It’s that time of the year again: shoe-shopping season! There is a whole gamut of types and styles to choose from, but finding the best-fitting boots when you shop online for shoes requires some shopping legwork.

While you’re deciding between a stiletto, kitten heel or stacked heel, think of which occasion you will be wearing those shoes and for how long each day. What might look great on the fashion catwalks may not be so practical when you’re running about in your 9 to 5 office job.

It’s said that “Your shoes only have to last a season but your feet have to last a lifetime.”

Follow these essential tips from the APMA when you shop online for shoes:

Shop later in the day (your feet tend to swell and grow larger during the day), and have your feet measured before you start trying on different pairs.

Try on shoes with the type of stockings or socks you plan to wear with them.

Look for shoes that offer stability, preferably something with a wider heel. Heels that are less than two inches high are best. Thin stilettos may look cute on the rack, but they put a lot of pressure on your feet.

Make sure the shape of the shoes is wide enough for a comfortable fit on your feet. Some boot designs can be too narrow and can cause blisters and bunions.

Choose footwear with a firm heel cushion. Just because the boot fabric covers your ankle does not mean it provides proper support.

Buy a pair of shoes that feel comfortable after you have walked around in them. Footwear should never have to be “broken in.”

Select a shoe with a rubber sole and proper traction on the bottom to prevent slipping. Remember, most fashionable shoes are not made for snow.

Consider the material used for the shoes. During the winter months, the feet tend to sweat more because shoes are enclosed and people wear thick socks or hosiery. Selecting a boot made of leather, which absorbs moisture over a synthetic material is a wise choice.