Investing in a comfortable pair of slip-on shoes with arch support is one of the best things you can do for your overall physical health and well-being. The type of footwear you wear can have more effect on your entire body, not just your feet.
- Opt for a pair of shoes that have a stable base: The feet are the foundation of the body, just as shoes are the foundation of the foot.
If a house is constructed on a foundation that is too mushy or too soft, the house will eventually become unstable and out of alignment. If you choose to wear shoes with a soft, squishy base, the same thing will happen to your body. Examine the stability of a pair of shoes by bending them slightly at the toe. It is an indication that it is too soft if it can be folded in half. It has adequate support if it can be bent slightly but continues to behave in a rigid manner for the most part.
- Ensure that it has support for the arch: Flat soles, found in trendy shoes like Vans and Chucks, amongst others, can be painful to wear for extended periods.
Shoes that have an arch provide support all the way across the sole of your foot, which improves both your balance and your stability. It is better to choose a shoe with a built-in arch rather than adding an insert. If you absolutely need to buy an insert, avoid buying one off the shelf at a big-box retailer. Instead, you should go to a specialty store like the Lincoln Running Company, where the staff is trained to properly fit your foot to the appropriate insole.
- Go for laces: In general, shoes that require lacing are preferred over slip-on shoes because they offer superior support and keep your foot more securely in place on the sole of the shoe.
Sandals like Birkenstocks, for instance, have an arch, but they will not offer the same level of protection for your feet as a good pair of tennis shoes or running shoes.
- Shop with your specific foot type and comfort level in mind: You should not buy a pair of shoes just because they are your favorite color, they are on sale, or a friend recommended them to you.
Pick the alternative that makes you feel the most at ease. To determine the appropriate shoe size and width for your feet, the first step is to have a trained associate at a shoe store measure your feet. 
Because your foot size and shape can change over time, you should have your feet premeasured at least once every few years at the very least. The next step is to experiment with a variety of brands and cuts until you find the combination that gives you the most satisfying sense of ease. Never let your allegiance to a particular brand prevent you from investigating other available alternatives. As a rule, you should avoid shoes that have a restricted toe box and not leave at least a gap the width of a finger between your big toe and the edge of the shoe. It is important to keep in mind that you should stand up and move around in the shoes in order to get a sense of how they feel when your foot is in its natural position.
- Swap out your old, worn-out footwear: The lifespan of shoes is limited.
When the textured pattern on the bottom of your shoes starts to wear away around the balls of your feet or the heels, it is time for an upgrade. 
When you finally decide to get rid of your old shoes, take advantage of the opportunity to test out some new shoe brands and styles. In certain circumstances, the shoe that you have found to be most comfortable in the past may continue to be the best option for you, or you may discover an entirely new pair of shoes that you prefer. Keep an open mind.
- Take care to avoid tripping in your high heels: It is common knowledge that high heels put additional strain on the body, particularly when they are worn for extended periods. Choose shoes with flat soles rather than heels whenever you can.
If you plan to wear high heels, ask a friend to drop you off at the location or park nearby so that you will not have to walk for a long distance in your shoes. Even better, change into your heels before entering the venue if you are wearing walking shoes to the event. 
- If you are in discomfort, seek medical attention: Not only can improper footwear cause pain in the feet, but it can also cause discomfort in the calf muscles, shin muscles, knees, hips, and lower back.
If you feel this pain, you should get a new pair of tennis shoes or athletic shoes that fit you properly and are comfortable right away. If you are still experiencing pain, it is highly recommended that you consult a physical therapist as soon as possible. The group of physical therapists at the University Health Center assists students in the management of a wide variety of aches and strains that are associated with the life of a student. Talk to a physician at the health center or another location to get an order for physical therapy if you believe that you could profit from the services that they provide.