Hints and Tips: Sizing Shoes

General Sizing Hints

You know your shoe size, but that's only the beginning. As you select new footwear, keep in mind these important sizing facts:
· Do you remember the last time you measured your feet? You're not alone; only about 25% of consumers do. Measure your feet at least once every year, or ideally every time you buy footwear.
· Your feet will continue to grow and change with age. Gravity and a weight increase/decrease may also change your feet.
· Did you ever think one foot is bigger than the other? It could be. Select your shoes accordingly, always favoring the larger size.
· Remember to have ¼ to ½ inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This allows your foot the extra room it needs to elongate and spread during physical activity, even walking.
· Make sure the widest part of your foot fits in the widest part of the shoe without hanging over the outsole.
· Consider the type of socks you wear. Their thickness will affect your shoes' fit, and in turn, their comfort. Good insoles will cushion your feet much better than any sock.
· Try to alternate your shoes about every other day so they have time to dry out between wearings. This allows the material(s) to fully "recover," heightening their longevity.
· Like jeans, shoe sizes can vary among different brands and styles.
· Women's feet oftentimes become a ? size larger (or more!) after pregnancy.
· Studies show that around 90% of consumers wear their shoes too small. Likewise, loose-fitting shoes can cause blisters, foot instability and jammed toes.

Dress & Casual Shoe Tips
Shoes need a day off! If you want your shoes to last longer, rotate them with your other styles every few days.
· Insert wooden "shoe trees" (or shoe keepers) into your shoes to absorb excess moisture, retain the shape of the leather or fabric, and prevent wrinkling and cracking. Shoe trees can help prolong shoe life by 4 or 5 years!
· Let your shoes air dry when storing them. Remember to keep leather styles away from heat sources, which can dry out the leather.
· Select shoe-care products (brushes, shoe cream, waterproofing agents, etc.) with care. Always use the products recommended.
· A protective spray is an excellent way to shield your shoes from water, snow, mud and spills.
· Brush dirt off -- at least once a week -- with a dry brush before the dirt becomes ingrained.
· Lengthen the life of your shoes with protective soles. These thin rubber accessories are applied over the sole of the shoe to guard it against water, skids, wear and tear.
· Clean suede and nubuck leathers with a suede brush (or a toothbrush).
· Clean smooth-leather shoes with a wax-based polish. Rub the polish into the leather with a soft cloth, then use a small brush to get into creases. Buff with a horse hair brush. Repeat process for a better shine.
· Avoid silicone-based polishes and lotions. They tend to sit on top of the leather.
· Fabric shoes should be regularly sprayed with a stain guard.

source from http://beauty.ivillage.com