Another busy day, with so many things to be finished but not enough time. As you walk to the car, you feel a sudden pain in your feet. But you ignore it, thinking it will go away. However, the pain persists. Whether you go jogging, walking, or running, the discomfort is still there. Your feet have had enough of being squished and tight the whole time. They have made a decision; it’s time to go shopping.

Anyone at any point in their lives has experienced foot pain, even modern men. So, if this has happened to you and you’re wondering, “How do I choose comfort shoes?” then keep on reading. Men’s comfort shoes should be orthotic-friendly and stylish at the same time. Luckily, some brands provide the best of both worlds, such as ECCO, Pikolinos, Birkenstock, KEEN, Merrell, and others. So, without further ado, let’s look into some key features you need to consider when shopping for comfy shoes for men.

The Size Matters Big Time: Look for The Perfect Fit

This is a crucial step when looking for men’s comfort shoes. It’s important to understand that feet come in a variety of shapes and sizes and that as we age, they may change and become wider. So, knowing what your shoe size is at the current point in time is crucial.

Did you know that most people wear shoes that don’t fit them properly? According to one study, 72% of participants wore ill-fitting shoes or shoes that were not the proper length and width. So, to avoid shoes that are too big or too small for you, having your shoe size measured will ease the whole process, and you can avoid many complications that come with wearing poorly fitting shoes. Such health problems are constant bruises on the toenails, blisters, toe deformities (hammertoes, corns, and calluses), poor circulation, and others.

Apart from these problems, ill-fitting shoes can also cause pain in other areas of the body such as the ankles, knees and back. So, scratch your mattress as being the one to blame for the back pain.

But what is the perfect fit for men? Well, you can easily check by only using your finger. Whenever you try on trainers or casual shoes, they should have one finger width of space between their longest toe and the end of the shoe. Also, you can check the tightness at the heel with your index finger. It should snug you perfectly.

However, when shopping for dress shoes, you need to pay attention to how comfortable the ball of your foot is in the widest part of your laced shoe. It should snug you perfectly but by no means be painfully tight. Your toes should not touch the end of the shoe since you need some room when you walk. Finally, make sure there isn’t any extra space in the heel because you don’t want it to slip out of the shoe.

Inspect the Quality of the Uppers

Consider the Material

Once the fit is correct, you should inspect the upper shoe material. When shopping for shoes, you will come across a variety of materials, including leather (nubuck, suede), textiles (cotton, polyester, etc.), canvas, rubber, plastic, and many others. Since leather and textiles are the most common fabrics used to make comfort shoes for men, let’s take a better look at these options.

Leather

However, one of the most preferred materials is leather. It is one of the most durable and luxurious materials used for making shoes. When you put the leather shoes on you, you can feel how it perfectly hugs your feet, not to mention that it is very breathable, elastic, and very comfortable.

Suede, a type of leather made from the underside of animal skin, would look soft and delicate on your feet when pulling off a smart look during the warmer months. Nubuck leather, on the other hand, is slightly thicker and more durable because it is made from the animal’s outer side. Along with the right fleece jacket, men’s boots made from this material can keep you cosy during the colder months.

Even though genuine leather shoes are pricey, they are worth the investment in the long run, and with proper care, they can outlive your other shoes.

Textile

On the other hand, textile shoes are great because they come in many colours and designs. Cotton, for example, is lightweight and very breathable, especially during the warmer months. Polyester is another soft shoe material that’s very flexible. You can choose the shoe material depending on your needs and lifestyle. For example, if you are doing a lot of physical activity, you should opt for a breathable textile shoe.

All these factors considered, choosing a high-quality shoe material is critical. Because you spend the majority of your day in your shoes, you want to allow your feet to breathe, preventing moisture build-up and unpleasant foot odour, so avoid synthetic materials that are not breathable, such as rubber and plastic.

Other Shoe Upper Parts

Once you’ve identified the material, you can look at the rest of the details, such as the eyelets, vamp, toe cap, toe puff, and others. For example, if you’re looking at a dress shoe or casual shoe for men and it has some embellishments, see if everything is attached to the shoe. Also, make sure you check whether the upper and sole of the shoe are stitched or glued together. Are there any threads coming out? If it is, put it back since everything has to be well secured.

Usually, high-quality shoes are stiched. This pays off in the long run because you can repair them if necessary. However, glued shoes can be glued again, but they will not last and should be replaced with a new pair.

Check the Outsole of the Shoe

The next thing you should examine is the outsole which is the bottom part of the shoe. Soles come in a variety of materials, including rubber, leather, polyurethane, and others.

Rubber soles are flexible and durable. They have a good shock absorption quality and reduce the impact of ground contact when walking or running. One of the important things is that it’s waterproof and slip-resistant. So, you won’t need to worry when the weather forecast says it will rain or snow tomorrow.

Leather can also be worn on the outside of the shoe and complete that elegant chic look. Due to its nature, the leather sole is soft, comfortable, and breathable. There is no need to be concerned when removing your shoes because there will be no foot odour. The leather sole is also better when it comes down to shock absorption.

Another thing to keep in mind is the texture of the soles. In comparison to having textures or patterns, a smooth surface will make the shoe much more slippery.

And Don’t Forget to Look Inside

Before you make the final decision on whether to purchase this new pair of comfortable shoes, make sure you check the footbeds or more commonly known as the insoles of the shoe. They are crucial for the health and comfort of your feet while preventing any foot disorders.

They can be made of foam, gel, or leather, and there can be air-cushioned insoles. There are also orthotic insoles that correct some foot issues and help with any foot pain. Check if the shoes have removable insoles. That way, you can replace them with better insoles that suit your needs. Depending on your daily activities and lifestyle, insoles should be changed every 6–12 months for getting the best comfort and support your feet need.

To sum up, finding a good pair of men comfort shoes may seem like an impossible mission. However, take your time when trying on shoes at the store, and apart from the fit, inspect each detail, such as the upper shoe quality and material, outsoles, and insoles. This will ensure that you’ve chosen the pair that will provide the ultimate comfort and say goodbye to the awful pain you’ve experienced earlier.