Ask Angie: Between shoes sizes - help!

Orla

Hi Angie,

I'm between shoes sizes and find it so hard to get shoes that fit. Either I have to go for a size too small or one that is too big and stuff the toe. Have you any solutions?

Thanks
O

12 years ago

Shopping

6 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

carter

Veteran

I have one foot that's a bit wider and longer than the other. A shoe stretcher is the way to go! Buy the best you can afford...the quality varies greatly. The better ones come in singles, which works fine for me, but you might want to order 2. Amazon has several...be sure to get one that stretches length in addition to toe box width.

12 years ago

carambola

Veteran

I find that inserts can work nicely to take up a little bit of space when a shoe is slightly too big. They add to the cushioning and comfort too.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It really depends on the shoe, and whether a half size solves the problem. Never purchase too short, but width can often be stretched.

12 years ago

Anonymous

One of my feet is a half size larger than the the other. I always buy for the larger foot and add a drugstore insert to the shoe for the smaller foot. It works for me. I wear only flats or the lowest of heels. You might try different brands too and find one that is more your size, I'm between sizes in Clarks and just can't get them to fit because the arch is in the wrong place for my foot.

12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I have a vague memory from years and years ago that Nordstrom would allow you to buy the left shoe in one size and the right in another but only charge you for one pair of full price shoes. Since this is not one of my foot issues, I have never looked into this, but the worst that can happen is they say they don't do this, right?

12 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Have you tried European sizes? I think a shoe salesman told me once that the European sizes fall in between the American ones. Or if you wear European, try American.

Is your problem maybe something like a narrow heel? Maybe your heel is slipping in the appropriate-sized shoe, which is leading you to try the next size down, which is actually too small.

I would also get your foot measured so you can be sure of your size. Not all places do this anymore, unfortunately. I'm sure Nordstrom's does. Clarks Shoes also does it--I had my foot measured there recently. I think you would benefit from a good old-fashioned shoe store with SA's who have a lot of experience fitting shoes. They might be able to give you some advice.

12 years ago

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