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Wrong Shoe Size?!

Connemara

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I think I've been wearing my shoes a half a size too big all this time.

I sat down and did a proper measurement today...according to the measuring tape, my foot is just about 10.5 inches long. This would put me at a 9.5, yes?

After thinking about it, my size 10 shoes always feel a slight bit roomy.

Makes one angry, but it's my own stupidity that's at fault.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it common for amateurs (I'm a young'un) to wear their shoes too large?
 

j

(stands for Jerk)
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No big deal - too-large shoes don't cause the damage to your feet that too-small shoes do. Get some thin insoles and snug those puppies up.

According to a measuring device, I am an 11D. However, I feel most comfortable in many different sizes depending on the shoe, ranging from a 9UK to a 11.5D US. It varies widely.
 

Get Smart

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The actual shoe number means nothing to me since my shoes encompass a wide range of sizes. I put it on, it feels good, I buy....doesnt really matter if the number says 8, 9, 10, 11. If I am mailordering I have a default size that I buy and keep my fingers crossed.
 

whoopee

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Where the ball of the foot sits in the shoe is just as, or more important than the overall length. Some people have long toes, some shoes (often Italian) have larger caps and if can dig into the foot if the flexing point is not fitted to the shoe, even if everything else seems fine. Very painful.

For some makers the width/length must be adjusted according to the shoe. I remember trying on a pair of Westons in 7E when I am normally 8.5D/E UK. And they fit perfectly because of the specific last used. It was so much better than a 7.5D, because the widest part of my foot sat in the correct spot.
 

chorse123

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All of which makes it very difficult--but not impossible--to buy shoes on-line. I'd try to stick with stores or sellers with a decent return policy, or shoes that are really cheap, until you know your fit in different makers/lasts.
 

Tomasso

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Originally Posted by whoopee
Where the ball of the foot sits in the shoe is just as, or more important than the overall length.

0008-0408-0708-1050_SM.jpg
 

j

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visionology

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I just received two shoes in the mail today. They are chiseled toe and one is a 9.5D and the other is a 9D of the same shoe. I am at a loss to which one fits better.

The 9 fits fine length wise but feels a bit snug up front in the width. The 9.5 is a bit long, my foot doesn't slip out but its a bit loose, however the room up front is much better. Wide shoes never work for me they are always way too wide. Not sure if I should go with the 9.5 or the 9...argh!
 

Horace

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Originally Posted by chorse123
All of which makes it very difficult--but not impossible--to buy shoes on-line.

Completely agree. It's worth it to me to go to a proper store to buy shoes, and even pay full price, so I know the buggers fit.
 

rdawson808

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Originally Posted by Connemara
I think I've been wearing my shoes a half a size too big all this time.

I sat down and did a proper measurement today...according to the measuring tape, my foot is just about 10.5 inches long. This would put me at a 9.5, yes?

After thinking about it, my size 10 shoes always feel a slight bit roomy.

Makes one angry, but it's my own stupidity that's at fault.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it common for amateurs (I'm a young'un) to wear their shoes too large?



I'm not young and for some reason it has only now gotten into my head that a 9.5 is a little too big for me. 9.0 dress shoes clearly fit me the best. I wonder if it is a hold-over from when we are young and our parents buy us shoes a little big so we grow into them. But mine is also from preferring slightly thicker socks, and from goofy sizing that has me wearing a size 10(!) in my Adidas. A friend referred to that as the male version of vanity sizing.

bob
 

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