Round-toe pumps are a classic and flattering style, and if well made, they can last many years. A large number of these shoes are available in a wide variety of styles, prices, and quality. Choosing the best round-toe pumps requires careful shopping after you consider your fashion needs and determine your budget allowance.
Most financial experts recommend spending 10% or less of your monthly take home pay on clothing. Consider other purchases that you may have to make before settling on a budget allowance for your pumps. If you plan on purchasing a pair of round-toe pumps to wear more than twice a week, you might decide to allot the entire month's clothing budget to purchase the best quality pumps you can afford. You probably shouldn't spend as much on shoes that you don't intend to wear very often.
After you've decided how much you can afford to spend on a pair of round-toe pumps, decide on the color and style you need. A conservative pump, appropriate for business wear, should be a neutral color like black, brown, or beige. Typically, it should also be a matte material, like suede, leather, or other fabric. The shininess of patent leather calls attention to itself, so it may not be the best choice for a work pump.
If you plan on purchasing round-toe pumps for a specific look, take the outfit with you when you shop. You can check the color of the shoes with the outfit and, in some cases, even try the shoes on with it. You may find that the look requires a certain height or style of shoe, like an ankle strap or embellished heel. Taking the outfit along can save you a trip back if the shoes don't work out.
Before trying on any round-toe pumps, have your feet measured. Keep in mind that you may wear a different size of different brands of shoes. The right sized shoe will be the most comfortable, and knowing your size will save you time while you are shopping.
Inspect each shoe before trying it on. Anywhere the shoe is glued or sewn together should be firmly attached. If the threads are fraying or a part of the shoe seems to be loose, keep looking. You should also check for scuffs, tears, or any other damage to the shoe. Others may have tried the shoes on and not everyone is careful.
While you're inspecting the shoe, look at the inner padding, heel style, and sole. Comfortable shoes typically have springy cushioning, especially in the area where the ball of the foot rests. Rubber lining on soles and heels also contributes to the overall function of the shoes, since they provide traction. Shorter, thicker heels are usually more comfortable than skinny, tall heels. Two popular choices that are flattering and wearable are wedge or stacked heels that are between 2 and 2.5 inches (5 to 6.25 cm) high.
You may not have time to go shopping or stores may not offer the exact type of round-toe pump that you need. If that is the case, you can shop on the Internet and through catalogs. Make sure that the company has a good return policy, with at least 30 days allowed to return an item, and free return shipping.