“Tolerant of your beliefs, judgmental of your shoes” — a sign at a New York based company read. How very wise and appropriate it indeed appears to be. Shoes aren’t only a necessary part of your outfit; they are a style statement, an attitude, a glimpse into your personality.

Researchers have found that onlookers can judge a lot about your personality by just looking at your shoes and observing the way you carry them — a fact many people are oblivious of. Therefore, it is advisable to always put your best shoes forward, but for that you must buy the right kind of shoes first.

While buying shoes most people focus mainly on the embellished exterior, colours and fitting; however, selecting a lasting pair which is comfortable to walk in involves much more than the physical appearance only. There are some very important components that render your shoe fit or unfit to be worn like the sole, material, stitching, heels, etc. You might want to learn and remember a few shoe-selecting techniques suggested by experts before you go shoe shopping the next time.

When buying shoes, it’s best to select a pair with a moderately thick (depending on shoe type) but flexible sole to support the arch of your feet sufficiently. A good arch support is important as it reduces muscle strain and helps maintain balance. It also reduces the probability of developing plantar fasciitis (a painful inflammation of the connective tissues on the sole of the foot). Touch, feel and know the sole of your shoes. Hard ones create squeaking noise on vinyl flooring while soft soled shoes are very comfortable to walk in and are reliable for running.

A simple thing like buying a shoe also needs some thought

While you’re at it, especially check the width of the entire outsole of your shoe. Avoid selecting those that narrow down in the middle of outsole as they won’t provide enough stability as well as cushion to your feet, will squeeze them and create extreme discomfort in walking. This is very common in stilettos, as slender mid-outsoles cause additional strain on the ankles and balls of the feet, which in turn results in the swelling of your toe mounds. Also, curve the front of shoe upwards a bit to ensure that the sole is strong and difficult to bend or crack; many shoes crack when they bear pressure in the propulsive position of the gait.

Bend the front part of the shoe upwards. It should bend in the area of the toe-box. If the shoe bends in the area of the laces or midfoot, it is excessively flexible.

Examine the heel counter (back of your shoes) carefully. Squeeze the sides of the counter which support the heel to make sure they are durable and will not deform easily. Wriggle the heel and top piece very gently. These are generally quite stable in men’s footwear, however may break easily in stilettos or boots, in case you twist your ankle, even very slightly. At times, the counter can irritate the back of your feet. If so, insert an additional insole for some time, till the shoe has stretched.

The most important part of your shoes is the toe-box. Be careful that there is ample space for you to move your toe fingers comfortably. Tight toe-boxes will cause fingers to tightly stick together, causing pain and uneasiness.

Do your feet sweat and stink after wearing a certain shoe for a while and not others? A good reason could be the material of your shoe, which is another factor that can either make your walk pleasurable or horrible. Always feel the material of the footwear you are interested in and choose the one which feels light and has perforations. It will not trap moisture and keep your feet fresh.

Check the design and stitches of the shoe, especially along the baseline, inside and out and ask about its maintenance from the shop attendant.

Do your footwear shopping towards the end of the day as your feet tend to slightly swell up over the course of the day due to all the walking and standing you have put them to. Shoes bout at the end of the day ensure that they will be comfortable throughout.

Last but not the least, try your shoes on and walk around a bit to see if it properly fits. Tight or loose, both are dangerous as you can lose a shoe during an important moment of your life, like Maryl Streep’s famous shoes loss on her way to collect the Bafta award.

Remember, shoes are your best friend — choose them correctly, wear them confidently and they can lift you emotionally as well as physically.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, November 30th, 2014