Unsure about buying footwear on the Net without actually trying them on? Here are some tips to make the right buys and have fun too!

1. If it is your first time buying shoes online, stay away from the most expensive pair. Buy something that won’t burn a smoking hole in your purse should things don’t fit too well.

2. Very important: check the website’s return policy in case the shoe doesn’t fit.

3. You know your Bata size, but a lot of countries don’t follow the “Bata rule” to shoe sizing. For example, the European equivalent for an Indian size-6 for women (Bata size) would be 39. But it could be different for US/Canadian or Austrian sellers. Get smart, check shoe size conversion tables online before you buy.

4. Don’t forget the socks or tights you’d want to wear with your shoes. For thicker socks or tights, you may want to order half a size larger than the shoe size you usually wear.

5. Some websites have buyer reviews and ratings alongside the product. Looking that up may give you an idea about the product fit, but don’t base your judgement solely on reviews.

6. If you have wide feet, check if there’s a “wide fit” available for your chosen design. If not, try ordering half a size larger from the regular fit catalogue.