NEW MEMBER INQUIRIES & QUICK QUESTIONS- STREETWEAR & DENIM: WK OF MAR 7, 2016

[Murlsquirl]

New SF member and not sure where to find the answer you're looking for? Have a quick question that doesn't belong in a current thread? Welcome, you found the right place.

This is a weekly thread where new users can ask quick questions and get a solid answer. If a thread already exists that would be more helpful, we will point you in the right direction. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.....so ask away!

 

[cosmicstring]

I'm de-lurking after reading for some number of months. While not a quick question necessarily, I haven't found enough information in my searches of old posts.

I've been wearing a size 8 in sneakers and boots (Doc Martens) for a decade and a half. Recently I picked up several pairs of other shoes, all 8D after being re-measured on a Bannock as 8D ("or possibly 9C" said the guy at Nordstrom's, perhaps a bit unsure of himself). In 8D I have Tanner PF Flyers, some slip-on Varvatos Converse, a few pairs of Docs, a pair of Allen Edmonds Park Avenues.

I also have a pair of Ecco Sport Yuras which are EU42s, listed as "8-8.5" by Ecco but arguably they're 9's.

Well, the only shoes which comfortably fit me and don't cause chronic foot pain at this point are the Eccos. Various 8.5D sneakers and boots slip in the heel (often there's room to fit multiple fingers), while fitting perfectly in the front of my foot, and 8D's often fit perfectly in the heel but feel uncomfortable across, laterally, the widest part of the front of my foot.

So, the question is, what size is my foot and how on earth do I find things which fit beyond some Eccos (known for running long and sizing a little differently from some of the world)? I'd love to chase some of the group MTO boots I see out there (such as the current Epaulet offering) but I'm guessing there aren't a lot of lasts friendly to my incoherent feet.

Any helpful thoughts? (Hell, any helpful second-guessing?)

 

[Parker]

Unfortunately in my experience shoes are the most difficult thing to fit. Feet are just too individual, complex and weird -- way more difficult than, say, a jacket which can have leeway with drape or length. I'm a 9C on the Brannock with a narrow heel and take everything from an 8.5 (41) in some dress shoes to 10 (43) in Nike Frees. It just all depends on the shoe -- its shape, last, construction, etc. I've come to accept that some things just won't work for me (the Common Project sole). Online shoe buying sucks unless there are easy returns. Now I just go to physical places where I can try shoes in person. Or I just wear the same thing year after year. #StanSmithssince'88.