topic Re: Sizing rant in Shoes

Sizing rant

Tantallum — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:14:30 GMT

I am so through with trying to find shoes that fit me. I have ordered no less than 15 or 20 pairs of shoes in the past year. All the same size: 11W. I have had to return 48% because they were so small and tight I could not get my foot into it and I have had to return 48% because they were so large I could not take two steps without them flopping off my feet.

Mind you they were the exact same size but not all different brands. Mostly Clarks, some others. WHY is it so hard for sizing to be consistent? It is so hard to find cute professional comfortable office/work shoes that fit me. I would exchange the big ones for a half size smaller, OH WAIT, no one makes shoes in a 10.5 for who knows what reason.

I've tried shopping at B&M stores, but do you know how many carry size 11? Very few. You know how many carry 11W? Almost none. I went into DSW last week--big huge massive DSW and guess how many pairs of 11 wides they had in the WHOLE store? ONE pair. and they were hideous.

Does anyone know of a shoe brand that has cute, non-heel, professional, wear-to-work-with-pants black shoes?

Re: Sizing rant

lolakimono — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:24:49 GMT

@Tantallum

Maybe the problem is that you aren't "really" that size, like when some women are wearing the wrong sized bra.

Have you been measured by a professional at a shoe store?

Re: Sizing rant

lolakimono — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:31:36 GMT

@Tantallum

6pm- only one remains in 11W

Earth Elderberry

SKU: #8566440

Be light on your feet but heavy on the head turns in the Elderberry pump from Earth®.
Calf leather upper in a feminine silhouette.
Easy slip-on style with front elastic for a comfortable fit.
Soft fabric lining for added comfort.
Generously cushioned leather-covered footbed for all-day comfort.
Durable rubber outsole.
Imported.
Measurements:
- Heel Height: 1 1⁄2 in
- Weight: 13 oz

Re: Sizing rant

lolakimono — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:34:36 GMT

@Tantallum

Both 11 W and WW remain-

Bella-Vita Thora

SKU: #8584313

Fancy up any casual outfit with the versatile Thora.
Available in combination uppers with a metal chain detail at vamp.
Easy slip-on style.
Soft microfiber linings.
Cushioned footbed for added support.
Flexible man-made outsole.
Imported.
Measurements:
- Weight: 6 oz

Re: Sizing rant

Snowpuppy — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:36:04 GMT

I feel your pain, literally !

I have a wide foot and a high arch which makes shoe shopping awful. I probably have a 75% return rate when buying shoes online.

I found Easy Spirit usually has a decent fit and runs more true to size than most. I bought some driving mocs that are leather and fit well. Comfortable in the office but I still like a bit of a heel.

I tried 2 pair of Clarks. Wanted to love them but the cheaply made unisole where the heel and sole are molded into one piece are awful. I feel like I'm clunking around like Bride of Frankenstein!

Re: Sizing rant

lolakimono — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:39:54 GMT

@Tantallum

Onlineshoes.com

Walk around town while wearing the comfortable Kiara flat from Naturalizer, which features its signature N5 Comfort System that will ensure a comfortable, cushioned ride.

Item # 494006
Approx. ¼" heel height
Cushioned footbed
Decorative buckle accent
Fabric lining
Leather upper
N5 Comfort System
N5 COMFORT SYSTEM
Slip-on entry
Synthetic outsole

Style Number: E0664L2001

Re: Sizing rant

Goldengate8361 — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:43:07 GMT

I feel your pain. I have very narrow feet and must order all shoes online. Most brands' narrow sizes are not nearly narrow enough for me. I strongly recommend shoes from Munro American. They carry a wide array of hard to fit sizes. Really....and they're really well made. They are a bit pricey, but I've found that they last a long time and hold up well. More importantly, you can find shoes that fit. I'm confident you could find many great styles in an 11W.

Re: Sizing rant

lolakimono — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:44:02 GMT

@Tantallum

One remains- onlineshoes.com

When comfort and style are both priority one, look no further than the Ros Hommerson Nadia walking shoe. Offered in rich suede and sleek patent leather, this women's walking shoe adds flair to any outfit. The leather-covered, cushioned footbed lends comfort to every step. The Ros Hommerson Nadia casual shoe is finished with a textured rubber sole for durable traction.

Item # 378987
Approx. 1" heel height
Cushioned footbed
DRI-LEX®
Foam-cushioned footbed
Rubber sole
Side goring
Suede and embossed patent leather upper
Zip entry

Style Number: 62002-16

Re: Sizing rant

Tantallum — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:46:54 GMT

@lolakimono wrote:
@Tantallum
Maybe the problem is that you aren't "really" that size, like when some women are wearing the wrong sized bra.
Have you been measured by a professional at a shoe store?

Thank you for the suggestions @lolakimono. I have indeed been measured by a podiatrist. I have been casted for orthotics and I am an 11W albeit on the cusp of medium and wide. I have had leg/foot issues in the past because my left leg (whatever bone is from the knee to the ankle) is shorter than my right leg due to a fracture when I was still growing.

I wear the orthotics for any type of distance walking but can get away without them for my desk job. It would be great if I could find a pair of work shoes that I could fit in orthotics but now I'm just darn happy if I can fit into one even without it. I don't seem to have as much issues with shoes with laces, because they are inherently adjustable but office shoes, forget it.

