Running Shoes

• A good running or tennis shoe should have a wide, cushioned heel and sole. The toe box should be deep enough so the toes do not press against the top and long enough to allow free motion and gripping during running. There should be about a thumbnail-length between the longest toe and the toe of the shoe. If you don't allow enough space for the toes, you can injure the toenails.

  Running shoes should have spring in the forefoot; that is, the forefoot of the shoe should tilt up off the ground when the shoe rests flat on the ground. The running shoe should be flexible but not limp; the heel counter firm and padded to support the heel.

  The sole of the shoe should be cushioned enough to absorb much of the shock of running. A soft neoprene sole is a great help in absorbing shock. Most running shoes have a built in arch support; this is desirable to avoid excessive pronation.

  Shoes should be comfortable, practical and fit well. It is very important that the shoe fits the shape of your foot. Narrow and tight shoes result in foot problems. Make sure your shoes fit comfortably at the time you buy them. If new shoes need to be "broken in," it means either they were not properly designed or not properly fitted to your feet.

Men's Shoes

• Most men's shoes conform to the shape of the feet and have a roomy toe box with sufficient horizontal and vertical space and a low heel (usually about half an inch high). Soles made of hard materials such as leather or soft materials such as crepe can both be worn, but softer soles tend to be more comfortable. If you stand for extended periods of time, shoes with soft, pliable soles will protect your feet and help keep them comfortable.

Work Shoes

• Work shoes are also available with varying characteristics, depending on the wearer's occupation. Boots made of thick leather with steel toe boxes can be worn to protect the feet from injury. Boots with varying degrees of traction also are available.

Cruel Shoes

• High-fashion shoes with pointed toes, shoes with thin soles, and shoes with high spike heels, cause crowding of the toes and increased pressure. These can lead to corns, calluses, and neuroma problems in the foot.

Shoe Fitting Pointers

• When trying on shoes, make sure you're wearing the appropriate sock. For instance, if you're trying on boots that you'd wear with heavy socks, don't try them on with thin nylons.
• The best time to try on shoes is usually at the end of the day, when your feet are most swollen. However, don't abuse this rule of thumb: if you've just completed a sightseeing tour which required 10 miles of walking, and that's not your typical exercise routine, then by all means don't try on office heels that night! The point of waiting until the end of the day is to make sure that the footwear can fit you at your widest-- kind of a "worst case scenario" check.
• The first shoe you try on should be for your larger foot. For most people, their larger foot is the opposite from the hand they write with. For example, if you're right handed, your left foot might be bigger. Always fit the pair of shoes to this foot. Even though there are about 20 separate parts to an average shoe, the fact remains that they are mass-produced. It's up to you to customize the fit-- a small heel pad, for instance, works wonders.
• . Stand up with your shoes on. Walk around a bit. You should be able to wiggle your toes in the front of the shoe. For most footwear, your toes will be able to touch the top of the shoe, but there should be 3/8" to 1/2" of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe
• Don't buy shoes that are too tight. If you're at the point where you're praying they will stretch to be comfortable, they probably won't. It's true that soft leather and suede give slightly, molding to your foot, but they will not dramatically increase in width or length. There's a difference between a "snug", comfortable fit and a "tight", uncomfortable fit. A few laps around a carpet should help you decide how you feel.