Footwear

How to shop for shoes and boots online

Measure both feet, late in the day. Feet swell during the day, so measure in the evening, standing, with the socks you plan to wear. Trace each foot on paper and measure heel to longest toe and the widest part of the forefoot. Use the brand's own chart, not your usual size; UK, EU and US sizes convert differently between brands, and UK sizing is roughly one size smaller than US for women.

Width and toe box. Many styles come only in D (medium) width for men or B for women. If standard shoes pinch at the toes, look for wide sizes or a wide toe box design. Barefoot-style shoes have zero drop (heel and forefoot at the same height) and thin, flexible soles; transition gradually, since going straight to long walks can strain calves and Achilles tendons.

Work boot ratings. Check your job's requirement before buying. ASTM F2413 covers safety toes for impact and compression; EH (electrical hazard) rated footwear adds protection against open circuits. Composite toes are lighter and do not conduct cold or set off metal detectors; steel toes are thinner for the same protection. Look for slip-resistant outsoles if you work on wet or oily floors, and note that many employers specify these by standard.

Leather and construction. Full-grain leather lasts longest and develops character; corrected or genuine leather is cheaper and less durable. Goodyear welt construction allows resoling; cemented soles are lighter and cheaper but generally cannot be resoled. If a listing does not state construction, ask before paying premium prices.

Platforms and boots for the calf. For knee-high and thigh-high boots, measure your calf circumference at its widest point and compare with the boot's shaft measurement. Platform heights add up quickly; a 2-inch platform with a 5-inch heel gives a 3-inch effective pitch.

Return traps. Rock Rooster gives free returns on unworn items within 30 days after email approval. Vintage Foundry Co includes a free return label but limits each order to one complimentary exchange or refund. Hobibear gives 45 days but you pay return postage on size swaps. Lamoda gives only 14 days, deducts outgoing shipping and label fees from UK refunds, charges £5 for missing boxes and makes items 50% or more off final sale. Try shoes on carpet indoors so they stay unworn.

Shipping origin. Hobibear ships from California in 3 to 5 business days or from China in 8 to 12. Lamoda ships from the UK with US FedEx from $9.99. Rock Rooster ships only to US addresses, excluding Puerto Rico and PO boxes.

Budget tiers. Barefoot-style shoes from budget brands run $20 to $60. Mid-range leather boots cost $90 to $170. Premium welted work boots from major American makers often cost $200 and up.

Which brand fits which buyer

• Construction, warehouse and utility workers needing ASTM safety-toe or EH-rated boots: Rock Rooster Footwear.
• First-time barefoot shoe buyers and people with wide forefeet: Hobibear.
• Parents buying wide-toe sneakers or snow boots for growing kids: Hobibear.
• Fans of distressed leather boots or men after oxfords under about $110: Vintage Foundry Co.
• Alternative and goth fashion fans wanting vegan platforms or wide calf boots: Lamoda.