An ensemble is never complete without the right footwear. Whether it is sporting gear or a wedding outfit, to look your very best and to enhance your productivity you need to wear the right pair of shoes or sandals as the case may be. Sure, we all end up buying shoes because of the way they look, because they are a popular brand, or because they are a certain type of shoe (e.g. aerobic, walking, running, or court shoes). But it is important to keep in mind that purchasing a shoe on the basis of its brand, type, price, or look won't guarantee it's the best shoe you can buy. After all, your shoe must ensure that while your feet look trendy and smart, they also feel comfortable. Remember, any eenie-meenie discomfort your feet experience could translate into undue stress for the rest of your body. "A good shoe is one which does not give any stress to your feet and leaves you feeling comfortable as you go about your jobs," says Upasana Sarin, director, Finesse, a shoe store chain across the city. Whether you are picking party pumps or office wear sandals, keep in mind that proper support, flexibility, and protection as well as comfort and durability are the key pointers to any good shoe purchase.

Shoe Facts

Any shoe has four main parts: the heel counter, the toe box, the upper, and the mid-sole, explains mhhe.com. It's important to consider all of these parts when selecting a shoe. A heel counter helps prevent the foot from rolling when the heel strikes the ground. The toe box should give the toes enough room to comfortably fit in the shoe. The upper is the body or the top part of the shoe. Uppers can be made only of leather, or of leather and nylon, which stabilise the shoe. They can also be made of nylon or nylon mesh, which is more flexible and has more give. The mid-sole, at the arch of the foot, should have adequate cushioning, since great stress is placed on this area.