RyecorDone wrote:
Shoe stores should stock 2E sizes by default, and only the narrower sizes if the wider ones aren't available. Excess inventory is a concern, but I've never met any runner that didn't complain about too narrow Nike's. I simetimes think there's a plot to make everyone end up with deformed feet.
I've worked in a very high volume specialty running shop for a long time and I'll tell you that would only be a good idea if you want your business to fail quickly. There are a lot of people that need 2E and have never worn them and people such as yourself that are VERY limited in choices but in general year after year I see 2E and 4E go to clearance in droves. The average consumer today is far too picky in colors, has too many options and most don't run enough for shoes that are too narrow to affect them much.
There's an idea I've had bouncing around my head for some time but I've never really discussed it bc there aren't really any outlets. It seems that people here in the US especially women are HIGHLY resistant to going up in shoe size even when it's clear that it's the right move. This affects men to some degree as well but it's a big problem in women and also for European women and men (they are worse than US women). I don't know that anyone has ever done some sort of study or psychological analysis on this but it's not like we have some crazy foot practices like foot binding or anything like that so I really don't understand why people think this way. Especially as I said that men also try to avoid sizing up. I've also had older women and men tell me that back in the 50s narrow widths in shoes were very common and most stores carried most shoes in narrow so maybe that's a source. What gives? Anyone have any ideas?