How to Choose Your Shoes | The Fitting – Part Two of Our Guide to Choosing the Right Footwear.

Making the right choice in footwear is important. Poorly shod, their aesthetic will suffer, and you will endure discomfort. Whether you are a sartorialist with a vast wardrobe or a man seeking his annual pair of shoes, you know that fitting is a critical step. What should be taken into account? Does the leather truly stretch? What time of day is best for trying on a shoe? These are some of the questions that regularly arise. We therefore wanted to clarify things. Shoe size is the paramount element in any purchase. This may seem obvious to you, but you will understand why it is so important. To do this, we do not overlook any foot morphology and we will see which models are best for narrow or wide feet. The trend is towards online purchasing, so we take the time to advise you on your at-home fitting. We also offer a summary of everything you need to know to choose your shoes well, with 11 tips to remember.

How to Choose Your Shoes: The Size

This is obviously the crucial criterion when trying on a shoe. Shoe size is more than just a number; it ensures comfort, lifespan, and aesthetics. Your foot represents a volume. It must be perfectly contained within a second volume, the shoe. You should not feel any pressure, but there should be no empty spaces, except at the front, of course. To ensure the size is correct, you must check three things:

• Your toes should not hit the end of the shoe.
• You should feel supported where your foot is widest.
• You should maintain a very slight space at the back to avoid rubbing. Being able to slip the first joint of your little finger in is considered ideal.

The construction of the shoe is also important. As you know, it consists of two rigid, reinforced parts that must maintain the shoe’s shape over time. These are the heel counters at the back and the toe cap at the front. The rest is much more flexible, and this is where the leather will work and gain suppleness. It is therefore preferable to choose a shoe that is slightly snug in this area, as it will relax with wear. You will be sure to always feel comfortable and supported. We also advise you to consider the material. Thus, the softer the leather (suede calfskin, grained calfskin, deer leather, unlined shoes, etc.), the more snugly you should choose the width. Never at the front or back, as you understand.

In conclusion, don’t just rely on the number; take the time to try them on and feel them. It’s the best way to avoid mistakes during your shopping sessions.

How to properly try on shoes purchased online?

We offer our collection in our eshop, and we know that trying on shoes outside of a physical store can be a barrier to purchase. Click and Collect, exchanges, advice, etc. – we do everything to make ordering your Caulaincourt shoes easier for you. So here are some of our tips for properly trying on your shoes when you have ordered them online. The absolute rule: don’t compromise your fitting! First, take your time and don’t try them on in the morning, as feet are always swollen upon waking. For the same reason, avoid doing so after a long day at work or after walking for more than 30 minutes. Also, remember to use a shoehorn; it will help you put on the shoe properly and position your foot correctly. When trying them on, make sure your foot is well-seated at the back of the shoe before lacing or adjusting the buckles. This will prevent you from feeling too tight at the front and lacking support. If it’s a very supple or unlined leather, keep in mind that you should feel particularly well-supported when trying them on, as the leather will stretch significantly with wear.

The Width of a Shoe

This is a selection criterion for some, and a few men’s shoe brands offer different widths. You might have a particularly narrow or wide foot and not feel comfortable in a standard size. Width is defined by the forefoot. You might need a shoe that is spacious and generous in its fit because your feet swell easily or because they have a different morphology, wide or narrow. Arch collapse, feet accustomed to certain models (sneakers, pumps, etc.), and blood circulation problems are all reasons to want a suitable shoe. Caulaincourt prefers to offer you a wide range of shapes, all of which provide a different fit to meet all needs. We play with lines and volumes to design beautiful and comfortable shoes. This allows our clientele to have a choice between several models depending on their morphology. You will be comfortable and always elegantly shod.

11 Tips to Avoid Mistakes When Trying on Shoes

After this brief overview of the criteria that seemed essential to us when making a purchase, it’s time for the summary. How to avoid mistakes when trying on a shoe? Here’s a summary with our 11 tips:

1. Choose based on your foot morphology. A pair of shoes can be magnificent and of high quality but not suit you.
2. Find the right time. You shouldn’t do it first thing in the morning when you wake up or wait until the end of the day when your foot is too swollen, but find a happy medium. If you give in and try on a pair of shoes on a very hot day or after getting off a plane, take that into account.
3. Keep in mind that leather stretches where the shoe lacks reinforcements, as this is the widest part of the foot. You should not feel too comfortable during the fitting.
4. Avoid rubbing at the back. You should be able to slip the first joint of your little finger in.
5. Never buy a shoe if your toes hit the front.
6. Pay attention to the instep. You should not feel any discomfort during the fitting. If yours is very high, avoid Oxfords and strapped loafers (this is a leather band positioned over the instep).
7. Do not try on a model with socks if you plan to wear it barefoot.
8. Properly wedge your foot at the back of the shoe before lacing or adjusting the buckles. This will prevent you from feeling too tight at the front and lacking support.
9. Make the fitting last several minutes without necessarily walking, as your sensations will evolve.
10. Prioritize comfort. If you like a pair but aren’t comfortable in them, they will end their life in your closet.
11. Listen to the sales advisor in the boutique. At Caulaincourt, they have real expertise, so take advantage of it.

Choosing the right shoes means finding a model that is suitable, comfortable, and provides support. Fitting now holds no more secrets for you, so use your newfound knowledge during your next purchase. Maison Caulaincourt offers an elegant and varied collection with beautiful shapes and models that are incredibly pleasant to wear. Don’t hesitate to ask for our advice during your visit to one of our boutiques or to contact us directly.