There are so many things to consider when investing in footwear. One of the most important is how your weight is distributed, how your body handles the strain and pressure of the everyday grind. That is largely determined by the arch of your foot. Low or no arch (flat feet) means that the impact is dispersed across the whole sole. No rest for the weary. That usually requires some form of orthotics or other cushioning measures to relieve the strain. The most common foot form has a medium arch, which has the most efficient pressure distribution and is least susceptible to pain and discomfort. The high arch, which has the majority of pressure resting on the ball and heel of the foot, gives you less surface area for impact absorption. 

When purchasing a shoe, you should have an idea of what last the design is based on. The shoe last, which can be made of wood, cast iron, or plastic, serves as the basic form for the shoe shape. It mimics the contours of a foot to be and allows the shoemaker to build around that form. Therefore, the shape of a shoe (if it is not bespoke) will indicate if it is a good fit for your particular foot. That’s what makes me such a big fan of my Paul Evans. The last seems to follow my foot perfectly so I avoid any of the stress points that I’ve encountered with other shoes. It’s well balanced so that there is no excess pressure on my instep and my heel relaxes comfortably in the shoe. For me, they are great for all-day wear. I can go from office to outing without missing a step (or having to change).