Shoe shopping has one free variable, and that is the hour you go. This page is for readers in and around Wood Dale who want a comfortable fit without special training.
Go late in the day
AAOS OrthoInfo advises that because your feet may swell throughout the day (up to 8%), you should purchase shoes toward the end of the day to ensure maximum comfort. Changing the hour you shop costs nothing and needs no skill.
More reading on fit
APMA has a guide to choosing shoes for sports, and OrthoInfo from AAOS covers tight shoes and foot problems.
When to stop and ask
If shoes hurt even when you shop at the end of the day, or a foot problem is already present, ask a professional rather than buying another pair.
A note for first-timers
Timing the trip is a small step, and a good first one.