Feet come in all shapes and sizes, so buying a suitable pair of shoes is essential to ensure healthy, comfortable feet. The following tips adapted from material from the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society will assist you in buying shoes that fit.

1. Review purchase decisions regularly - don't assume that you will wear the same size shoes from year to year... Like many parts of our body, the shape of your feet changes with age. Be sure to have your feet measured whilst standing, not sitting, every time you buy a pair of shoes.

2. Buy shoes at the end of your working day. Feet tend to swell particularly if you have been standing for several hours, and will be larger at the end of the day than at the beginning.

3. When trying on shoes make sure that you carry a pair of socks or hosiery that will be similar to those that will be worn with that pair of shoes.

4. Try on both shoes, not just the one. Feet differ; most people have one foot that's slightly larger than the other.

5. If you wear orthotics or any other type of special insole be sure to take them with you to the store...Inevitably these devices up space intended for your foot, so you will need a roomier shoe than you would normally wear

6. Make sure that you can move your toes - give them a wiggle! They should never feel squashed or restricted.

7. Shoes should have a reasonable degree of flexibility and bend easily at the ball of the foot.