Walk around in your shoes before you pay for them. Take a few laps around the place you're shopping at so you can be sure that the shoes you're wearing are comfortable. You can feel rubbing occur. Doing this means you won't feel bad for purchasing a pair of shoes that don't work for you.
When buying children's shoes you should account for your child's growth. Get some with a bit over a thumb's width near the end of the kid's big toe in the shoe. This allows for growth while making sure the shoe isn't too big. If you're not sure if the fit is right for your child, ask the salesperson for assistance.
Never pay too much or too little for shoes. It's worth the money to invest in a quality pair of jogging shoes made from the best materials. However, you shouldn't get a shoe just because a celebrity has endorsed it, because the shoe's quality may not be worth it if it's poorly made.
Never buy shoes and think they're going to fit better once they've been worn a couple of times. If the shoes are uncomfortable when you try them on, they will probably remain that way. The only way this could work for you is to have them professionally stretched.
If you like to run, keep track of the mileage you have put on each pair of shoes. These types of shoes take lots of abuse. Shoes last approximately 400 miles on the average before new ones are needed, so you should keep track of your miles. Keep a running log so you will have an idea when your shoes need to be replaced.
Select your children's shoes for their stability and not their looks. As toddlers begin walking, they need sturdy shoes to help protect from injury. Children need a good pair of tennis shoes when they are first learning to walk. Don't get shoes with the slick bottoms since they can cause falls.
Walking around without shoes really isn't an option in today's society. Now that you have a better idea of what to look for, you can now make purchases with confidence. Good luck and take your time!