I bought a pair of men's Ecco Trac Ii low cut walking shoes. Left shoe fits fine but since I have a long instep of my right foot, the tongue of the shoe is a bit uncomfortable against the instep. I am curious if anyone else has had a similar problem and what they have done. I like the shoes but don't know if they will break-in more (I have only worn them indoors so they can be returned). Any recommendations for the shoe? Any recommendations for any other shoes? I usually buy at Nordstrom about 200 miles away from my home and plan to shop there next week since my trip will be very soon. Thank you.
Posted by
Folsom
2700 posts
That "bit uncomfortable" will not get any better. I have these shoes, same problem. Unfortunately I tried to break them in, so not returnable. They sit in my closet, lots of money down the drain. Shoes are very individual as you now know. A store 200 miles away does not give you the option of trying them for a few days and returning them if need be. Find a place closer, don't be brand specific and you'll likely find something. If not wear that pair you reach for on the weekend as you don't want your trip ruined by painful feet.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you, Alan. I'm sorry you had the same problem. I am going to return the shoes and look for a lower cut pair of shoes.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13904 posts
I realize you are talking men's shoes but you might look at Zappos online. They have free shipping and free returns. I have awful feet and am hard to fit. Over the last 3 weeks I have ordered 6 pr of shoes from them to get the right size and fit. I'm headed to UPS tomorrow to ship the 5 back that don't work. Really, just takes time to drop off at the UPS desk.
I've done this with shoes for European trips, hiking boots and now, most recently, dressier shoes for a nephew's wedding. So far I haven't gotten blacklisted for all my buying and returning!
Good luck finding what you need. Incidentally, I agree with Alan. If these don't feel right now they are never going to break in so they do work.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you, Pam. I recall a few years back a friend ordered shoes on Zappos but I was not aware of free shipping and returns. Glad to know you are not blacklisted since there is the strong possibility I would be ordering multiple pairs and also returning some.
Posted by
NYC
380 posts
This is a huge part of why Zappo's is so successful. They carry more than any store ever could, and the way you get it to work for you is by buying 5 or 6 pairs, trying them all, sending back the ones you don't like. This is not a bug, it's a feature--meaning, they've worked it into their business model. This is how you're supposed to shop with them. It's really nice if you find it hard to get the right fit, as I do too. Don't even hesitate to exploit it.
Posted by
1 posts
very informative thread.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
And, as noted above, if your trip is"very soon" you might be better off taking shoes that you already know are comfortable rather than buying new "travel" shoes and hoping they will break in.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I wore the purchased shoes on my trip and unfortunately they did not break-in as anticipated. Fortunately, some strategically placed moleskin reduced the discomfort. Upon my return home I pleaded my case to the shoe store and they accepted the return. The lesson learned is that I have to accept that shoe shopping will always be a challenge and I need to allow considerable time to find the right pair that are immediately comfortable. That being said, and my next trip not planned for an entire year, I will continue to read what others say on this walking shoe forum and consider my options (including Zappos).