If you are unsure of how to choose the right footwear for your activity, ask the salespeople at your outdoors store. One caveat though, I mean a “quality”outdoor store. Many people make the mistake of going to a discount store, a department store, or a chain store where, for the most part, the sales people have “zero” shoe-fitting experience.
Fitting shoes means more than simply handing you a size nine shoe and pushing down on the toe and saying, “Yup, it has enough room.” Good sales people will measure your feet both sitting and standing, look at your old shoes (so yes, take your old shoes along), ask you what you will be using the shoes for, ask if you know your foot type, ask about any injury history, and maybe which shoes you have worn in the past.
When they bring out the shoes, they will often point out the shoe’s features. They’ll have you try on the shoes, and yes, they will check for correct spacing in the toe box (both length and height). They will ask you to walk in the shoes and maybe even to go outside and run (if you are a runner) to get a feel for the shoes.
Another reason to go to a quality store is the quality of the shoes. Many shoe companies sell seconds or styles/models that are of lesser quality than the shoes they are typically known for. This is rarely an issue with hiking boots; but it is a huge issue with the running and walking shoe companies. While not all companies do this, enough do for it to be a concern for the uneducated shoe buyer. These shoes end up at the stores mentioned above.
What’s the big difference in the two types of sales people? Those from a quality shoe store really want the shoes to fit because they understand the importance of fit for athletic activity—even if it’s just walking. They want you to be happy with your footwear selection and they want your feet to be happy too.
