Originally Posted By alexbook Question for TDG, PlainoLJoe, and the other shoe experts out there: I've been wearing size 12 shoes for about thirty years. It's gotten to the point where I don't even bother trying shoes on--I just pull the size 12's off the shelf and head for the check-out counter. Anyway, last weekend I bought a pair of Van's (white canvas) that say size 12 on them, but they're about half a size too big. Mostly they feel too wide, which is not something I ever remembering experiencing before. So, my question is: Are the shoes defective? Are my feet shrinking? (Can that happen?) Or is there more variability between one pair of size 12's and another than I realized (keeping in mind that my last pair of sneakers were also Van's 12's)? Anyway, sorry for going on for so long about this, but it's really been puzzling me.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I'm no shoe expert, but I tend to buy Vans for my son since he has such wide feet (and they tend to run wider with their cut), and I can tell you that their sizes vary significantly! Last time we went shopping for shoes, he must've tried on 8 different pair of Vans, and only one fit comfortably...
Originally Posted By PlainoLJoe it all depends on the company and what country they were made in. Some companies have very strict control on the sizing while other companies have very loose standards. Other things that can effect it are your socks (thickness and material), the weather and how long you have been on your feet. It is usually recommended that you try on shoes in the afternoon or evening. Usually you are on your feet all day and they are more swollen at the end of the day. If you try them on during the morning they might end up being tight later on. Personally, I have had alot of variance with vans. Ranging from a 9 to a 10 1/2 in 1 year and not always going one way. Also within a company, its the type of shoe and the material it is made of. Going from a size 10 pair of tennis shoes from Nike to a size 10 pair of basketball shoes from Nike can be a difference. I wouldnt worry about it. The real only true test is to measure your feet and not use something as everchanging as a shoe. Hope that helps.
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy Yeah alex, sizes run differently among brands of shoes---even among some styles in the same brand! At my store I tell guys that Timberland and Johnston & Murphy and Ecco kinda run big, and Nike runs small. Ya just never really know until you try 'em on. And some people talk of their feet shrinkin', but generally your ears, nose, 'n feet continue to grow as ya age.
Originally Posted By alexbook Thanks for the reassurance, folks. I knew there was some variation between brands, but it never occurred to me that the same brand wouldn't be consistent. Live and learn, huh?
