Take a tracing of your foot with you
Place any shoe you think you might buy on top of the tracing. If the shoe is narrower or shorter than the tracing, don't even try it on or attempt to purchase it.
Stand in the shoes
Press gently on the top of the shoe to make sure you have about a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This provides enough room for your foot to press forward as you walk. Wiggle your toes to make sure there's enough room.
Trust your own comfort level rather than a shoe's size or description
Sizes vary between manufacturers. And no matter how comfortable an advertisement claims those shoes are, you're the real judge. So, make sure you are comfortable in the shoes rather than the shoe's size or description.
Have someone measure both feet
Every time you want to buy a new shoe, get your foot measured. Feet change with age, often growing larger and wider. If one foot is larger than the other, buy a size that fits the larger foot
Pay attention to width as well as the length
If the ball of your foot feels compressed in a particular shoe, ask if it comes in a wider size. Buying shoes that are a half-size bigger — but not any wider — won't necessarily solve the problem.
Check the soles
Are the soles sturdy enough to provide protection from sharp objects? Do they provide any cushioning? Take note of how they feel as you walk around the shoe store. Try to walk on hard surfaces as well as carpet to see how the shoe feels on both ends.
