Solution to ill fitting shoes

In My Humble Opinion
1

My feet size is 7.5D, as measured by a Brannock device (the measuring thing in shoe stores).

I got 8D Florsheims, 8D Rockports and 7.5D Allen Edmonds. After putting shoe trees in them for a few months, they’re all a little too large.

I’ve used tongue pads and some heel pads. They’re ok but not great. My shoes still feel slightly too large, the 7.5D Allen Edmonds feel larger than the 8D Florsheims and Rockports and give me blisters even after months of wear.

My right foot, especially at the heel, feels floaty which can create friction. I’ve sometimes solved the problem by tightening the laces of my right shoe but then circulation in the foot gets cut off.

Advice, tricks, experiences?

2

I’d try a medium narrow or narrow shoe. In men’s sizes these are designated “B” or “C” sizes. They may not be available in all styles or sizes.

There are also some shoes that are virtually identical in both men’s and womens sizes, BASS Weejuns and some Sperry Topsider deck shoes for example. Go up 1 size or 1.5 sizes from the labeled women’s size and try the women’s medium width.

3

Stop using shoe trees in them, and instead pad with wadded acid free paper to keep the shape. Simple solution.