Ecommerce is gaining more and more popularity and has become the go-to option for shopping. And, to be honest, who would not prefer sitting at home, with a cup of coffee in hand, and browsing the internet to find whatever it is that they need, instead of running around in stores, sitting in line at the register and sweating in the changing room?
While clothes and household items are easy to buy online, when it comes to shoes, things do tend to get a bit trickier. You need to get a clear idea of the material, the color, and also the fit, before making a purchase. Follow the guide below for a better chance to transform online shoe shopping into a successful experience.
Know Your Shoe Size Well
Shoe size can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, especially if you choose to buy internationally. This is why, knowing you are a UK size 4 may not be enough. The best way to be certain about the shoe size is to measure both of your feet.
When measuring, be careful to write down the exact width and length of each foot, as most online stores, such as https://www.widefitshoes.co.uk, have sizing charts available, to help you determine your exact size. If you only go by shoe size and not by measurements, you can end up with a pair that is not true to size and have to go through the whole process of returning them. At the same time, it may be worth knowing your foot arch as well, to determine if a certain pair of shoes is right for your feet.
Don’t Make Impulse Decisions
Here it is! The most beautiful pair of shoes you have ever seen, and they are on sale as well. Don’t go hitting the “Purchase” button just yet. Instead, take a closer look at the shoes, see if they fit your style and go with at least four outfits in your wardrobe. You don’t want to end up spending a small fortune only to be wearing those shoes once a year.
Look carefully, analyze the product photos, see if you really do need that pair of new shoes and don’t give into the impulse, just because they have a big SALE tag next to them. Make sure you are getting a good deal out of this and it is not just a spur of the moment type of purchase.
Go For Comfort Over Style
Sometimes, you are tempted to purchase a pair of shoes, just because of how good they look, but forget to think about how practical or comfortable they are. For high heels, for example, instead of purchasing a pair with 12cm heels, go for those with a 10cm heel. They are far more comfortable and give you the same posture.
At the same time, look for heels that are more thick. A thinner heel is much more unstable and painful to walk in. You can also choose a pair of heels with a bit of platform in the front. This way, even though the heel is higher, your feet won’t fit at an unnatural angle and you won’t put too much pressure on the forefeet.
Read Reviews
When shopping online, the reviews section is your best friend. Read them thoroughly, to see what other people think about the shoes you are interested in purchasing. First of all, people who have already purchased the shoes and tried them on will tell you valuable information, such as if they are true to size, if the material is high quality and if they are comfortable.
Secondly, the review section also tells you a lot about the retailer. See how they answer reviews, both the positive and the negative ones, to get a clearer idea of those you are about to be shopping from. If they don’t answer to comments at all, or only answer the positive ones, it may suggest they don’t care about their customers as much. A brad who answers to all reviews and takes time to at least apologize to those who had a negative experience puts effort into what they do and shows respect for the customers.
Analyze Product Pictures
Product pictures can tell you a lot more than you think. On one hand, they give you a better idea of how the product looks, as you get to see it from different angles and get a closer look at the details. If the retailer also includes a video of the shoes, or a 360° photo, it means they know how difficult it is for their customers to shop online and they want to offer an experience that is as close as possible to the one you have in the store.
On the other hand, if the product photo is low-quality or only shows the shoes from one point of view, it may mean that they are trying to cover some defects or there might be something they don’t want you to see. In this case, it may be better to look somewhere else or send them an email to ask for more details.
Read The Return And Warranty Policy
The return policy when shopping online is extremely important to read when shopping online, as you don’t actually get to try on the products until they arrive and are already paid for. Check to see what is the approved time for returning the products in case you don’t want them anymore, as well as how they handle returns. Do they offer door-step pick, or do you have to go to the post office yourself?
When it comes to warranty, check the terms and conditions before purchase. Typically, shoe brands offer a 6 to 12-month warranty for manufacturing defects, but it’s not always this way. High-end brands to have a good warranty policy, but they also have some conditions that need to be followed.
Conclusion
Shopping for shoes and fashion online can be a tough process, but if you know what to look for and how to spot and avoid potential issues, you can turn it into a relaxing experience. Knowing your shoe size and hot going head-over-heels for what you may think is a good deal can save you time and, most important, money. If you make sure you buy quality products from a reputable brand, your feet will thank you later.
