Which country stocks most brands in a single location!

[papercut]

Hey guys, I've been having much difficulties finding a decent fitting shoes for my flat feet; most brick-and-mortar shops stock only regular fitting shoes.

Question!

• Which country should one go, to try on as many brands/lasts/widths?

I'm thinking Japan might be a good option - Asian feet is wider at the ball and narrower at the heel.
The problem that I have.

Regular fitting shoes fit snug, i.e. toes have no space to wriggle at all. Due to the nature of my flat fleet, the joint between the ball of foot and pinky toe juts out after walking for a bit and that causes much pain.

Every single store/shop claims that the shoes will stretch to fit, and yes it does. However, they expand only when you wear it. It reverts to its natural size when you don't wear it.

I'd like to purchase shoes where it fits right out of the box and not wait for it to break-in.

So far, Cheaney F width (tried in-store) fits me the best, have not tried G width but it should be better.

I've also just discovered unlined loafers (Alden suede LHS and C&J's Harvard)!
It relieves some of the pain but still a pain to purchase as loafers are extremely rare in wide widths.

Looking forward to hear from everyone!

 

[coolarrow]

The republic of Manhattan.

 

[Ich_Dien]

Surely asking which city is easier? Obviously London, Paris, Milan, New York etc. etc.

Jermyn Street in London alone had, as far as I remember, seven different shoemakers on there when I was in London a month or so ago.

 

[comrade]

Vienna has many, particularly high end and bespoke retailers.

 

[Joe_Faire]

I can vouch for Japan, but I'd personally recommend Hong Kong. Sizing in Japan may be an issue - so although you may find the right pair with the perfect wide width, sizing may be limited. Hope this helps!

 

[gmehra]

Isetan (a department store) in Japan has an amazing selection of classic mens shoes

 

[Joe_Faire]

Well yes then you'd most likely find yourself at the heart of Shinjuku. would still say it's a coin toss between HK and JPN.

Isetan (a department store) in Japan has an amazing selection of classic mens shoes