
2. When assessing the material from which the lining is made, inspect not only the upper, but also the part where the foot directly fits. Manufacturers often skimp on unnoticed parts of their products.
3. Press down on the instep of the boot in the middle - the heel should not move back.
4. Winter shoes should not be tight - in places where they squeeze your feet, you risk frostbite.
5. The sole of high-quality winter shoes cannot be thinner than one centimeter.

Source: https://1000sovetov.ru/article_kak-vybrat-zimnyuyu-obuv-pravilno

How to choose shoes

One of the most important parts of our wardrobe is shoes. Its shape determines comfort and convenience when walking, and its appearance determines the integrity of the created image. Shoes serve not only to protect a person’s lower extremities, but also to create style, highlight the beauty of the legs or hide their imperfections.

For each specific purpose, our wardrobe should have its own shoes: comfortable - for daily trips to work; light and comfortable - for sports, for example, morning jogging; beautiful and fashionable - for going to the theater, restaurant, to a friend’s birthday or to a wedding. One main requirement for all types of shoes is their quality.

And in order to choose high-quality and reliable shoes, you need to know a few main rules.

What is the most important thing in shoes?

The main thing in shoes is comfort. When choosing shoes, many people forget about their direct impact on the health of not only our feet, but also our posture in general. Wearing shoes that are uncomfortable and made of low-quality materials can lead to various foot diseases over time.

This applies to a greater extent to women who love high heels.

Uncomfortable shoes, and even in combination with heels, worsen blood circulation in the limbs and the condition of the hip joints, and over time lead to deformation of the feet and curvature of the spine.

If you need casual shoes, choose shoes with a low heel and low speed. It’s easier for men to make a choice, because men’s shoes already have a heel of no more than 1–2 centimeters.

But for women who adore heels, it is difficult to decide to purchase shoes with a heel of “only” 5 cm.

Even to work, they are accustomed to wearing shoes with 10-centimeter heels, without thinking about their health: this is justified by the fact that “beauty requires sacrifice.”

Of course, shoes or boots without heels are also quite uncomfortable for our feet and cause unpleasant, painful sensations in our feet. The best option is shoes with a stable and thick heel with a height of 2 to 5 centimeters. High heels are not intended for everyday walking; Doctors consider it possible to wear it no more than half an hour a day, and then only in case of emergency.

Choosing shoes

What should you pay attention to when choosing shoes? Few people know that it is better to go shopping for shoes towards the end of the day. At this time, the feet swell slightly and their size becomes largest. In this case, the new shoes will not “suddenly” turn out to be too small the very next evening. If you use orthotics, be sure to bring them with you to your fitting.

Many people's feet vary slightly in size, so be sure to fit your larger foot when trying them on. When trying on shoes, be sure to walk around the store in them to “feel” how comfortable they are for you. Perhaps there is a slight pinching somewhere? In this case, you should not choose such shoes in the hope that they will stretch in a week.

If you need comfortable shoes, do not choose narrow, tight shoes with thin and high heels. Comfortable shoes should have a tight heel: this prevents it from deforming and slipping out of the heel of the foot. Try bending the sole.

It should be plastic, flexible - on such a sole your feet will feel comfortable while walking. Be sure to pay attention to the material and give preference to natural materials. After all, artificial materials do not allow air to pass through - your feet will sweat a lot.

In addition, pay attention to the quality of the internal seams: they should be soft so as not to cause chafing of the skin.

Material quality

The quality of the material is one of the most important characteristics of good shoes. Wearing shoes made of low-quality synthetic materials, especially in summer, leads to increased sweating of the feet, the development of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Therefore, the issue of the quality of shoe material is especially important in the summer.

Modern manufacturers use various new technologies when sewing shoes. The use of massage and antibacterial insoles, shock-absorbing soles with air chambers and waterproof materials makes shoes more comfortable and has a positive effect on foot health.

Naturally, the highest quality material for shoe production is classic genuine leather, because it is soft and pleasant; and shoes made from it take the shape of the foot.

It is known that the service life of leather shoes is much longer than shoes made of artificial material. Shoes made of suede are very beautiful, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, because suede perfectly allows air to pass through and in the summer season your feet do not get too hot in suede shoes.

