Kkards, you make a good point about how online shopping has given an enormous boost to those of us who fall outside of the prevailing size norms. Two observations, though:
First, the generous try-and-return policies of companies like Nordstrom and Zappos are not the norm in most countries outside of the US. Guessing shoe fits is even trickier than guessing clothing sizes since it's much harder to get precise measurements. Emulating the try-on experience of a B&M store using online shopping in Canada would mean most of my clothing budget would be eaten up by shipping, duty, and return costs. On-line shoe shopping just isn't very feasible if you live outside of the US.
Second, while I recognize and applaud companies who do extend their half sizes throughout their size range, I'm baffled why so many arbitrarily exclude just ONE size in their sizing range--the half-size between the 10 and the 11.
Can I just repeat, though, how much I love shoe shopping in the States because of companies like Nordstrom and Zappos who do their best to satisfy those of us who find a 10 too tight and an 11 too loose. And how delighted I am with companies like Munro which do offer a full selection of half sizes throughout their sizing range.
