When it comes to footwear, comfort is very important. Whether you are selecting a new running shoe, a work boot, or a formal high-heel sandal, it is important that you keep your feet comfortable and healthy. Here are five steps to making sure that you choose the right comfortable shoes for you.

Step 1 – Buy the Right Size

All too often, people who have a hard time finding truly comfortable footwear are buying the wrong size shoes. Remember that size is often more than just the length of the shoe; sometimes, you need to take the width into consideration, too. This is especially true if you have especially narrow or wide feet since the arch supports cannot work properly unless they are positioned under the right part of your foot. When your shoes do not fit as they should, you end up with pinched toes, blisters, and even sore legs and joints.

Step 2 – Check for Exposed Seams, Rubber, or Leather

Everything seems perfect on the outside of the shoe, but what about the inside? If you put your hand inside the shoe and feel seams, you can rest assured that your feet will feel them too. You do not want openings that press down on the top of your foot, leather that rubs against your heel, or a seam in the toe box that puts a blister on the tip of your big toe. These can make shoes unwearable, so make sure to check for them.

Step 3 – Be Mindful of Your Toes

Speaking of toes, while some of the most fashion-forward shoes these days contain incredibly pointed toes, make sure that the toe box gives your toes enough wiggle room. Crushing your toes together is never a good idea, and no matter what others might say, you should never compromise your feet for fashion. Plenty of styles with pointed toes offer a substantial toe box, and if you cannot find one, consider buying shoes with round, oval, or squared-off ends that are still fashionable, but also much more comfortable.

Step 4 – Don’t Forget Your Arches

There is a time and a place to wear flats, but if your flats truly fall flat and provide you with zero arch support, you might be in for a world of hurt. Make sure that your shoes are supportive, whether they are running shoes or a pair of casual pumps. Although ballet flats might be alright for an hour or two, you certainly would not want to stand in them all day long. Comfort is all about support, so arch support is an absolute necessity.

Step 5 – Try Them On

When everything else seems to be okay, be sure to try the shoes on and walk a few steps in them. Does anything pinch or rub? Does your arch feel supported? Are your toes crushed? If so, don’t buy those shoes, or return them to the seller. What’s more, remember that sizes are not universal in some cases. One manufacturer’s size 7 may be up to an inch larger than another manufacturer’s size 7.

As you can see, buying comfortable shoes can be something of a process. However, when you take the time to make sure that you are getting a good buy, your feet will thank you in the end.