However, it must be remembered that without proper care, suede shoes quickly become unusable.

Size and fullness

When choosing the right shoes, it is very important to consider the fullness of your feet. It happens that the shoes you try on are quite suitable for you in length or even turn out to be a little larger than the required size, but from the sides they noticeably pinch you.

In this case, the point is the fullness of the leg, that is, the circumference of the foot in its widest part in the toe area. Today it is quite difficult to choose shoes for yourself, since the fullness value is not indicated on them.

You can only understand how suitable the model you like is when you try it on.

Shoe size is now most often calculated according to international standards: this is the length of the foot, expressed in millimeters. The length is measured from the heel to the most protruding toe, usually this figure is rounded to 5 mm.

The European shoe sizing system uses centimeters for the length of the insole. Most often, the length of the insole is 1–1.5 cm longer than the length of the foot.

The Americans and the British use the same method of determining size; the only difference is that in these countries the figure is indicated in inches.

However, even if you know exactly the size of your feet and their fullness, do not buy shoes relying solely on the size indicated on them.

Many manufacturers now often use their own size tables; and this figure sometimes differs noticeably from the actual size of your foot and even the size indicated on the box.

In addition, the features of each model can affect comfort regardless of size.

When trying on, put the shoes on both feet to feel if they are too tight for you. Don't listen to the salesman if he tells you to use a shoe stretcher. This remedy can be used, but not in the case when you need shoes 2 to 3 sizes larger.

Quality and guarantees

High-quality factory shoes can be purchased in specialized stores. However, here you need to take into account several important nuances.

First, you need to identify the manufacturer and make sure that the quality of the shoes meets the established standards.

The certificate, which the seller must provide you upon request, will be able to confirm that the shoes are of high quality and safe for your health.

Don't forget about the warranty. The law allows you to return low-quality goods to the store no later than 2 weeks from the date of purchase. However, not everyone knows that the warranty period for seasonal shoes starts from the beginning of the season, regardless of the day of purchase.

For example, if you purchased winter boots in the summer, you have the right to “wait” until winter begins. This is correct: you won’t wear winter shoes in the summer; their quality can only be determined in winter. Therefore, it is quite possible to buy shoes “out of season” without the risk of losing the warranty.

The nuances of seasonal shoes

Shoes for any season should be made of high-quality (preferably natural) materials that allow air to pass through well and do not interfere with heat transfer.

This is especially important for summer shoes to prevent the development of fungus and other diseases that appear due to sweating of the feet.

But if you still decide to buy shoes made of synthetic material, purchase antibacterial insoles: they are highly breathable and prevent the development of bacteria.

When buying summer shoes, you need to remember that in hot weather your feet swell more; Therefore, it is better to go shopping for shoes in the evening. After purchasing shoes in the morning, you run the risk of discovering in the evening that they are “too small” for you.

When choosing winter shoes, give preference to options made from genuine leather: they will retain heat well and will not allow moisture to pass through.

Winter boots should have a fur insole (sheepskin is better) - they will help keep your feet warm.

Choose shoes with thick soles and a textured pattern on them, this will prevent your feet from slipping on ice and snow. Don't forget that both autumn and winter boots should be a little loose.

When purchasing shoes, be sure to pay attention to pairing. If there are decorative elements on it, they should be symmetrical, identical in size, shape and color. There should be no scratches, stains or wrinkles. Inspect the seams, the sole and the strength of its connection with the upper leather, the reliability of the zipper (snake). High-quality shoes should not have any defects.

A person's feet usually have a slight difference. Therefore, when choosing, try on both winter and summer shoes on both feet; otherwise, because of a couple of millimeters, you will most likely have to return your purchase to the store.

When trying on shoes, fasten all zippers and fasteners on them; If there is lacing, tie the laces.

After this, walk around and notice if zippers, fasteners or decorative details are causing you any discomfort.

Feel the inside of the shoe: there should be no hard, rough seams that you risk rubbing on your foot. The inner surface of the shoe should be soft and pleasant; the insole should stretch.

