How To Choose Comfortable Shoes

1
Add an insert. If your shoe lacks enough cushion, purchase an insert and place it in your shoe. They come in a variety of thicknesses, and are made of a variety of comfortable materials.

Though soft gel inserts can feel good, they may not last long, and can disrupt the natural walking movement of your stride. Find an insert that offers comfort, but is "hard" enough to support your feet where they need it most.
Some shoe stores have scanners that can identify where you need support. Try standing on one to get a better idea of what to look for in an insert. You can always ask a salesperson to help operate the device.^[12]

2
Break in the shoes. Some shoes become more comfortable and “broken in” the more they are worn. If you have a pair of dress shoes that you intend on using for long social events, spend a few evenings wearing them in advance of such events in order to break them in and make them more comfortable for those special occasions.

Shoes can also be stretched to offer some more wiggle room. Take your shoes to a local cobbler to see if your shoes can be stretched without damaging the shoe.
You may also purchase a self-stretching kit at many shoe stores.^[13]

3
Apply moleskin. Apply a moleskin or other protective patch to your feet to protect them from chafing while you break in the shoe. Such patches can also be applied directly to the shoe in the areas that are giving you trouble.

Moleskin pads will also help stretch out tight shoes, since it adds additional bulk to your foot.

4
Add heel grips or sole pads. For shoes that are too loose, a heel grip can help keep the shoe firm on your foot. Similarly, adding a pad for the ball of the foot can keep your foot from sliding into the toe box, keeping the shoe snug. This is particularly useful for high heels and other shoes that feature an incline.^[14]
5
Wear specialized socks. If your shoe is too loose, wearing a thicker pair of socks (or multiple socks) can help fill out the gap. A variety of socks are available tailored for comfort as well, and can substitute for some insole inserts (or pair well with them).

Sporting goods stores offer a variety of socks for different activities, with different padding depending on the activity.^[15]
Orthopedic socks can be found at your local pharmacy. Tell your doctor about your needs and see if they can refer you to a specific brand that can help solve your comfort issues.