Finding the perfect fit in a shoe can be like shopping for a bathing suit: painful and frustrating. But the struggle is real, and it eventually drove two sisters to forge their own solution. The fight to find fit and style is the reason Edmonton-based Poppy Barley exists. Co-founder Justine Barber, '06 BCom, says she and her sister, Kendall Barber, wanted people to have shoes made of quality materials that weren't one-size-fits-all.
Here are five tips the Poppy Barley partners offer the frustrated shoe shopper.
- Look at the leather Not all materials are equal. "Good leather breathes and molds to your feet, but a lot of the leather Canadians see in the market has a plastic coat to cover up imperfections," Justine says. It's a practice that allows shoemakers to use cheaper materials. The leather ought to look as natural as possible. Authentic leather will have inconsistent colouring and imperfections, which can be a sign of higher leather quality.
- Examine the sole Most people look for style first, comfort second. Love the look, but make sure to go beyond the surface and inspect the materials and craftsmanship. Look for proper padding and a leather-lined insole. A lot of companies will do a leather outer but a synthetic inside and insole. A synthetic insole will negatively affect breathability. Take a close look at the leather, push on the insole, look for cushioning, flip the sole over and look at how it's attached to the shoe. With quality products under your feet, your shoe experience will be much better.
- Watch the width Imagine if pants came in varying lengths but only one waist measurement. Justine says shoe shoppers should look for a fit that isn't focused solely on foot length but that is also good for width. Most people know if their feet are narrow or wide and, if they are, shoe choices are often limited to a few styles.
"Shoes get wider as they get bigger, so a lot of people with wide feet wear a size or two too large in order to get the width they need. That's why a width option is great for people like me with wider feet," says Justine. Look for styles that vary in width, she advises. - Don't ignore those pressure points For many of us, shoes are on our feet for 10 or more hours a day. They shouldn't hurt. Leather does stretch and will mold to your feet over time, and little bit of snugness in one spot will soften and relax if you're in a full-leather shoe. But the experts emphasize the importance of recognizing any pinched toes or sore spots when trying on shoes. Often that pain won't go away.
- Keep your feet (and wallet) happy With many shoe stores to choose from, smart shoe shoppers should ask questions about the quality of the shoes they're considering to make sure they find the right fit and a style that will last. Ask store staff lots of questions and make sure you really are comfortable with the shoe, inside and out. "One size doesn't fit all when it comes to shoes," says Kendall.
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