Are you looking online for shoes for yourself or a loved one?
2.14 billion people have made online purchases this year. The shoe industry alone makes billions of dollars from online shopping. In the post-COVID world, more people are reaching for online products because of the safety of shopping from home.
But if you usually buy shoes in stores, you might wonder how to avoid making mistakes while buying shoes online. Indeed, there are many possible online shoe buying mistakes. We’ll go into 7 of them below.
Keep reading so you can avoid having to return your purchases!
1. Not Looking for Fair Labor Certifications
The internet has increased the ordinary person’s access to information about the companies they buy from. It’s enabled users to buy from companies that reflect their values.
Unfortunately, not every shoe company uses fair labor when creating its products. Often, companies will source their products from factories in countries where labor is cheaper. Many factories maintain acceptable working conditions, but some don’t.
The companies seldom own these factories. So, sometimes the company isn’t aware that unfair labor is happening. Still, you don’t want your money supporting worker exploitation.
How do you get around this? Some companies display certifications on their websites. This means they have followed the protocols of an independent fair labor organization and gotten their stamp of approval.
If you don’t see these certifications, contact the company and ask how they ensure ethical working conditions.
2. Not Knowing Your Size
Shoe sizes can make the difference between loving your new shoes and needing to exchange them for another pair. When you don’t have the correct pair, you will experience discomfort when you walk. You might even develop minor foot injuries.
To figure out your size, get two pieces of paper. Each should be larger than your foot. Then, stand on the sheets and have someone trace the outlines of your feet. With a ruler, measure the longest part of your foot, then the widest. Get the measurements in both inches and centimeters.
A lot of sites have sizing charts. If you can, look at the sizing chart to determine the closest fit.
For the best results, wear the socks you plan on wearing with the shoes.
3. Not Checking Which Measuring System the Website Uses
Did you know that different countries have different shoe sizes?
As such, you can’t buy a size 9.5 in the UK if you’re a size 9.5 in the US. If you’re ordering online, you need to make sure you know which sizing chart the company uses. The company usually labels its charts with which type of measurements they use.
But what if you don’t know your size in another country? You can see if the company also includes measurements in inches or centimeters. If you have any doubts, send them an email!
4. Not Looking at the Reviews
One of the biggest online shoe buying mistakes is purchasing a pair of shoes without looking at the reviews.
Stores have an advantage over online shops because they give you the chance to see the shoes in person and try them on. When you shop online, you run the risk of receiving the shoes and not liking them. However, you can avoid the pitfalls of online shopping by looking at online customer reviews.
Sometimes, you will learn that the shoes don’t look the way they do in the photos or run small.
5. Buying Uncomfortable Shoes
People have different levels of pain they’re willing to go through to wear shoes.
Some people prefer to push through discomfort to wear fashionable, less comfortable shoes. Others can’t stand the pain and won’t want to wear them again.
To figure out what your pain tolerance might be, look at the types of shoes you already wear. Do you wear a lot of heels? If so, you’ll likely be fine with some discomfort. Those who prefer flats or tennis shoes, though, may want to see if they like less comfortable shoes before buying them online.
6. Not Having Anything to Wear Them With
The right shoes will complement a wide variety of your outfits. If you clothes shop on a budget, it’s essential to make sure you can wear your shoes with more than one thing.
Otherwise, you might end up spending more money looking for other pairs.
So, before you click “buy,” head over to your closet and see if you have anything that will match your new shoes.
7. Not Comparing Prices
Did you know you can get similar-looking shoes at different prices?
If you’re looking for a specific style of shoe, don’t settle for the first one you see. If you do, you might spend more money than you need to. Instead, search the internet for similar pairs. You may find a different company selling something you like just as much, if not more.
By comparing shoe prices, you’ll get the type of shoe you want for less!
Want to buy a great pair of shoes? Shop for LeBrons today!
Want to Move Beyond Online Shoe Buying Mistakes?
If you’ve made online shoe buying mistakes before, you know it’s important to take care when you purchase items online. By following the advice above, you’re more likely to find the right shoes for all the people in your life.
You can also move beyond online shopping mistakes by applying some of these rules to other forms of shopping. For instance, you should always read reviews before buying a product, no matter what it is.
Want more great articles like this? Check out the rest of this website today!
