Dear YLF,
I finally got a chance to try on the checkered Vans slip on sneaker. Sigh. My small but high instep feet can barely squeeze in a 4.5 men's. It seems long enough and wide enough, but the top is so tight I can't stand it. From Una's post it seems it may stretch but this is really tight.

Anyone knows of a similar pattern alternative that can fit my problematic feet? I really like the checkered, but will consider similar black/white patterns. TIA.