By Rita Chioma

Ladies and their shoes are best friends. The love knows no bounds and should not be toyed with. But everyone needs to know the basics before paying for that pair of shoe.

Here they are:

Already own three pairs of black heels? Remember: just because they’re on sale, doesn’t mean you need them. Keep a list of the shoes that you’re actually looking for on hand and stick to it because it would help you focus on what you’re looking for and prevent impulse buying.

Believe it or not, your hands and feet swell throughout the day, so purchasing a pair of shoes in the morning could cause you major pain later on. Shopping at the end of the day, once your feet have been moving will help determine the right fit and be more comfortable.

If tracking down a pair of comfy athletic shoes is more like mission impossible, a high or flat arch may be to blame. If you have a high arch, the middle part of your footprint (your arch) will be missing. And if you have a normal arch, about half of it will show. Now you can then shop for the right shoe that fits you perfectly.

Try on the shoe size that you typically wear. Then try on a half size smaller and a half size larger. Many people are stuck on the numbers but different brands and even different shoes within a brand vary. Your feet will tell you what size to buy.

It may look fab, but realistically, you can’t wear it. Save your money, and purchase something practical instead.

Everyone feels good when they look good, so yeah no harm in dressing up just to try on some shoes.

If the shoe doesn’t work for your body, put it back and keep on shopping! For instance, an ankle boot or those with an ankle strap can cut off your leg, making it appear shorter, and this doesn’t do your legs justice and you may end up not wearing them again. So why bother.