People have different walking styles and everyone's foot is some how different in size and shape. There is no ONE rule for all however along with these differences there are few common basics which should be considered when selecting proper shoes.

1. Usually sizes may vary among shoe brands and styles. So it's highly advised that DON'T select shoes just by the size marked inside the shoe. Before selecting see how it fits on your foot.

2. It is believed that lots of people have one foot slightly bigger than the other one. So when selecting shoes DO NOT just check fitting of one side shoe, check both of a pair.

3. During the fitting stand up and see backside of toe and see if it's a little bit away from shoe wall approximately (3/8" to 1/2").

4. You should check the fitting by walking a step or two, in this way you can judge the comfort of inside width of shoes. If you feel you can ask for change. Don't compromise until you are happy with the feel.

5. It's foolish to purchase shoes which are too much tight by only expecting that they will stretch to fit.

6. Consider slippage also, too much slippage can cause irritation and your heel will not fit comfortably in the shoe. So check that your heel is comfortable.

7. High heels always been in fashion. But these are not healthy footwear. Nature has designed human foot so perfectly that body weight is distributed proportionally and appropriately on whole foot. High heel shoes are designed such a way that concentrate entire body weight on a smaller area than your foot was designed to walk on. You know that while wearing high heel shoes, balance is very difficult to be maintained and there are chances that these might sink into soft materials, like sand or turf and can cause serious injuries sometimes. Therefore you should select low heels as much as possible. Those ladies who have to walk a lot in a day should avoid high heels.

8. If you are a WALKER (have to walk long daily) then you should select shoes with flexible and more bend in the toes and these should be light weight.

9. Look and feel for padding and cushioning. There doesn't seem to be as much space for it in dress shoes as in athletic shoes, but take all you can get. Any layer of foam or rubber that can cushion the impact between hard pavement and your foot will make standing and walking more comfortable.

10. Select wisely before you walk, because it's rightly said that "shoes are the first adult machines we are given to master."

Hope above suggestions will help you selecting better shoes.

Happy Walking!
Babur Schah / John-D