Have you ever bought shoes on the internet without trying the model first?

[JohnnyLaw]

Originally Posted by calvinloke

Considering one would have to pay an amount for the things he wanted, he would be stupid enough not to know the size of that thing.

What? I'm trying to say that sole measurements are not a good indication of fit.

 

[furo]

Originally Posted by gdl203

Yes, many times. Fit perfectly 1/2 of the times, adequate but not perfect another 1/4 of the times, and 1/4 needed to be returned or sold.

^ Same experience here

 

[Taken Aback]

1. For another color of a style you tried in-store in your size, there's no risk.
   
2. For another style of a brand you have tried in store in your size, there's some risk.
   
3. For another brand than a pair you own in your size, a hell of a risk.

Widths, lengths and depth all depend on the lasts used for the shoes, making a size as specific as "11 EEE" often too broad a definition. Obviously, this gets more muddled and often erroenous the lower the brand you go, so in general I try to seek online for the style and color I want, then price, then stores that have them and for fit and THEN decide.

Of course, this all goes out the window when you find something in-store you haven't sen and fits great. Then you buy it, look it up online, and then decide if you paid a good pice, or need to return it.

 

[Drydis Greis]

Originally Posted by Essentio

Have you ever bought shoes on the internet without trying the model first?

Yes, a pair of Cleverley Brown Norwegian Split Toe shoes. I called a rep and discussed the sizing, based on my EG and GG shoe sizes, and asked about THE RETURN POLICY...so, if they didn't fit properly, I could return them. Paying return postage is a small price to pay when getting what you want that's not available locally. The shoes arrived, I tried them on, and I got lucky - they fit perfectly. Won't always be the case though. If you are to nervous about the shoe not fitting, postage, and all that, don't do it. This requires a person willing to take calculated risk, informed risk.

 

[Ziss]

Originally Posted by Taken Aback

1. For another brand than a pair you own in your size, a hell of a risk.

I find it easiest to just mail the store in question and ask for their advice about fit. They tend to have a good idea of how their shoes fit in comparison with other brands and are usually happy to help.

Also, I wouldn't go as far as talking about "risk", unless the store has a no returns-policy. But you should never buy from a store like that in the first place.

 

[asdf]

Originally Posted by gdl203

Yes, many times. Fit perfectly 1/2 of the times, adequate but not perfect another 1/4 of the times, and 1/4 needed to be returned or sold.

This

 

[bigbris1]

Sometimes calling a store and inquiring about the fit helps. When I was looking into Magnanni I called Nordy's and was informed that they run about .5-1.0 size large. Went with a 12M and they fit perfectly.

 

[Hany]

Life is a gamble. If you buy at the right price (where you can just sell and not loose $ if they don't fit) there's no reason not to take the risk.

 

[Taken Aback]

Originally Posted by Ziss

I find it easiest to just mail the store in question and ask for their advice about fit. They tend to have a good idea of how their shoes fit in comparison with other brands and are usually happy to help.

As I pointed out, each brand can use different lasts, and so a fit can vary by style within a brand. The average salesperson simply comparing brand to brand does not engender my confidence. One from a high-end retailer is more likely to not only say what he has stocked that will fit you, but willing to discuss brands and styles he may not that suit you better.

Originally Posted by Ziss

Also, I wouldn't go as far as talking about "risk", unless the store has a no returns-policy. But you should never buy from a store like that in the first place.

Risk of disappointment, at least. Although, while I would agree about avoiding them in general, if you know of a style and size of shoe that fits you well, it can be worth the risk to visit that "no-return" retailer if the price is low enough, and the shoes in question are new. I have obtained the odd closeout that was worth the risk.

Originally Posted by Hany

Life is a gamble. If you buy at the right price (where you can just sell and not loose $ if they don't fit) there's no reason not to take the risk.

I raise my glass to you.

 

[harburn]

Many times. Majority work out. Risk is reflected in the price paid. If no returns, then lower offer.

 

[4realyo]

Many times. I call a department store that I know carries the shoe, ask the salesperson to measure it on the bottom from heel to toe, and then place the order on the internet.

I always make sure there is a return policy, though...

 

[ppllzz]

all the time... only time ive had a problem was with a pair of givenchy sneakers

 

[constant struggle]

i can't remember the last time i DIDNT buy a pair online

 

[bigbris1]

Originally Posted by constant struggle

i can't remember the last time i DIDNT buy a pair online

+1

 

[Smudge]

Originally Posted by harburn

Many times. Majority work out. Risk is reflected in the price paid. If no returns, then lower offer.

+1