Not sure how to go about choosing the best pair of shoes to prevent tired, aching feet at the end of the day? Here are some tips to ensure that the pair you are about to fork out big bucks for is as comfortable as possible.

1. Material: Natural materials are best, and our experts agree that leather is the superior choice. It is breathable, comfortable and moulds to the wearer’s feet, thereby ensuring the most comfortable fit. Cheaper materials like PVC not only pinch the foot, but also cause it to sweat and release odours.

2. Fitting: Simply buying discount shoes based on your shoe size is unwise, as shoes made in different countries have different specifications. You should walk around in the shoes for at least five to 10 minutes to ensure that the size is right and they are comfortable while walking.

3. Heel Height: The ideal heel height for shoes is one-and-a-half to two inches. Heels that are too high will place too much pressure on the spine and joints; those that are too low will affect the heel of the foot.

4. General Comfort: Make sure the widest part of the foot sits well within the shoe, otherwise the sides of the foot will chafe against the shoe. If you have problems such as flat or arched feet, make sure your shoes provide adequate support.

For sandals, look at features such as toe bars and a metatarsal support that allow the foot to be positioned comfortably.

Tags: aching feet, best shoes, fitting, heel height, leather, material, sandals