Online shopping is considered to be much more convenient than shopping in-store, as it’s easy to search and purchase items and have them delivered to your doorstep. However, many customers find buying ladies shoes online to be an overwhelming and daunting experience. Some shoppers find that particular brands have their own sizes and styles that aren’t similar to the shoes they already have, while other people don’t measure the width of their foot, meaning the shoes that do get delivered are too wide or too narrow. Many people also don’t realise their shoe size can change over time due to age, the environment, pregnancy or weight gain. Here are six tips to help you purchase the right size shoes when shopping online.
Measure Your Foot Length
The most important tip is to measure both of your feet before buying ladies shoes online. Using paper and a pencil, trace around your left and right foot. It’s vital to trace both feet, as one foot could be bigger than the other. If this is the case, purchase a pair of shoes that fit the bigger foot
To trace, place one foot on the paper and allow it to rest naturally. Trace around the perimeter of the foot and use a ruler to measure the distance from the bottom of the heel to the top of the longest toe. You should also measure the distance spanning the ball of the foot at its widest point. It’s important to trace your feet in the evening, as feet often swell at night.
Determine Your Shoe Size
Compare your foot measurements to the sizing guide present on the website. It’s important to use the sizing guide the brand provides, as this will increase your chances of purchasing the right size of ladies shoes online. If you find that you’re between sizes, go up half a size. Keep in mind that you can always buy foot pads to prevent larger shoes from slipping.
Find Your Arch Height
You can measure your arch height by stepping onto concrete with wet feet. Only the ball and heel of a foot will show in a footprint if the arch is high. If the area between the ball and heel look solid, the arch is typically low or flat. A regular arch will have the classic footprint, with a curved side foot connecting the ball and heel.
Measure Your Instep Height
Your instep is the top of your foot that slopes up from the toes to the ankle. Instep heights can vary widely between people, affecting how well a foot fits into a shoe. It’s therefore important to consider this before buying ladies shoes online.
Look at Your Foot Proportions
Foot proportions can play a major role in selecting the right shoe size. For example, some people have long toes while others have short toes. This can affect the fit, as the ball of your foot may not sit right in the shoe.
Get International Shoe Sizes Right
Keep in mind that shoes from overseas have different sizes. International sizes can differ widely, so it’s best to measure both of your feet and check the conversion chart before purchasing.