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Is it Better to Buy Shoes Bigger or Smaller?

Is it Better to Buy Shoes Bigger or Smaller?

Bunions, poor blood circulation in the foot, and ingrown toenails can all be caused by poorly fitting shoes. But the pain and suffering aren’t only restricted to your feet; they can also affect your ankles, knees, and back, making it critical to wear shoes that fit properly. You can’t always rely on sizing alone because different companies size their shoes differently, so it’s always a good idea to try on shoes and see how they feel. But how can you be sure you have the correct fit unless you know what to look for?

This guide will explain how your shoes should fit and give you some tips on determining if your shoes are too big or too small.

Is it Better to Buy Shoes Bigger or Smaller?

To begin with, your shoes should always be comfortable. That is, they should be neither too big nor too small, neither too loose nor too tight. Here are some things you can do to make sure you get the ideal fit.

  • Start by measuring your feet. Our feet change their size and shape over time due to various factors, including health disorders, weight gain or loss, age, and exercise habits. As a result, every time you wish to buy a new pair of shoes, you should have your feet size measured.
  • Try fitting the shoe you wish to buy to your larger feet. Because many of us have one foot that is somewhat larger than the other, select the appropriate shoe size for this foot.
  • Try the new pair of shoes on both feet. You’ve decided on the ideal size for your larger foot, but trying both shoes on is essential to make sure they fit well.
  • Stand and try walking around in your new pair of shoes. Any chafing or discomfort should be taken seriously as it could be a warning that you require a different shoe size.
  • Wear your preferred pair of socks when trying on the new pair of shoes. If you normally wear socks with your pair of shoes, put them on before trying the new shoes to check how they fit with the extra layer.
  • Always shop for shoes in the afternoon. Because your feet swell during the day, it’s ideal to go shoe shopping (or try on online-purchased shoes) when they’re at their largest.

How to Tell If Your Shoes Are Too Small or Too Big

Looking at the space left at the toe section of the shoe is one of the simplest ways to assess if your shoes are too tiny or too big. There should be roughly a finger’s width of room between your longest toe and the end of your new shoe.

Another method is to place your finger between the heel of your shoe and your feet. There should just be enough room for your finger to fit snugly inside. If your finger goes in smoothly with room to spare, you should probably go down a half-size. On the other hand, if it is a tight squeeze, you should probably go up a half-size.

Why is Wearing Small Shoes a Problem?

Many people assume that wearing smaller shoes provides better support for their feet. They don’t appear to mind if their feet hurt after a long day at work in the shoes. Some even believe that this is a sign that their feet are strengthening. This, however, is not the case.

Foot injuries and irreversible abnormalities can result from wearing shoes that are too tiny. This is because there isn’t enough room for your feet to stretch when they’re squished into small shoes. It can alter your equilibrium, making walking more difficult. Worse, you could develop ingrown toenails, hammer toe, and corns, among other problems. Some foot issues, such as bunions, may necessitate surgery. No shoe is worth having your feet cut open. Hence it is critical to avoid wearing small shoes at all costs.

Why is Wearing Bigger Shoes a Problem?

Big shoes, without a doubt, provide lots of area for your toes. But have you considered the long-term damage they could do to you? Tripping and falling is a major issue. Increased friction as your foot slides around inside the shoe is another factor. Calluses, blisters, and even injury to your toenails might result from the extra space.

Is It Safe to Make Ill-Fitting Shoes Fit?

Do your homework before attempting to enlarge or shrink your ill-fitting shoes.

There are numerous online techniques for making larger shoes to fit your feet. Wearing bigger socks is a good example. While some of these hacks may be useful for minor variances, others are harmful. That also applies to the techniques for stretching small shoes.

Your shoes were made with a lot of thought and engineering. Changing that by shrinking or stretching them could result in catastrophic consequences. This is mainly because the structure of your shoes is altered in several of these hacks. When the structure of your shoes is affected, it creates weak places that can break down over time.

Additionally, besides destroying your footwear and wasting huge amounts of money, you might also end up injuring yourself. This is so because changing the shape of your shoes too much might affect the way you walk, stand, and where you place weight on your shoe. Any of this could result in tripping, rubbing, and a variety of other problems.

Are There Any Shoes That Can Be Adjusted?

Keeping all the above cautions in mind, it’s worth noting that some shoes can be modified. Gentle stretching usually works nicely for leather shoes. It’s not a good idea to stretch them too far, but you can loosen them up a little. Although some people have had success trying to loosen synthetic shoes, they may not fare as well.

If your shoes are too big, a podiatrist should be your first stop. They frequently have inserts and other devices available. This is especially helpful for persons who have a wide range of shoe sizes. The major disadvantage of seeing a podiatrist is the cost, but you’re less likely to get hurt.

So, yes. There are techniques to make shoes fit, but getting shoes that fit from the start is the best option. It will save you time, money, and a great deal of discomfort.