5 Signs the Shoes Just Don't Fit

Many women are willing to sacrifice comfort for style, but shoes that do not fit properly can throw your balance off and make you walk funny. Plus, wearing shoes that are the wrong size can do serious damage to your feet, ankles, knees and lower back. Here are five signs the shoes just don't fit, and some tips for avoiding a painful fit. Take note of this writing research paper and find a better match so your feet don't pay the price!

1. Blisters develop.

Sure, many pairs of shoes require a break-in period right after you buy them. But shoes should never leave blisters on your feet! Most of the time, shoes that are too narrow are the culprit, as they irritate the skin resulting in blister formation. If blisters develop after wearing a pair of shoes, take the shoes to a cobbler to have them stretched, or get rid of them. If you can't bear parting ways with a pair of blister-causing shoes, cover the areas on the shoes that rub with moleskin, and keep small round bandages in your purse for emergencies.

2. The shoes make noise.

Ill-fitting shoes keep your feet from striking the ground naturally, causing noise and additional problems. If they are too wide, your feet slip around inside which can cause you to trip and twist an ankle, or worse. Shoes that are too narrow squeeze your feet which can make you walk unnaturally on your heels or your toes. While this lessens the discomfort on the sides of your feet, it can cause long-term damage. You can try adding cushions and liners to make shoes that are too long fit more snugly. But if the shoes are too snug, you should invest in a pair that fits.

3. Your arches ache.

It is true that wearing even the most tailored pair of high heels can cause arch pain, but that isn't the only reason. If your arches ache, it could indicate that the shoes aren't correctly fitted to the shape of your arch. If you have high arches, shoes that have hard or thin soles can cause you pain. Those with high arches are most comfortable in shoes with plenty of cushioning. If you have low arches (flat feet), you will experience discomfort in the arch when shoes are too flimsy or have a high heel. Those with low arches should opt for a firm, supported flat or low heel that lessens the pressure on the ball of the feet.

4. Your toes and heels overhang.

Not only is it uncomfortable when your toes and heels hang over the edges of shoes; it is highly unattractive! This overhang can be caused by one of two things: either you bought shoes that are too small, or you bought shoes made of materials that stretch and let your feet slide forward. Make sure you stand and walk around when you are trying on shoes to avoid surprise overhang later on.

5. The shoes dwarf your feet.

On the other end of the scale, if there's more than a thumb's width of space between the top of your tallest toe and the tip of the shoe, the shoe is too big. Likewise, if the heel of the shoe extends more than a thumb's width beyond your heel, you should pick a smaller size. Use common sense and look in the mirror standing in the shoes, and see whether they look too big.

By looking for these five signs, you can avoid wearing shoes that don't fit. If your shoes show any of these signs, it is time to move on and find a better-fitting pair. No shoe is worth painful blisters, bunions, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Ensure a great fit from the start by trying on shoes before you buy.