Walk into any department store, and you’ll be confronted by racks upon racks of sneakers for men. Given the variety out there, is it any surprise that many people find it challenging to pick the perfect pair?
With the advent of eCommerce, it’s become easier than ever to buy a pair of great-looking kicks. All you need to do is know your shoe size and take the time to find a stylish pair you can order in your size. However, there’s much more involved in finding sneakers for men that don’t just look good but feel good and support your feet as well.
If you’re unsure of where to begin, don’t worry – here are 7 tips you should keep in mind before buying your next pair of sneakers for men.
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Know What You Need
Before you can browse and try on sneakers, the first step is to know what you’re looking for. Do you need sneakers you’ll wear to the gym? Are you looking for a pair for daily wear? Do you need a smart casual option for weddings and dinners?
Knowing what style you’re looking for can help narrow down your list significantly. Different sneakers and shoes are designed for different purposes – your gym shoes, for example, aren’t appropriate to wear to a night out.
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Check the Weight
If you’re looking for shoes for running, training, or other physical activities, check the weight before you buy men’s sneakers. Even a marginal weight change of 100g can make a huge difference to your performance, especially if you’re running or doing sports at a high level.
Lightweight shoes are generally the better option, though you should always match your workout style to your shoes. If you’re unsure how heavy your shoes should be, ask a trainer for advice.
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Try Them On
So, you already know you wear a size 8. You’ve worn size 8 sneakers for men since you were in college, and all your footwear is the same size. You don’t need to try on the shoes, right?
Wrong. Shoe brands often use different size charts, which means a size 8 from one brand may be equivalent to a size 6 elsewhere. Additionally, construction and design also differ, so you can’t determine which option is comfortable simply by looking at the size. Make sure you try on the shoes and walk around a little before spending money.
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Check Both Feet
Numerous people around the world have mismatched feet – that is, one foot that is larger than the other. Just because a shoe is comfortable on one foot doesn’t mean that the partner will be comfortable on your second foot.
If you do find that the comfort level varies between the shoes, ask for a half size, which should help you find a comfortable equilibrium. However, if your feet are significantly mismatched, you may need to find a specialist shoe store that can accommodate your needs.
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Read Reviews – But Not Too Much
Reading the reviews gives you a better idea of what people feel about a particular pair of shoes, allowing you to determine what works and what doesn’t before you spend time and effort trying them on.
At the same time, you should buy sneakers for men just because others are buying that pair. Make sure the shoes you buy match your unique style and are comfortable on your feet – and remember, just because something works for other people doesn’t mean it needs to work for you as well.
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Don’t Be Afraid of Returns
This is especially true when shopping online. It can be easy to feel bad about returning badly fitting shoes – however, struggling to wear ill-fitting sneakers for men can cause serious damage to your feet.
Not only do ill-fitting shoes cause blisters and corns, they can also cause long-term health issues with back and joint pain. If you find that the sneakers for men you purchased are too tight or too loose, don’t worry about swapping them for a different size or returning them outright – and, as far as possible, avoid shops that do not allow returns of any kind.
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Keep Comfort in Mind
When you try on your sneakers, they should be comfortable – comfortable enough to get you through the day. To ensure no problems, go shopping at the end of the day. Your feet expand during daily activities, so buying at the end of the day will allow you to find a pair that won’t feel too tight as the day progresses.
Additionally, make sure to walk around the store or your home in the shoes for a few minutes before making a final decision. This will allow you to check the “feel” of the shoe and determine whether the materials and sole are comfortable against your foot.
Your shoes will significantly impact your daily life, so it’s essential to pick a pair that will work for you throughout the day. Take the time to shop around until you find the perfect option for your feet, and don’t be afraid of trying new stores and brands to find what you need.
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