How to shop for your favorite shoes

RESEARCH

Keep an inspiration folder: How do I find most of my pairs of shoes? Why, I read magazines and catalogs. Simple as that. When I spot a pair that makes my heart skip a beat, I either tear out the page and add it to my binder, or note the style name and price for future reference.

Read shoe-centric blogs: Naturally, reading ANY style-related blog is likely to yield the occasional lust-worthy and currently-for-sale pair of shoes. But blogs like Shoelust, Raw Shoes, and Sea of Shoes are fabulous for high-end inspiration; Barking Dog Shoes is a magnificent source of info for women with fussy feet; and ShoeBlog covers the gamut from glam to budget.

Sign up for vendor e-newsletters: If you have an ongoing love affair with a certain shoe brand, make sure you’re kept in the loop. Nearly all major designers offer electronic newsletters to notify fans and customers of new styles, sales, and events.

PREPAREDNESS

Know your shoe size: Did any of you just say, “Well, DUH,” to your computer screens? Don’t worry, I’m not offended. Just gotta start with the basics. Especially since many of us don’t actually know our shoe sizes, and few of us realize that shoe size can fluctuate with hormonal, weight, and growth-related changes. I’d say it’s best practice to get your feet professionally sized every couple of years, or after any significant physical shift. (Are you a specialty size? I’ve got resources for you!)

Note brand tendencies: My favorite shoe brands include Tsubo, Fluevog, and Frye. NOT ONE OF THEM has consistent sizing. And while that’s immensely frustrating, I can use my hard-earned knowledge when I shop. If I buy any of those brands under “final sale” conditions, I am prepared to end up with ill-fitting dud shoes. If I can avoid buying any of those brands under “final sale” conditions, I do. Once you’ve tried on more than one pair from a certain brand, take note of how sizing runs. Also worth observing: Construction quality, comfort, durability.

Read the fine print: We all know that awareness of return policies is absolutely key to successful shopping. (Wait, we all know that, right? OK, good.) But there are plenty of other ways that fine print – both online and in-store – can trip you up. Especially when it comes to shoes.

1. If ordering online, check the return policy for a description of what “worn” means. In most cases, slipping on new shoes, and walking around on a carpeted floor will be perfectly safe, and you can return those pups without worry. But every vendor is different. Better to be prepared.
2. Whenever you buy shoes, make sure you know material content. I’m not a huge fan of pleather and PVC shoes, and both can look so convincingly like leather and patent that I have, occasionally, been fooled. This goes the other way for those of you who shop vegan, too.
3. Talk to sales associates. If you’re mulling a pair and not ready to commit, ask if there are more available in your size. If not, can you put them on hold? Will more be coming in? Are they available at another store? Is there a layaway policy? Ask questions!