Women's shoes

Women's Shoes Buying Guide

from Overstock.com

Whether you love buying shoes or you wish you could always wear the same old pair, you may have some shoes in your closet that make you wonder, "What was I thinking when I bought those?" If you need some advice on how to buy shoes that you'll love wearing, this women's shoes buying guide is for you. With these tips on finding shoes online that will flatter you and fit your lifestyle, the women's shoes in your closet will make you think, "How did I live without those?"


What you need to know

Why shop for shoes online

If you're hesitant about shopping for shoes online, you may not have considered all of the benefits.

  • Selection: The stores near you can only carry the shoes that fit between their walls, but online stores can keep a much larger inventory. You'll find shoes that no one else has.
  • Low prices: Online shoe stores can offer you lower prices because they aren't paying salespeople or a lease in the mall.
  • Sizes: A regular store may not stock wide or narrow sizes, but an online shoe store is more likely to have more size options.
  • Brand names: Is there a brand name you love, but you can't find it in stores? Just search for it online and find exactly what you want.

How to decide which shoes are right for you

Boots

Boots

For the most flattering boots, make sure they don't cut off your leg at its thickest point. Most women's legs are narrowest right under the knees, and knee boots are generally very easy to wear. A boot with a bit of stretch can make heavy ankles and calves appear narrower.

Heels, pumps and wedges



Pumps

Stiletto, peep-toe, open-toe, slingback and more: With so many styles of high heel shoes, there are many things to consider:

  • Short women may want to avoid T-straps and ankle straps because they can visually cut off the leg and make it look shorter. However, an ankle strap can actually make thick ankles look narrower by adding coverage and definition.
  • Thin heels are flattering. However, the thicker the heel, the more comfortable you'll be and the more businesslike your overall look will be.
  • Ultra high heels (more than four inches) can actually make a short woman appear shorter because the calf muscles will flex too much.
  • A tapered toe gives a slimming look overall, but women with large feet may want to avoid very pointy shoes. An oval-shaped toe or a square toe is comfortable and will make larger feet appear smaller.
Flats

Flats

Flats are the perfect footwear with narrow pants or cropped pants, with short skirts or long skirts. If you want to wear them with mid-length skirts, choose flats with a slight lift in the heel.


Sandals

Sandals

Sandals show more skin on your feet, making your legs look longer. For sandals with heels, follow the same suggestions for pumps and high heel shoes. For casual sandals, like flip-flops, you'll most likely want to consider whether or not the style will be comfortable.

Loafer

Oxfords and loafers

The perfect shoes to wear with pants, oxfords and loafers both have a classic, menswear-inspired feeling. If your oxfords or loafers have heels, you can pair them with skirts as well.


Athletic-inspired shoes

Athletic and athletic-inspired shoes

Choosing the right shoes for your activity is the most important thing when it comes to athletic shoes. To avoid injuries, you'll want sneakers meant for your sport; for example, if you are a runner, make sure to buy running shoes to ensure that that the insole will give your feet the support they need.

For athletic-inspired shoes, you'll want to focus on whether or not the style will be comfortable for you and if it will go with your casual clothing.


How to find the shoes you want


Classic loafer

If you want comfort: Choose heels that are two inches high or lower and opt for thick heels, like a stacked heel or a wedge heel. Natural materials breathe more than synthetics, and they are usually more flexible, too. If padding inside the shoe is important, you may want to buy a half size larger so you can add an insert, but be careful not to buy shoes that are too large -- they can be just as hard to walk in as shoes that are too small.

If you want classic styles: Classic black leather shoes are a wardrobe essential, but high heels in brown leather, black velvet or snakeskin are all considered classics. For a classic casual shoe, you can't go wrong with a retro-style sneaker, a leather clog or a T-strap flat sandal.

Modern shoes

If you want the latest and greatest: Shop for brand names and designer shoes to find the latest trends. Bright colors and bold patterns will ensure that your shoes look au courant.


How to find shoes that fit -- even when you're online shopping

You may have been nervous about shopping for shoes online because you can't try them on. Trying shoes on is the only way to know for sure, but you'll be more likely to order the right size if you measure your foot first.

