Imagine this: you've scrolled through countless web pages and finally, a pair of shoes – sleek, stylish, and perfect for the upcoming season – beckons from your screen. But a familiar hesitation creeps in. Will they fit? After all, ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort and blisters. So, if they don't, will I have to return them?
Buying shoes online has now become incredibly convenient. However, it's easy to end up with shoes that don't fit or meet your expectations resulting in you going through the hassle of returning them.
Many online shoppers face this dilemma. The ease of browsing from your couch often clashes with the uncertainty of size and fit. But what if you could navigate the online shoe market with confidence, minimising returns and maximising comfort with every click?
This guide here is equipped with the knowledge and strategies you will need to confidently click "add to cart," knowing the perfect pair awaits your feet.
1. Knowing Your Feet
One of the main reasons people return shoes bought online is because they ordered the wrong size. Shoe sizes can vary a lot between different countries and brands. For example, a size 8 in the US might be different from a size 8 in the UK, and European sizes are different altogether.
The first step to overcoming this is to know your feet by obtaining accurate measurements of your feet. While some retailers might offer downloadable printable size charts, it's best to measure your feet yourself for the most precise results. Here's how:
- Wear the socks you plan to pair with the shoes you're measuring.
- Attach a sheet of paper firmly to a hard surface to keep it from moving.
- Stand on the paper with one foot, keeping your knees slightly bent. Alternatively, sit on a chair with both feet flat on the ground.
- Using a pen or pencil held upright, trace around the edge of your foot on the paper. If possible, have someone help you to ensure accuracy.
- Repeat the tracing for your other foot since it's common for them to be slightly different sizes.
- Mark the tip of your big toe and the widest part of your heel on each tracing.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance between the marks on each foot. This tells you how long your feet are.
- For the best results, use a ruler marked in centimeters instead of inches.
- If your feet are different sizes, use the measurements of the larger foot when checking a size chart.
Once you have your measurements, familiarize yourself with the sizing systems of the countries where your favorite brands are based. Many online stores provide size conversion charts to help you figure out the right size.
Beyond length and width, consider your foot shape. Do you have wide feet that require a wider shoe (often denoted by "W" or "EE")? Perhaps you have high arches or require orthotics for additional support. Knowing these details will guide you towards styles that cater to your specific needs.
2. Research The Brand
Once you know your feet like the back of your hand, some research is needed before you hit "buy" on that trendy pair of boots.
Look for retailers with established reputations for quality footwear, good customer service and detailed product descriptions. These descriptions provide valuable information about the shoe's materials, construction, and, most importantly, fit. Look for details like "runs true to size" or "fits wider than usual."
This information can be invaluable when making a decision, especially when size discrepancies exist across brands. This is because different brands have different sizing standards. Some brands might run smaller or larger than the standard size, or have a narrower or wider fit.
You can research all of these by reading information on the brand’s website or checking customer reviews. These reviews are very helpful when buying shoes online.
They give you insights from people who have already bought and worn the shoes and as a result, can tell you about the fit, comfort, quality, and durability of the shoes.
However, keep in mind that not every review is reliable. Focus on reviews that give you specifics about the shoes, such as how they feel and fit on the foot and if they are comfortable to walk in.
Look for feedback from people with similar foot sizes or preferences to yours. Be cautious of reviews that are extremely positive or negative, as they might not be authentic.
Many online retailers offer high-quality product photos that showcase the shoe from various angles. Utilise the zoom function to look at details like stitching, material texture, and overall construction. These are all clues about the shoe's fit and potential comfort level. Videos can give you a better idea of how the shoes look and move.
Some online stores offer virtual try-on features using augmented reality (AR). These tools let you see how the shoes will look on your feet using your smartphone or computer camera. While not perfect, AR try-ons can give you a better idea of the shoe’s appearance and fit compared to just photos
Lastly, always read the return and exchange policies before buying. Check for important details like the return timeframe, conditions for returning items (e.g., unworn and in original packaging), and any costs involved, such as restocking fees or return shipping charges.
I know this article is about avoiding returns but, it is better to have that option than to not. Choose retailers with customer-friendly return policies. Some retailers offer free returns and exchanges, which can make it easier to find the right fit without extra costs.
Flexible policies can significantly reduce the stress of online shopping, knowing you can return or exchange shoes if they don’t work out.
3. Additional Things To Do
- Consider the Material Quality
When buying shoes online, it's important to understand how the materials used in their construction affect their fit, comfort, and durability. Different materials can have a big impact on how well the shoes will suit your needs, and knowing these differences can help you avoid the stress of returns.
Leather shoes are a popular choice because they are flexible, breathable, and long-lasting. They stretch and adapt to the shape of your feet over time, so even if they feel a bit tight at first, they will likely become more comfortable as you wear them.
High-quality leather, like full-grain leather, can last for many years if properly cared for. However, leather shoes often require a break-in period, so they might not be comfortable right away.
Shoes made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and synthetic leather are very common today. These materials provide a consistent fit since they don’t stretch much over time, which is great if you need shoes that keep their shape.
Many synthetic shoes are also water and stain-resistant, making them easier to care for, especially in wet conditions.
They are usually cheaper than leather shoes, making them a budget-friendly option. However, synthetic materials might not be as comfortable for long periods because they lack the flexibility and breathability of leather, which can make them uncomfortable, especially in warm weather.
Fabric and canvas are other material choices for shoes. They are lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for warm weather.
These materials are flexible and usually comfortable right away, with no break-in period needed. Additionally, fabric and canvas shoes come in many colors and patterns, offering lots of style options.
However, they might not be as durable or supportive as leather or high-quality synthetic shoes, and they can wear out faster if used in rough conditions or worn frequently. You can find all the information on this in the product descriptions and customer reviews of the shoe on the brand’s website. So make sure you thoroughly go through them.
- Seek Help
If you have questions about a pair of shoes, don’t hesitate to contact customer service. They can provide valuable information about sizing, fit, and product features that might not be clear from the website. Asking specific questions can help you make a better decision.
Many online stores offer personalised assistance, such as live chat with shoe experts or detailed fit guides based on your measurements. Using these services can give you additional confidence in your choice, reducing the likelihood of needing to return the shoes.
Conclusion
Online shoe shopping can be fun and convenient if you take the right steps. Know your size, research brands, read reviews, check return policies, use visual tools, consider materials, and communicate with customer service to make informed decisions and reduce the risk of returns.
So, embrace the ease of online shopping, apply these tips, and find the perfect pair of shoes that fit just right for all your adventures.
