You come home from the shoe store eager to try on your new shoes. They were a perfect fit while you walked like a model around the shoe store. Now, however, they don't seem to fit you at all. They feel tight and your feet throb. How many times has this happened to you? Don't kid yourself. It probably has happened more then once.

How do we do that? How can we actually try the shoes on in the store but somehow wind up with a pair that does not fit once we make it home? A number of factors contribute to this phenomenon and there are steps you can take to make certain that you never leave the shoe store again with anything but the shoes you want in a size that fits.

First let's start with running shoes for walking and playing sports. Shoes in this category fit differently then shoes you would casually every day or to work. Running and athletic shoes normally run half to one size larger then your everyday casual shoes. So when you purchase these shoes go a little bigger then your regular size. Don't be tempted to think that tight fitting athletic shoes will stretch out because they will not.

When we try on shoes we walk around the cushy carpet of the shoe store, right? This walk is not a good representation of actual walking situations. Therefore, it is hard to make a good decision about the shoe fit. You need to test the shoes on the surface you will wear them on. For example, if you are going to run in the street then you should test the shoes in the street. If the shoe store won't let you try on the shoes in other areas or surfaces then find a shoe store that will.

How should your feet fit in the shoe? The toes need to be in the shoe where they just touch the front, but don't cramp your feet. If the shoes are too big your heel will slide around. Find shoes where your heel stays put.

To help the salesperson help you find the best shoes, you may want to consider bringing in an old pair of shoes. But be sure that they are a pair that you were dissatisfied with. This way, the salesperson can hopefully discern what went wrong last time and make adjustments that will net you a pair of shoes that will fit.

Did you know that your feet grow by the afternoon? The pressure of walking, standing, and just being awake cause your feet to expand up to a half size larger then your normal shoe size. It is a good idea to shop in the afternoon when your feet are swollen.

Avoid the heartache of paying hard earned money for shoes that don't fit, by following these tips. Following these tips when buying your shoes will improve your chances of finding shoes that are a perfect fit at the shoe store and at home. Shoes that don't fit will be history in your shoe world.