I would think that most people would need to buy two pairs of shoes. After all, unless you went shopping with someone who wore the same size, and needed the right 1/2 size larger than the left, the store will be stuck with a mismatched pair of shoes. My left foot is slightly larger than the right, so I compensate by making sure the shoe fits well on the left foot. The right foot has to make do. :o)

No two feet are a like...Even on our own body, most feet have about a half size difference...It depends how how much pronation you have on each foot...You ever wait at a bus stop, carry a bag on one shoulder, or for the ladies out there having kids...This can all cause variences in our shoe sizes...If you go to buy shoes find a quality footwear specialist who knows his stock and how to fit feet...They do exist I am one of them...If they just ask your size walk right out...But wait they might just be busy taking care of customers with that perfect fit...First off bring the sock you will be wearing with your new footwear purchase...Hiking sock (wool or syn), running sock (wool or syn) cotton is ok for every day but stays wet and can cause blistering if it gets to wet...Have the footwear personal measure your foot on what is called a brannock device...If they are any good they will tell you how your rested foot legnth & weaighted foot legnth vary, also what your width is...If you have a full size between your rested and weighted measurement then a stabalizing footbed will be needed if the footwear cannot control the pronation in your colapsing arch...Sole, Superfeet, and Spenco offer cures for these pronation issues...No geling Miss Mellon...That is a crock if I ever heard one...Supporting the foot is key to all day comfort...The EVA,Gel, and other types of padding in the footbeds provide the cushioning to the foot...Over time these materials break down...You would be lucky to get two years of use from most shoes some like running shoes need to be changed about 4-6 months...Even not using shoes can cause materials to break down...You ever have a dri-rotted tire??? Make sure you have been on your feet for awhile before you try on footwear...Feet are narrower in the morning and wider in the afternoon depends on how hard or long you been on your feet...When you first try on shoes unlace all laces...Kick your heal back in the shoe and stand weighted...Feel the width and shape...Does it feel tight already or is it pushing your toes or cramping them...If its a hiking boot check for the right amount of legnth...Do the finger test...Kick your foot forward in the boot...Make sure your toes are not crammed but just touchinng the front of the footwear...With your foot flat and touching the front you should be able to slide a finger behind the back of the heal...On both feet...Next lace your shoes from the bottom to the top snugging the laces till they are firm against the foot...stand up and see if you can rake and wiggle your toes...Does the volume feel good...Check your arch by squeezing the sides of the footwear see if there is excess material in this area...If so you need a show ith better arch or a supportive footbed...I would go with a better fit first before the footbed...All shoes have diffrent shape and fit certain feet better than others...Pull the insole out of the footwear see how your foot fits to the shape by placing it on the floor and putting your foot on top of it...Make sure your lined up with the heal and not to forward...The flex point of the foot should match that of the shoe...This is the widest part of the footwear and the widest part of your foot...Next take a hike go walikng for a bit in shoes...Most footwear specialist use this time to help others or check fits...For you its time to see how the shoe supports and cushions...Feel how your foot feels and if this shoe feels the best...Never try more than three pairs...If you can...Well thats one way of feeling toe-iffic in your next shoe buying exp...Peace