I love buying shoes. But I hate spending hours scouring the internet for the perfect pair. How many times have I ordered five pairs of shoes, none of which fit properly – and in the end I had to send everything back. This is not only bad for the environment, but also for my nerves. How can I avoid this? Here now is my personal oneA practical survival guide for everyone who doesn’t want to go crazy when buying shoes online.
Fashion blog on andysparkles
Why it’s so hard to buy shoes online (and how to make it easier)
Online shopping is a great thing in itself: no crowds, no annoyed salespeople and no neon lighting that makes even sneakers look like orthopedic shoes. BUT: Shoes are tricky.
Why?
- Sizes vary
- Photos are deceiving (especially when it comes to colors!)
- Prices vary from shop to shop
- The selection is completely overwhelming
I have often ordered shoes and really had to send everything back. That’s why I’ve sometimes given up on it completely. But there are good tips that can prevent this!
Step 1: The most important question first – what do you actually want?
Before you order anything, ask yourself: What do I really need? Sneakers for everyday life? Black heels for the summer evening in Charlottenburg? Trekking sandals for the zoo tour with a stroller?
The more specific you are, the faster you will find the right pair.
It’s best to write down:
- Model (sneakers, boots, ballerinas…)
- Color
- budget
- Fit (wide, narrow, extra footbed)
That sounds basic, but you wouldn’t believe how many people click through 3,000 white sneakers without knowing whether they actually want to spend 80 or 180 euros.
Step 2: Platform instead of shop – that’s why schuhfans.de is my insider tip
I no longer shop for shoes in a single store.
I compare. Always. With schuhfans.de.
Why do I love the platform? Very easy:
- Over 700,000 shoe models
- More than 1,500 brands
- Filter until you drop (size, color, material, price…)
- Direct price comparison between shops like Görtz, Mirapodo, Sarenza, etc.
This not only saves time but also money. And I finally see ALL the available sizes – not just after 10 clicks in a shop that gives me hope and then destroys it again in the shopping cart.
Step 3: Filter = your best friend
On schuhfans.de you can filter really precisely:
- Do you only want brands like Vagabond or New Balance? Check it.
- Do you need size 39, but cut as narrowly as possible? No problem.
- Budget maximum 100 €? That’s okay.
The sharper you set the filters, the faster you will get results that really fit.
Step 4: Read reviews – but please use common sense
If you’ve fallen in love with a model, read definitely the reviews. Not every review is worth its weight in gold, but the overall impression helps. Pay attention to:
- Fit information (runs small/large)
- Quality of the material
- Feedback on shipping and customer service
Pro tip: Sort by most recent reviews – otherwise you’ll end up reading something from 2020, when we all thought we only had two weeks of lockdown ahead of us.
Step 5: Order at the right time
What hardly anyone knows: Online shops sometimes change their prices daily.
You have the best chance of getting good deals:
- early in the morning (between 6 and 9 a.m.)
- during the week
- shortly before the season changes (spring/summer or autumn/winter)
So if you’re looking for winter shoes, wait for the first warm days of spring. And if you want sandals, grab them before everyone else starts thinking about summer.
Step 6: Avoid returns – it’s that easy
Nothing is more annoying than a long-awaited package that then comes with a shoe that doesn’t fit at all.
Here’s how you can prevent this:
- Measure your feet correctly – also the width!
- Check size charts (every brand works differently)
- Order two sizes to choose fromif you are unsure
- View product videos or detailed imagesif available
And if you do have to return – make sure that return shipping is free.
Step 7: Focus on quality – not just bargains
I know, sale prices are tempting. But it’s better to have a well-made leather shoe that you’ll wear for years than a 19-euro pair that falls apart after two walks in Berlin-Mitte.
Have you ever looked for a specific shoe for ages? Tell me in the comments – or tell me your favorite brand that you ALWAYS find what you’re looking for. I am excited!