Half a Step Over

The Thrill of the Chase—Time for Shoe Shopping             

Then

I was never particularly into shoe shopping until perhaps the last five years. Don’t get me wrong; I, like many women, really like shoes. I like the idea that I can wear flats, and heels. I like the colors; I like the fabric, and the leather. I’m not a fan of stilettos, although I’ve owned a pair, but I admire people who can wear them. In short, there’s nothing I don’t like about shoe shopping. But...

I have wide feet and constantly being in stores with sales people who acted like my width was a criminal offense. I really mean that. I went into one store and was shown some “wide” shoes that were particularly ugly; even the salesgirl had trouble looking at me when she brought them out—those were the shoes they had available. When I questioned the look the answer, also made without looking me in the eye, was “this company believes people with wider feet should cover them up.” I left the store.

Don’t get me wrong; I know I have wide feet. In fact, I’ve always had shoe issues. 

Growing up, my mother would take me into the leading shoe store in town, and I’d have to choose from the very few styles that came in wide sizes. There was never much of a selection, and I got the impression that having wide feet was my fault. More recently I went into a store that advertised in the catalog—mailed to my house—that they carried wide sizes. When I asked for them I was told the catalog meant I should order online and they’d send them to me. I don’t like to buy shoes—or even clothes for that matter—online until I know the brand well and have a feel for what size will fit. I pointed out, very politely, that the catalog said the stores carried the sizes, and was told the catalog was wrong. When I asked, still politely, whether I could return a shoe to the store if I ordered online, I was told no, returning them was my problem, not theirs. I needed to order correctly. Left that store. But this time, I went home, found out how to contact Customer Service for that brand, and wrote to them—online—with the whole story. I got an answer to the effect that that was not acceptable behavior from their people and that I’d be hearing shortly from someone higher up about the incident. I’m not sure what “shortly” means to them but it’s been two years; fortunately, I’m not holding my breath waiting.

Now

Fast forward to the recent past, and things are improving. First, more manufacturers are acknowledging that maybe people with wider feet can look decent in nice-looking shoes. Second, I lost weight and while my feet aren’t narrow, I went from a 2W to a 1W, which was a little more helpful. In fact, I’m starting to get a little obsessed with shoe shopping. It turns out that if you really work at knowing what brands fit you, the shoes are not that hard to find. In fact, some of them have outlets that sell wider sizes for less. Miracles do happen. I now have shoes in styles I like, and a variety of colors that I never had access to before. I don’t have as many pairs of shoes as a number of women I know, but it’s nice to have something to try on.

Last week, I spent a morning shoe shopping with a friend. A shoe store we both liked had closed in the local mall and we really wanted to find another one. It turned out there was an outlet for that brand within 10 miles of her home, so off we went. The most gratifying part was that I tried on three pairs of shoes, one of which fit. But, I decided they were a bit dull so didn’t get them. My friend, though, hit the jackpot, and she has a different problem. Her feet can handle three different sizes, all in medium, based on the style. She left the store with three pairs of shoes, in different sizes. But she was happy. Her only disappointment was that I left with nothing. I’m okay with that; at least I was able to try some on because they had my size. Plus, July is a little off-season so I probably need to go back in September to see updated styles. There was one pair I really loved but I had no use for them in my life at all; I just don’t dress up that much anymore.

Soon

My new plan is to go to an outlet mall in about three weeks, when more fall styles are around, that has a store with a brand I like. Just the thought of going is thrilling me. I’m starting to imagine what colors might be available. I don’t actually need new shoes, but it’s the thrill of the chase. Wish me luck!