How to buy men's shoes online? Online shopping guide

Why is it worth buying shoes online?

Buying shoes online is a convenient and often cheaper solution - you have access to thousands of models from around the world, you can compare prices and read opinions. However, not being able to try them on directly comes with risks: wrong size, unexpected color, disappointing quality.

Fortunately, there are proven ways to minimize the risk and effectively buy shoes online. The key is accurate measurements, knowing the brands, reading reviews and checking the returns policy.

In this guide, you'll learn how to buy shoes online without stress and how to avoid the most common online shopping pitfalls.

How to choose the size when shopping online?

Step 1: Measure your foot at home

1. Put your foot on a piece of paper in the evening
2. Select the longest point
3. Measure the length with a ruler in cm
4. Add 1 cm of allowance
5. Compare with the manufacturer's size chart

Step 2: Check the manufacturer's size chart

NEVER assume that your size is one size fits all. Sizes vary between brands: Nike has a narrower cut, Adidas is wider, New Balance offers different widths, Italian brands are narrower than British ones.

Step 3: Read fit reviews

Look for comments like: runs small, runs large, narrow fit, true to size.

What to pay attention to before buying?

1. Return policy

Check BEFORE purchasing: how many days you have to return, who pays for the return, whether you can return it after trying it on at home, how fast the refund is. Recommended stores: Zalando, Amazon, CCC, eobuwie.pl.

2. Product photos

At least 5-8 photos from different angles, photos of details, photos of models. Only one photo is suspicious.

3. Detailed product description

Check the materials, construction, sole type, country of production, and care instructions.

4. Customer opinions

Read reviews with photos. Pay attention to size fit, quality of workmanship, comfort and durability.

The best online stores for men's shoes

Zalando: Free delivery and returns, huge selection of brands, transparent customer reviews, Premium program. Sometimes higher prices.

Amazon: Competitive prices, fast Prime delivery, good customer reviews. Returns policy can be complicated, you have to be careful with fakes.

eobuwie.pl: Polish store, local service, free delivery and returns, good selection of brands, regular promotions. Less selection than Zalando.

CCC: Polish store, stationary availability, affordable prices, free delivery over a certain amount. Mainly own brands and lower shelf.

Brand stores: Full brand range, exclusive models, loyalty programs. Lack of price comparability, rare promotions.

How to try on shoes after delivery?

1. Try on your shoes carefully at home

Wear with the socks you will wear. Walk for at least 15-20 minutes. Test on different surfaces. Bend your feet, do squats.

2. Don't damage your shoes

Only try on at home. Don't go outside. Do not remove tags and labels. Don't throw away the box.

3. Order several sizes at once

If you are between sizes, order both. Try on, leave the better one, return the worse one.

4. Take photos upon delivery

Document the condition of the package and shoes upon receipt.

What to do if something goes wrong?

Problem: The shoes don't fit

Take advantage of the returns policy. Don't try to force it.

Problem: The color looks different from the photo

Normal - Screens distort colors. If the difference is drastic, you can return it as not as described.

Problem: I received damaged shoes

Take photos, contact the seller immediately. You are entitled to an exchange or refund.

Problem: The store does not want to accept the return

In the EU, you have the right to a return within 14 days without giving a reason. If the store refuses, report it to the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection or the Consumer Ombudsman.

Problem: I received a counterfeit

Complaint, return, report to the sales platform. Avoid suspiciously cheap offers from unknown sources.

When is the best time to buy shoes online?

Black Friday / Cyber ​​Monday: November - the biggest promotions of the year. Discounts 30-70%.

Seasonal sales: January/February: sale of winter collections. July/August: sale of summer collections.

Newsletter discounts: Sign up for newsletters - often your first delivery or purchase with a 10-15% discount.

Discount codes: Look for codes on websites such as Pepper and Groupona before finalizing your purchase.

Loyalty programs: Zalando Plus, Nike Membership - discounts, free delivery, early access to sales.

Summary

Shopping for shoes online can be convenient, safe and profitable if you follow a few simple rules: measure your feet carefully, check the returns policy, read customer reviews and don't hesitate to return shoes that don't fit.

The key is to buy from trusted stores with good customer service and transparent policies. Zalando, Amazon, eobuwie.pl are proven options with good return policies.

Remember: it's better to order, try on and return than to regret buying uncomfortable shoes that will lie in the closet.