It just irritates me because the same size shoe varies so much in size. As an example, take Clarks: item #A270265 I bought in 11W. They are too narrow. If I wear them for any length of time I get foot cramps because they are so small and narrow. Item#A223884 fit me like a glove. I have been waiting for the black patent to come back into stock because the plain black are still a little too casual for my job. Item #A201842, I just today received these in 11W and it prompted my rant because they are so huge they are flopping off my feet, literally I'm walking out of them.

Re: Sizing rant

jaxs mom — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 02:26:29 GMT

good luck.

Re: Sizing rant

Kachina624 — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:58:42 GMT

@Tantallum You must have a difficult foot to fit. I wear a size 11B, have ordered dozens of shoes from Zulily sight unseen and have only had one pair be too short, a pair by Spring Step which I now know always run short. They've all been okay in the width. If they're a little loose, I just insert another insole.

Do you not have a local shoe store where you can try shoes before buying? There are many brands that have removable insoles so orthotics can be inserted. See if you can find a store with a pedorthoist on staff. They are trained to fit shoes.

Re: Sizing rant

Tantallum — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 00:12:59 GMT

Thank you @Kachina624, I live in Chicago in the middle of the city, so there are plenty of shoe stores, however I have not found one that regularly stocks 11 WIDE. Many carry 11 medium now but rarely do places carry 11 wide. I think my problem is that I am on the cusp of wide and regular so if a wide is running even a little wide, it will be too big and if an 11 medium is running even a little narrow I won't be able to wear that.

Because of my issues with past stress fractures and such, I am especially picky about the fit of my shoe and unless it is really well fitting, I just can't wear it. I am afraid I will get another stress fracture. I feel pretty defeated WRT online shopping, so I think I will have to hit the shoe stores to try on 11 mediums and hope I run into some that are running wide...

Re: Sizing rant

Stormygirl — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 01:00:24 GMT

I feel your pain as I am also a size 11 W.........very wide. Due to being crippled as well I cannot wear heels and such. My go to shoes are Birkenstocks and I like the Fisherman sandles that have adjustable straps. I have yet to find a boot that will fit except UGGS and they fit well. I have to size up to 42 in Euro sizes. I hope you find a good shoe to fit as my search also continues.

Re: Sizing rant

willdob3 — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 17:21:47 GMT

No such thing as consistency in shoe or clothing sizes these days. It makes it difficult.

Depending on brand and style, I may wear a size 7, 7.5, or 8. The size often varies within a brand. It is trial & error. I'm very careful where I order shoes from & don't think I have ever paid return shipping. If I return a shoe it is usually an exchange for a different size.

Re: Sizing rant

geegerbee — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 05:21:26 GMT

I totally agree. I used to buy all my shoes at QVC because I, too, need an 11 W and the stores don't carry that size. Well, after ordering several pairs of Ryka all in 11 W, the last 3 didn't fit and had to be returned for $7 & the original $5. So 3 times and you're out---I am done. $36 and no shoes. Now I go to Amazone or onlineshoes or zappos or any of several websites that feature free shipping and free returns. Plus they are cheaper for the same shoe. Win-win for me and lose-lose for the Q.

Re: Sizing rant

Krimpette — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 12:16:36 GMT

Perhaps you can find an on-line store that offers free shipping in both directions so that it won't be so costly for you.

Re: Sizing rant

Dann — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 04:42:23 GMT

I thought I was the only one having a problem with shoes from QVC I have ordered 5 pair of shoes and have had to send every pair back and they were from 3 different makers they were all too narrow and I ordered wide

Re: Sizing rant

Nataliesgramma — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 09:32:41 GMT

I only buy shoes online at J C Penney or Macy's since I can return them to the store if they don't fit....

Re: Sizing rant

Moonchilde — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 20:28:53 GMT

The QVC issue is the postage, not the sizing.

Most shoe mfg have issues with continually changing the lasts of their shows, i.e. not keeping size and shape/width/toe toom, etc. consistent. It's a big mistake IMO, but the shoe mfg don't care about my opinion. And since QVC doesn't make the shoes, the sizing discrepancies are nothing to do with QVC. If a Clark's shoe or a Ryka, Vionic, Skechers, etc. doesn't fit when ordered from QVC, it wouldn't have fit if you bought it at the Clark's or Skechers store either.

I am certainly one who buys from free shipping & return shoe sites, for the obvious reasons. Within the past 2 weeks I researched a pair of Vionics. The price of the shoes was the same everywhere. QVC shipped it free. The Vionic site charges for shipping but returns are free (big deal - you have to pay for shipping again if you want to try a different size). I bought this particular pair from Zappos because of the free shipping/returns policy, but several others do it to. I also use Shoebuy. Although I doubted I'd need to return them (I didn't), the idea that I'd have to fork out $5-8 to do so plus more to exchange a size meant I just will not do that if I have a choice.

Re: Sizing rant

glamwitch — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 01:09:47 GMT

Tantallum99,

You might want to check out www.reyers.com. Reyers is a shoe department store located in Sharon, PA (about 1.5 hours north of Pittsburgh) and they specialize in offering a selection of (not just one or two pair) fashionable (not ugly) shoes for hard-to-fit feet. My ex-husband had an unusual foot size (13B), and Reyers was the only place we could find attractive shoes for him. His sister also had very large, very narrow feet, and she never had trouble finding good-looking ladies shoes there.