It's true that, in a sense, shoes are an accessory. However, shoes are an accessory that can cost you a lot of money and can also cause you a lot of pain if you purchase the wrong shoes. Instead of letting yourself get caught up in the moment, there are some tips you can use to ensure you buy shoes that not only look great, but you'll absolutely love. Whether you're buying shoes for work or play, you need to keep a few things in mind. The following are five rules for shoe shopping.
Always Try the Shoes on and Walk Around
During a really great sale, you might be tempted to grab several shoes in your size and hit the checkout. Unfortunately, not all shoes are sized the same. While a 7 might feel great in one style and brand, it might be too tight in another. Always take the time to try shoes on and walk around in the them before buying.
Don't Be Impulsive
I'll admit that I've fallen victim to this mistake. It can be so tempting to buy shoes just because they are cute or sexy. When you get home, however, you may find that you have nothing to wear with the shoes or no where to wear them. Consider your purchases carefully.
Never Skimp on Comfort
I recently purchased a pair of shoes that I knew would be a bit painful to wear, but they were so cute. Unfortunately, after wearing them during a day of shopping, I was in a tremendous amount of pain. If you try shoes on and they aren't comfortable, don't buy them.
Remember Quality Over Quantity
Depending on where you shop, one store might allow you to purchase 4-6 pairs of shoes for $100 while another store may only allow you to purchase 1-2 pairs for that price. However, there's a good chance that the shoes that cost more will not only last longer, but may even be more comfortable.
Shop for Shoes That Work With Your Lifestyle
Last, but not least, those thigh-high stiletto boots may be sexy, but chances are your career as an elementary school teacher is not going to allow you a chance to wear them. Not only would they be frowned upon at school, but even wearing them out for a night of clubbing could jeopardize your job. Always consider whether or not a pair of shoes fits your lifestyle.
Shoe shopping requires a bit of consideration. Don't just throw down your hard-earned cash for a pair of shoes that are cute. Take the time to think about each purchase when shoe shopping.

