General

Too long, didn't read

I'm hoping that some users can share information like height, and BMI/weight at each shoe size, and how heavy you were when you had to upgrade to the next shoe size, and what size you ultimately upgraded to. But realistically, I doubt many people keep track of this. But even fuzzy recollections may still be helpful! Be sure to mention if it's men's or women's size, and which size system (US, UK, EU, AU, etc.).

And, I think I may need 9 Wide.

The Long Version

For a long time, I was a U.S. Men's 8.5 (Regular, not Wide). I even had a particular brand and model of boots that for a time, felt damn near perfect. Slightly snug but seemed to fit just right, and I felt like I could go almost forever. Well, not forever, but you know what I mean, hopefully. They're what one might call "dress boots" which are very versatile and good for most occasions, either work in an office or any day to day stuff.

But, there came a time when it was nearly impossible to get my size 8.5 side zip boots on. I gained weight, and now I think my feet might be too fat. When I tried it again with those same boots, in the past week or so, it was impossible, even with using a shoehorn.

I also have some other size 8.5 shoes and sneakers I don't think I'll ever be able to use again. They also have shoelaces which I've come to hate.

In a panic, I bought what I thought was the equivalent off of E-Bay, except in size 9.5, for only $40. I think they might be knockoffs. "If it sounds too good to be true," after all. As knockoffs go, they aren't bad and could be far worse. The only apparent bit of bonded leather (what a terrible material! Avoid it!) seems to be inside the top part of the shaft, which started to fall apart from the first couple wears. At least the outside hasn't come apart, and it did smell like real leather when I first got it out of the box.

Except.. the 9.5 boots feels snug on the sides, and after awhile I deal with my feet shifting forwards and back, which suggest they're too long.

It's been unpleasant over the last couple months or so since I got them. If I walk for more than maybe half an hour at a time, my feet are almost in agony. My toenails seem to be poking and scratching the top of the toe box area. Also after awhile, the boot shaft feels like it's chafing the ankles. I blame the whatever it is that goes underneath a bonded leather surface, though the socks take the brunt of it.

The pain and severe discomfort got so bad, I sometimes ended up walking quite slowly just to avoid the toenail scratching.

I do have some size 9.5 slip-on sneakers which seem less keen on slipping forwards and back, but I can tell the insole feels a bit too narrow. That, and such shoes aren't really appropriate for most occasions and tasks.

Another concern is shoe size is only 2 dimensions - length and width. Each size number refers to length and has a different standard width distance associated with each length size. Then, there appears to be a standard length/distance by which "wide" shoes are wider than the standard width of the associated size number.

I tried to find out of there's an associated foot circumference with each size, but I couldn't find any such table. Maybe I'm overthinking it.

Recently, I measured my foot size, according to standard Brannock Device measurements (US sizes). I came up with something between 8.5 and 9, and between B and D width. I think B corresponds with "normal," "regular," or "medium" and D corresponds with "wide," as far as I can tell. If I'm reading and understanding this correctly, this means I need a 9 Wide, although I might not quite fill it out, at least not yet.

Annoyingly, "wide" shoes are not super common. "Extra wide" is less common than that. Trying shoes on person is not really an option. The shoes I prefer are unlikely to be in stock, or if in stock, not in the right size. Many models of shoes don't even come in wide. I want to maybe get this exact model of shoe again, but I will have to order it online.

Another factor I'm worried about, maybe more exclusive to those into feederism, is.. suppose I get those shoes in 9 Wide. How long can I expect them to last, until they no longer fit? How much more weight could I gain? There are shoes that use fake leather which are cheaper, but they won't hold up well and may fall apart quickly.

I'm particularly annoyed, because those dress boots in 8.5? I bought two pairs, around 2-3 years ago, at around $100 each. Both pairs seem to be quite good condition, but they no longer fit. It may even be possible to sell them used, albeit at a deeply discounted price. In retrospect, they were already a little snug, though at the time, comfortably so. Perhaps I should have ordered size 9 or even size 9W, but how was I to really know?

I noticed a discount code I can use to buy a pair directly from the manufacturer, but I don't know how much longer it will be good for. The return policy scares me, as it suggests if I try them on, I would be unable to return them. From their page - "To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging." They also appear to ship via UPS exclusively, and I have not had good experiences with UPS lately.

But I might just be desperate enough, and my gut feeling is telling me I should buy these shoes. But, I'm trying to let reason prevail over emotion, and asking for advice from a group that I think would be more keenly aware of this problem.

Amazon does have that 7-Day try-on program, and this model is ordinarily available this way. But, the discount code I mentioned won't work this way. Amazon will only do that 7-Day try-on program only for items in stock, and as of this writing they're out of stock there for another 10 days or so. And there's no guarantee they won't go out of stock almost right away - Amazon claims 9 Wide is the most popular size for this shoe.

This is a topic that I'm very surprised doesn't come up more often here on FF.

Hey, chief, you might wanna get that looked at.

Your profile says you are 5'8" and 202 lbs. Assuming this is correct, you are rather small to be having shoe size issues.

It's more likely your feet are swelling. Could be nothing. Could be something. But either way, you might have some relief with compression socks.

Having bad shoes is the worst Rather than guessing online you should go to the store and try stuff on I’ve been doing that more lately with everything I buy. What kinda sucks now is that most stores now priortize online sales, Especially shoes. But they do have those measuring things you can use to get your exact measurements. I have one pair of work boots that slip on but require a bit of finesse putting on in the morning and a pair of canvas crocs I wear when I’m not working that I can just slip on and off without even bending over.

You should really try to go into a store if you can. Having a Brannock measurement is great, but different makers size shoes differently and use different lasts between product lines. Even the boot that used to fit you perfectly might be built on a different last now. If you can’t try on in the store, see if you can find a place with free returns and order a few sizes.