Pick the Right Shoes for Your Feet

Ever bought a pair of shoes that looked amazing, but after a few hours your feet were begging for mercy? You’re not alone. The trick to happy feet is matching your shoes to your foot shape. The right pair can feel like a dream, while the wrong pair can turn a fun day into a painful one.

Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what works best for different foot types.

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1. Wide feet

• Look for wide-fit or extra-wide shoes, round or square toes, and soft materials like leather or mesh that give a little.
• Skip pointy toes, narrow loafers, slim sneakers, and stiff synthetic fabrics.
• Great choices are wide-fit trainers, comfort sandals like Birkenstocks, or some Clarks and Froggie styles you’ll find in South Africa.

2. Narrow feet

• Go for shoes with laces, buckles, or straps you can adjust for a snug fit.
• Avoid slip-ons with no structure because they can rub and feel loose.
• Try lace-up brogues, adjustable sandals, or narrow-fit trainers. 
• Brands like adidas have a great variety of options.
  
  
  

3. High arches

• Pick cushioned shoes with strong arch support and good shock absorption.
• Steer clear of totally flat shoes like cheap pumps or basic flat sandals.
• Good options include running shoes with arch support, comfort wedges, or flats that can take orthotics.

4. Flat feet

• You’ll want shoes with firm midsole support, motion control, and a slightly raised heel.
• Avoid minimalist shoes or overly soft soles that give no structure.
• Structured trainers, supportive walking shoes, and contoured sandals are winners.

5. Bunions

• Look for a wide toe box and soft, flexible uppers to take the pressure off.
• Skip narrow pointy shoes or stiff leather that rubs your toes.
• Wide-fit sneakers, stretchy-knit flats, and soft leather boots are comfy choices.
• Brands like Kaalfööt offer the perfect solution for sore feet.
  
  
  

6. Heel pain or plantar fasciitis

• Choose shoes with cushioned heels, solid arch support, and a small heel lift.
• Avoid thin, flat soles that have no cushioning.
• Orthopaedic sneakers, comfort sandals, and cushioned loafers can really help.

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Once you know your foot type, shoe shopping gets so much easier. You’ll spend less time trying on painful styles and more time finding the ones that feel great from the start.

If you want to make it even simpler, here’s a quick, easy-to-use shoe fit guide chart you can keep on your phone for shopping:

🦶 Foot Type → 👟 Best Shoe Features → 🚫 Avoid These