Don't forget about the most appropriate heel height. For women it is 5 centimeters, for men – 1.5 centimeters. The sole of the shoe should be flexible and bend well. A poor-quality sole is hard, and a crack may soon appear at the fracture site. Plasticity speaks of quality; shoes with flexible soles will allow your feet to rest throughout the day.

If you're trying to shop for value, buy summer shoes in winter or fall, for example, and winter shoes in spring and summer. This will allow you to save money. Inexpensive shoes are usually purchased at markets; You can buy high-quality shoes with a guarantee in specialized shoe stores.

By applying these simple tips for choosing shoes, anyone will be able to choose high-quality shoes that will make their feet comfortable. As for taste and color, as they say, there are no comrades; and each buyer has his own individual requirements for the appearance of shoes and their finishing. In this regard, you can only rely on your personal preferences.

Source: http://everstyle.ru/kak_vybrat_obuv

How to choose shoes by quality and size? Choosing the right shoes

Wrong shoes are wasted money. If you are not a Rockefeller and don’t want to once again regret wasted time and money, then you have only one thing left - learn to make the right purchases. How to do it? Remember a few simple rules of shoe shopping.

Choosing shoes: quality and size matter!

Increasingly, people began to purchase goods from online stores. There are a lot of advantages to shopping “without leaving your laptop” (tablet, desktop PC):

1. saving time. There is no need to run around the city shops all day looking for the perfect pair;
2. saving money. In online stores, shoes are cheaper because the seller has less costs for rent, employee salaries, etc. Frequent sales, promotions where you can find your favorite pair very cheaply;
3. huge selection. In shops and markets of a small city, as a rule, shoes are not very diverse. On the Internet, you can search for goods not only within your locality, but also across the country, and even abroad.

The only problem with buying shoes in an online store is choosing a pair of your size. It is very easy, when purchasing shoes or boots, to make a mistake with the length and fullness of the foot. To prevent this from happening, it is important to measure its length correctly.

To do this, you need to place your foot on a sheet of paper and trace it with a pencil. Using a ruler, determine the length in centimeters and compare it with the shoe size chart. Some shoe models may run small or vice versa.

Few online stores offer a pre-fitting service, which means they deliver shoes in several sizes and you choose the right pair. Pay attention to this when choosing an online store.

Choosing the right shoes when trying on

How to choose shoes

Even when buying shoes in normal, “real” conditions, there is a risk of making a mistake and purchasing an uncomfortable pair. To prevent this situation from arising, there are several tips on how to choose comfortable shoes:

• It is better to make purchases in the evenings, when the feet swell and reach their maximum size;
• Shoes should fit tightly around the foot, without squeezing or falling off. You should not hope that it will stretch over time, especially if the material for its manufacture is artificial. In addition, walking in uncomfortable, tight shoes, for example, is very harmful to your health and really spoils your mood. It is not recommended to purchase loose shoes - the consequences of wearing them are calluses, and your legs are under constant tension and get tired faster;
• when trying on, you should put on two shoes and walk around the store a little to feel if you are comfortable in them;
• The sole is preferably flexible, but not thin. This can be checked by bending the shoe, and the top should not be greatly deformed (special recommendations for people suffering from flat feet: the sole of the shoe does not bend, a solid heel, a heel is required);
• As for heels, for daily wear it is recommended to choose their height no more than 2-4 cm;
• To check whether the shoes will pinch at the widest part of the foot, you should stand on your toes. If there are no unpleasant sensations, walking will be comfortable.

High-quality shoes: what are they?

When buying shoes, it is important to look not only at the size and appearance of the pair, but also at the quality of its construction. You can determine whether your purchase is of high quality using several criteria:

• The best shoes are leather ones. At the same time, calfskin is the most durable, pigskin is thinner and deteriorates when frequently wet, but cheap goatskin is the thinnest and most beautiful; fashion items are made from it;
• the inside of the shoes should be smooth, with neat seams, otherwise socks and tights will tear;
• if the heel is false, it can be used to determine how high-quality the material was used. It is usually found in inexpensive shoe models and does not roll inward. If it is rolled up, most likely the manufacturer wanted to hide the fact that artificial leather was used. However, this rule does not apply to expensive branded models;
• The back seams on shoes or boots should be even, with a stitch length of 2-3 mm. If the stitches are smaller, the seam may come apart quickly.

