When shopping for footwear, if the shoe doesn't feel good or is too tight, don't buy it because it won't stretch enough to be comfortable. If they are just a little snug, then usually they can be stretched to losen them a bit. Make sure you follow these guidelines:

• There should be about 1/2" between the tip of your biggest toe and the end of the shoe

• Stand up when being fitted because feet are longer when you're standing

• Buy shoes at the end of the day when feet are largest

• Measure both of your feet - they may not be the same size, Feet increase in size by 5-8% by the end of the day

• Buy quality shoes. In an average day, a man takes about 8,000 steps. If he weighs 170 pounds, the daily force that accumulates on his feet is 1,000 TONS. Spend a few extra dollars for shoes that will give you the support you need and will last longer.

It may sound chic to say you have to suffer for fashion, but corns, bunions, hammer toes, shortened calf muscles and ingrown toenails don't sound like "must-haves" for fashion. These afflictions may be exactly what you're getting when you reach everyday for the stilettos instead of the Rockports.

A report last year from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found that only 21 percent of women wore high heels (more than two inches) to work, compared with 34 percent 10 years ago, according to OnHealth.com. Instead, women are reaching for sensible shoes.

The ideal shoes? Some podiatrists recommend one-and-a-half to two-inch chunky heels with padded insoles and plenty of room for the toes to move, according to eFit.com

WOMEN IMPROVE FOOT HEALTH

Limit the amount of time you wear high heels. For high heels with thin soles, you can have a thin rubber sole cemented to the bottom of the shoe to cushion the foot, which aides in added comfort. Alternate with good quality flats for part of the day, and choose comfort shoes for weekends and casual use. Choose shoes that give your toes room to move. Experts recommend laced, rather than slip on shoes for best fit. Make sure your sandals have straps.

According to Dr. David Stege, a specialist in foot and ankle disorders, even nylon pantyhose can cause excessive perspiration which may encourage fungal infections like athlete's foot. "Inexpensive nylon pantyhose can also cause forefoot problems...the cramping and pressure of the hose can contribute to ingrown toenails and hammertoes," according to his web site.

SPECIAL FOOT CONSIDERATIONS

If you're over 65 make sure you choose lightweight, shock-absorbing soles that are not slippery and leather uppers that breathe.

If you're pregnant, realize that your feet may grow a full size -- give up the high heels!
Look for substantial, comfy styles with thick, supportive soles.

COMFORT SHOE RESOURCES

• Cloudwalkers - Trendy, comfortable, affordable - cool styles

• Naturalizer - The styles won't set the fashion world on fire, but for comfort, value and range of sizes, this company is legendary

• Rockport - Athletic, career, trendy, this company makes it all. Great quality and design make this a comfy classic.

• Hushpuppies- The famous suede flats were hot a few years ago, but the comfy sleek styles still look modern with plenty of casual and corporate casual looks. A cult classic.