Finding a pair of shoes that both look and feel great is a struggle that women have been facing for years. That struggle ends now!

These simple steps will have your shoes looking great and feeling even better.

Let’s start by getting the length right first:

Shoes will always give width wise with wear, but the length never changes so it is vitally important to get the length right first.

Too short and you will compress your toes and cause discomfort to your heels with every step, too long and you will slip out of the shoes and possibly cause blisters.

Getting the right length first is easy. Simply, where possible, take out the internal footbed/innersole if it’s removable. (If the internal footbed is unable to be removed, continue the following process with the foot inside the shoe, pressing down on the toe area to assess the placement of toes).

1. Remove both footbeds/innersoles and stand on the footbed with your heel just inside the heel cradle (you should be able to see a few millimetres at the back)
2. Assess the space in front of the toes. Determine if there is 4-5 mm or 1 thumbnail gap between the toe and the end of the footbed (shoe). If yes, this means there is enough room for the foot to move naturally with each step. Ensure you measure both feet as many people have different sized and shaped feet.
3. Once correctly sized on both footbeds slip the footbeds back into the shoes and take a walk, wiggle your toes and if they feel good and free from the ends you’re set to go.

Handy hint: US sizing generally offers half sizes which means a wider range of sizes than that of EU sizing, so where possible you may want to look for US sized shoes for a more precise fit.

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It is essential when trying on shoes to go for a short walk around the store. Moving naturally in the shoes will instantly tell you whether the shoes are fitting correctly, or whether further adjustments need to be made.

Signs of an incorrect fitting shoe will be slipping at the back or tightness at the front of the foot.

Once length is fitted, let’s take a look at width:

So you know the length is right, but you are experiencing slipping at the heel or tightness in the forefoot – you may have a narrow or wide foot. Fitting these foot types needn’t be problematic. Some brands, including local Australian footwear label, FRANKiE4, will come with specifically designed inserts to support narrow to wide feet.

Utilising such inserts allows a narrow foot to be supported with additional cushioning under the forefoot, whereas utilising a half footbed gives a wider foot extra space at the front of the shoe allowing the foot to move freely without impingement.

To avoid sore feet, ensure correctly fitted shoes following the above process, and remember ladies, like all clothing, certain styles fit certain shapes!

Do you have any additional tips that have worked for you to add to these? Please share in the comments below.

This ultimate footwear-fitting guide is brought to you by Australian footwear label FRANKiE4. For further information please click here.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com