When buying shoes, it is important to trust tactile sensations. You should try it on, hold it in your hands, touch it inside and out, walk around in it, then choosing the perfect pair will become much easier! Happy shopping!

Each of us faces almost every year, and sometimes more often, with the choice and purchase of shoes. It is important to choose not only beautiful looking shoes, but also high-quality shoes, which will ensure the durability and wearing comfort of the purchased product. Incorrectly selected and low-quality shoes, shoes, boots, sandals can put pressure, lead to foot deformities and calluses, and will not last long. And in order not to make a mistake, you need to know the basic rules of choice. In this article we will answer a very popular question: how to choose quality shoes?

What should you pay attention to?

There are several signs that will help you choose good shoes without much effort:

• Material.
• Sole.
• Smell.
• Price.

Let's look at them in more detail.

• Choose shoes that are made from natural materials. High-quality and good products are made in 90% of cases from the skin of animals such as pigs, calfs and goats.

Important! The most durable is calfskin, and the thinnest is goatskin. Not only the surface should be leather, but also the lining and insole. Such shoes are more expensive, but the foot is comfortable in them and does not sweat.

• Carefully examine the surface of the material on the pair you choose. It can be fleecy, smooth, varnished. The paint on the insole and outer material can reveal a fake or low-quality material. A high-quality product has a rich and uniform color, without streaks or tints.
• Shoes made of patent leather are less breathable than regular leather. A product made of such material will be hot in the summer. It is also impractical in winter, since frost can cause the material to crack.
• Before purchasing the product, conduct a small experiment: walk over the surface with a damp cloth (wet wipe), and then with a dry white cloth. If traces of paint remain on it, then you have a very low quality pair in your hands.

Important! The same test can be carried out on the insole, because if it is made of low-quality material, it will spoil tights and light-colored socks. And problems with unpleasant odor will appear with a 90% probability.

• Foam rubber or leatherette under the insole does not allow air to pass through, which can lead to fungal foot infections.

Important! It is best to purchase shoes in specialized stores, where you can view certificates and receive a guarantee.

Flexible sole and seams

You need to carefully inspect the sole of the product:

• High-quality shoes have fairly flexible, soft soles. To figure out which sole is in front of you, bend the shoes, bringing the toe closer to the back. If this is done easily enough, then such a product will serve you for many years.
• An important factor is the heels. If you are holding in your hands a product that has heels of dubious quality, then you are looking at a product that will not last long.
• Look very carefully at the seams. They must be well made - perfectly straight, sewn with stitches of 2-3 mm. If the stitching is smaller, the perforation effect may occur during wear, which will lead to the stitch breaking.

No smell

Good shoes do not have an unpleasant chemical smell, glue or solvent. The product emits an unobtrusive odor or is completely absent.

Price

Good quality shoes won't come cheap. Don’t chase a low price; it’s not for nothing that the saying “The miser pays twice” exists.

Possible defects:

• Carefully inspect the heel of the selected product - it may be sewn in one piece, and not decorated with the usual vertical straight seam. It can also be overlaid (when its cut can be seen) and with the edges tucked inward. If the heel part is turned inward, this most often indicates that the product is not made of genuine leather. In this way, the manufacturer is trying to hide the low grade of the material.
• Pay attention to the heel. Place both pairs on a flat surface. High-quality shoes should stand firmly on the entire surface of the heels, otherwise the heels may become loose, which will lead to breakage of the instep supports. Heels are made from rubber, plastic, wood or metal. They can be solid or made of two or more materials. Plastic is very fragile, and wood rots from moisture.

Important! A metal rod is placed inside the thin plastic pins for reinforcement. The softer the material and the worse the quality of the metal, the more likely it is that the heel will break. If the metal rod is not inserted the entire length of the heel, this will also lead to breakage of the heel on the shoes or boots.

Video material

We told you how to choose quality shoes. Using the rules described above, you can easily cope with this task. Don't forget that before you buy shoes, you need to try them on. This is the key to making the right choice.