Foot length

Foot width
  1. Measure your feet late in the day when they are a little larger.
  2. Wear the socks that you would wear with the shoes.
  3. Put a piece of paper on the floor; you can tape it in place if it slips.
  4. Have a friend trace your foot with a pen or pencil perpendicular to the floor.
  5. Measure the length of your foot in inches to the closest 16th of an inch. (See image)
  6. Measure the width of your foot in inches. (See image)
  7. Repeat with the other foot and use whichever size is larger.
  8. Find your US women's shoe size on this chart:

    9. US Women's Shoe Size Length in Inches
    5
    8.69
    5.5
    8.81
    6
    9
    6.5
    9.19
    7
    9.31
    7.5
    9.5
    8
    9.69
    8.5
    9.81
    9
    10
    9.5
    10.19
    10
    10.31
    10.5
    10.5

  9. Find the width of your foot with this size chart:

    10. US Women's Size Narrow Average Wide Extra-wide
    5
    2.81 in.
    3.19 in.
    3.56 in.
    3.94 in.
    5.5
    2.88 in.
    3.25 in.
    3.63 in.
    4 in.
    6
    2.94 in.
    3.31 in.
    3.69 in.
    4.06 in.
    6.5
    3 in.
    3.38 in.
    3.75 in.
    4.13 in.
    7
    3.06 in.
    3.44 in.
    3.81 in.
    4.19 in.
    7.5
    3.13 in.
    3.5 in.
    3.88 in.
    4.25 in.
    8
    3.19 in.
    3.56 in.
    3.94 in.
    4.31 in.
    8.5
    3.25 in.
    3.63 in.
    4 in.
    4.38 in.
    9
    3.31 in.
    3.69 in.
    4.06 in.
    4.44 in.
    9.5
    3.38 in.
    3.75 in.
    4.13 in.
    4.5 in.
    10
    3.44 in.
    3.81 in.
    4.19 in.
    4.56 in.
    10.5
    3.5 in.
    3.88 in.
    4.25 in.
    4.63 in.

Remember that all manufacturers use different forms to measure their shoes, but this technique should get you very close to the correct shoe size.


How to care for your shoes

Once you've found shoes that you love, you'll want to make them last. Here's how to extend the life of your shoes:

  • Rotate your shoes: Don't wear the same shoes two days in a row. The foot perspiration from the previous day needs to dry out.
  • Store your shoes properly: Use shoe trees to preserve the shape of your shoes, and don't let them sit in a big pile where the heels of one shoe can scratch the surface of another.
  • Meet your neighborhood cobbler: All heels wear out, and usually they'll wear out unevenly. Replace heel tips before they wear down to the shoe to prevent expensive -- or irreparable -- damage.
  • Keep them clean: Remove any loose dirt from your shoes, and let wet shoes dry out in front of a fan (but never in front of a heat source).Use products to protect the materials, like polish for leather or silicone spray for suede.

With just a little effort, your new shoes can stay looking new for years.

Common questions about women's shoes

How many shoes do I really need?

While some women believe you can't have too many shoes, other women would rather narrow down their collections. If you want to be more practical about buying shoes, here are some guidelines:

For warm weather, you should have two pairs of work shoes, whether those are serious office shoes or comfortable, supportive shoes; two pairs of sandals, one with heels and one pair without; and one pair of flip-flops.

For colder weather, you should have two pairs of boots, including a dressy pair and one pair you can wear to work; one more pair of shoes you can wear to work (whatever style is best for your job); a pair of shoes you can wear out in the evenings; and one pair of comfort shoes, like athletic-inspired shoes or clogs.

Which socks or hosiery will look best with my shoes?

First, think about the thickness of the socks or hosiery, and make sure that the shoes will fit properly and that the thickness is appropriate. The thicker the socks, the sportier the shoes should be. Next, think about the color. In general, socks and hosiery should be a lighter shade of your shoe color. Matching the color of your hosiery to your shoes can make your legs look longer, but you may want to choose flesh-colored hosiery when you're wearing bright-colored shoes.

How do I break in a new pair of shoes?

No matter how excited you are about a new pair of shoes, try not to wear them for a full day the first day and avoid wearing your new shoes two days in a row until they've softened up a little. If your shoes have a slick sole, make sure you scuff the soles up a bit: Wear them around the house on hard floors or apply an adhesive traction patch to the sole.

Ideas from Overstock.com

Mix and match

Finishing off an outfit doesn't end with shoes. Don't forget about those other essential details: belts and handbags. Whether or not you want your belt and shoes to match, you will want to make sure they’re all in style, and that’s easy when you’re shopping for accessories and handbags on Overstock.com. We have a huge selection of the brand-name handbags and belts that you’ll love to match up with your new shoes.

Time to splurge

Are you looking for shoes that will stand the test of time? Be sure to shop our selection of designer shoes. For the latest fashion trends as well as the classic looks that will stay in vogue for years, designer shoes are an investment in your personal style. Overstock.com has unbeatable discounts on the designer shoes you’ll wear for years.

Everything for your feet

Shoes and socks go hand in hand -- or is that foot in foot? Either way, the socks and hosiery you need to wear with your shoes can be found when you’re online shopping on Overstock.com. Are you looking for something to slip into when you take off your shoes and socks after a long day? We also have the slippers you want to relax in. Have your slippers, socks and hosiery shipped together with your shoes and save even more with our low, flat shipping rate. Shopping for clothes is easy, thanks to your online outlet, Overstock.com.