With e-commerce accounting for more and more business each year, it's no surprise many people - especially among the younger generations - are going online to find their footwear. Buying shoes online can shorten and simplify your experience, and it can even help you find unique footwear options you won't find elsewhere, like elevator shoes or shoes for larger feet. However, unlike shopping for shoes in a store, you can't try on your new pair before you commit to a purchase, so the chances of picking out something you don't like or shoes that won't fit your feet are significantly higher. So, if you're thinking of ordering your next pair of elevator dress shoes, athletic sneakers or boots online, what should you do to make the experience a good one? We've compiled the five best tips for online shoe shopping to help you confidently navigate the internet waters.
- Know Your Foot (Measurements)
It's no secret that shoe sizes can vary greatly between manufacturers, and obviously, you don't get to try on the shoe you're looking at on a website. But knowing the dimensions of your feet goes a long way toward getting the right pair. Measure the exact length and width of each foot from the longest points and keep that information handy. Shoe sizes can vary from site to site, but the measurement of your foot will always stay consistent. Most online shoe stores have sizing charts that you can use to determine what size will fit. You should also be aware of whether your foot arches are high, medium or low, as different shoes are designed for different arch types. 
- Have An Idea of What Shoes You Want
Going into a shopping session knowing only that "I need some shoes" is an easy way to fall down the rabbit hole of options (and there are a lot of options). As such, knowing what you're looking for is an important step in online shopping. What style of shoe are you looking for? What are you going to be using them for? Are you more interested in comfort, function or looks? Answering these questions in advance will help you narrow down your search and reduce the chances of getting distracted by something that isn't right for you. For example, knowing that you're looking for a pair of lightweight, height-increasing sneakers will help you make a choice that much quicker. With so many options available online, being able to narrow your selection down is important.
- Make Sure the Store Has a Good Return/Exchange Policy
Even if you do all your research, you still will occasionally receive a pair of shoes that just don't fit, feel or look right. And there's always the chance of a defective shoe, just like when you shop in person. In those cases, a bad return policy (or none at all) will leave you with more than just sore feet. Be sure to always check how returns and refunds are handled. Ideally, they should give you at least a few weeks to return the shoes for a refund, exchange or store credit, as long as the shoes are in their original condition. And a store that goes "above and beyond" is even better.
- Research Shipping Options and "Total Cost"
A big reason for shopping online is to get good deals. But sometimes deals aren't always what they seem. Some stores have low up-front costs but gouge you on shipping so you actually pay more than at a physical store. Others have free shipping, but your purchase can take up to two weeks to arrive - and most people shopping for shoes can't wait that long. Look at both the cost of the shoe, the estimated shipping charges and the estimated shipping time so you know what you're getting into.
- Shop With Reputable Stores
Trust is important at any store, but especially online because the store is receiving the money before the buyer receives the product. So look hard at a store's reputation. Customer reviews will tell you a lot about their experience, and an online store will often advertise if they have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau, Shopper Approved and other organizations.