And so, having found out what materials shoes should be made of that meet all the requirements of comfort and hygiene, let's determine how to choose high-quality shoes, and also move on to the issues of hidden defects when purchasing.

What are quality shoes made from?

In 90% of cases, good and high-quality shoes are made from the skin of the following three animals: calf (bull), pig and goat. The remaining 10% comes from exclusive and exotic shoes. The most durable calfskin leather is suitable for the harshest weather conditions. Its thickness is 1.8 – 2.5 mm. Possible disadvantages include the presence of many small defects on the skin from insect bites, etc. Pigskin is cheaper than calfskin, has a wider distribution, and is thinner. Disadvantages include high hygroscopicity and loss of shape when frequently wet. You can choose this material for non-essential elements in the product, such as lining, insoles, tops and all kinds of appliqués. The thinnest leather (0.8 - 1.5 mm) - goat skin - is at the same time the most beautiful with a minimum number of defects. It is often used to make high-quality fashion women's shoes. When choosing such shoes, you need to understand that such shoes are not very durable and reliable, but they are excellent for non-critical elements.

Skin types and their features

Now let's talk about skin types and their features. Genuine leather can be smooth, patent leather, or have a pile (suede, velor, nubuck). Patent leather shoes do not allow air to pass through well, so they are not recommended for use in hot weather and when feet sweat excessively. In addition, it is very susceptible to mechanical damage (scratches, etc.) and cracks at temperatures below -10 degrees C or above 25 degrees C, and becomes covered with small cracks due to dampness. Suede is not afraid of minor impacts and scratches, but dust and dirt are difficult to remove even with a special brush. Nubuck is even less protected from dirt and greasy than suede and velor, but is more moisture resistant. In general, shoes made of suede, nubuck and velor are quite capricious and require constant care with water-repellent agents due to their high hygroscopicity.

When buying shoes made of nubuck and velor, be sure to take care of purchasing paint of the appropriate color. Only paint will be able to cover quickly formed and difficult to remove abrasions and traces of dirt.

Possible defects in shoes

Pay attention to the inner surface of the selected pair of shoes. The inner surface of high-quality shoes should be flat and smooth to the touch at the joints, otherwise tights and socks will constantly tear on the sharp edges of the seams, etc.

Take a close look at the heel of your chosen shoe. The heel can be decorated not with the usual straight vertical seam, but with a sewn-on solid piece. Such a part can be either an invoice, and then its cut is clearly visible, or have the edges of the seams turned inward. If you find the heel part in just such designs (turned inward), then in this case the likelihood that the shoes are not made of genuine leather increases significantly. By turning the edges inward, manufacturers of cheap, low-quality shoes may try to hide the true material and avoid questions from overly meticulous buyers. On the other hand, very high-quality shoes from well-known brands are also often produced with folded edges. Therefore, if you are not looking at a world-famous shoe brand, and you are not in a company store, then the selected edges should be alarming. In addition, the presence of an open cut in the product will help determine the thickness of the leather, which is an important factor during intensive wear.

Now let's look at the heel on the selected product. Place your shoes on a flat surface. When viewed from the side, a pair of high-quality shoes should stand firmly on the entire surface of the heels, otherwise they may become loose and the instep supports may break. The heel can be either one-piece made of plastic, rubber, metal or wood, or prefabricated - from 2 or more materials. Plastic is fragile, wood rots from moisture. A metal rod is inserted inside thin plastic heels (studs) to strengthen the structure. The worse the quality of the metal, the softer it is, the greater the likelihood of the heel breaking. The second reason for broken heels on low-quality shoes or boots is that the metal rod is not inserted the entire length of the heel. Heels, like other parts, tend to get scratched. You can tint them in repair shops. At home, you can try to tint with a waterproof marker. Choosing a color for a black heel will not be a problem, but selecting other shades can present certain difficulties even in repair shops. This must be taken into account when purchasing shoes with non-black heels.

It also doesn't hurt to check the back seams on your chosen pair. They should be even, sewn with stitches of 2-3 mm. If the stitch is smaller, then when worn, the perforation effect is triggered and tearing is possible, which, of course, is not a sign of quality.