What's Your Shoe Buying I.Q.? [www.foothealth.com]

We generally have an idea of the type of shoe we set out to buy. A walking shoe, an elegant evening slingback, a sports shoe. We often plan on color, style, and even on a particular department store to purchase our shoes. Our shoe buying habits, however, often do not include other important considerations. Take this test to evaluate your shoe buying I.Q.

1. When is the proper time to buy shoes?

a) first thing in the morning

b) at the end of the day

c) on your day off

2. In choosing your shoes, what materials do you look for?

a) natural materials

b) synthetic materials such as naugahyde and vinyl

c) it makes no difference

3. For most people the heel height of a good walking shoe is:

a) three inches

b) a flat shoe

c) one to two inches

4. If a shoe store does not have the style you want in your proper width you:

a) should find a store that does

b) can take a narrower width providing you buy shoes a half-size longer

c) have the salesman stretch out the shoe

5. In "breaking in" a shoe you should:

a) wear it as long as possible

b) wear it for short intervals for several days

c) keep them in shoe trees fur a few days before wearing them

6. When you buy shoes it is best to:

a) wear them home to break them in

b) take them home and wear them around the house first

c) waterproof them before you wear them

7. A shoe should be flexible

a) in the back

b) in the front

c) all over

8. For support, shoes should be rigid:

a) at the toe area

b) at the counter or back of the shoe

c) all over

9. For good arch support "cookies," prefabricated foam inserts, are:

a) very effective

b) completely ineffective

c) somewhat effective

10. Sending for shoes from a mail-order catalog:

a) is recommended only if you are sure of your size

b) is wise only if you are instructed to send a tracing of your foot

c) is never recommended