How to Find Comfortable Shoes

Relief at last! Foolproof tips on picking comfortable pumps, flats, and sandals.

Tips for Finding a Blister-Proof Sandal

• Avoid wobbly shoes. Examine a shoe's quality by looking at how it sits on a table. A well-built shoe will be balanced and look stable when standing on its own.
• Find stack heels that have a broad heel tap (base), which allows for better shock absorption. You will also be steadier on your feet.
• "Stay away from backless shoes, such as thongs and slides, because they cause pain in the balls of the feet," says Suzanne Levine. Instead, look for a sandal with straps that hit just below the ankle (not encircling it). These will help stabilize the foot and hold it securely.
• Wear only sandals that have leather or suede-lined straps to prevent chafing.
• Make sure the toe-box area is wide enough for the broadest part of your foot.
• Look for platform shoes that give the illusion of a higher heel without the feel of it.
• Examine the insides of straps for seams and other construction details that might dig into feet.