Shoes are now more stylishly crafted than ever and if you are trying to take your pick in women's leather footwear, you are spoilt for choice.

Here are some ways in which you can scoop out the best for your feet and your budget when buying leather.

• Leather, by nature, wears down faster than other materials. In fact, the drier the stuff, the quicker it gets worn-out. To prevent this, before you buy make sure that the leather in your footwear is oiled and has a natural finish to it. It is guaranteed to last longer.

Also, a soft and flexible texture that does not cringe under the wearer's weight is desirable.

• To buy the right pair of shoes, providing the salesperson with the right measurement is important. However, if you are planning to wear them with socks or nylons, it is wiser to try the shoes out while you are wearing the stuff. Else the shoes may not fit rightly when you wear them later.
• As for the shoe fit, comfort is the keyword. Your leather shoes/boots must therefore fit your feet like a second-skin, accommodate your feet nicely and provide your calves (if you are wearing knee-highs) with ample movement space. Remember that the right kind of leather will snugly fit around your feet and legs and not sit tight on the skin.
• At least ½" of toe-wiggling room should be there in your leather shoes so that the toes do not rub against the wall of them and get hurt. Your anklebone must not experience scrapes too.
• Women's leather footwear these days do not mean sturdiness and durability only, but oodles of style and fashion too. And yes, this holds true even if you are buying boots. Check out some of the new-age retailers. They have got excellent, inspirational leather shoes of unique designs, with lace detailing and everything complete for the women of today.

From natural shades to bold and vibrant hues, these shoes are available in eye-catching colors that are hard to resist.

• The interior of the shoes must be lined from corner to corner so that your foot moisture is not absorbed by the leather and its quality is not harmed.
• Handmade leather shoes may be more expensive of the lot but if you buy them from a good retailer who specializes in the niche, it can turn out to be an investment for your feet.