<p>The most useful term in a shoe buyer’s lexicon= Zappos.com!!</p>
<p>I haven’t noticed a change either. I gained 1/2 size through pregnancies, but have been the same the last ~20 years (although my sneakers are always 1/2 size larger than my other shoes–not sure why they size them that way). And another “like” for zappos.</p>
<p>Shoe making companies use something called a “last” as the model foot when making shoes. If a shoe brand changes manufacturers, something that we consumers are not likely to know, the last used can change and that would make a big difference in how a shoe fits.</p>
<p>By knowing companies that use the last that best resembles your foot, you can cut shoe shopping time. I know, for instance, that certain brands at Payless (yeah, I have a cheap last) with the wide size fit me perfectly.</p>
<p>Zappos is great. Amazon is great also.</p>
<p>Fendergirl,</p>
<p>I’d agree that at least someLast week Happykid (normally 9.5 or 10) found a glamorous pair of heels at DSW that are size 8 but fit her perfectly. I just checked the label on the box, and it reads Poetic Licence, London. All is explained now! I hadn’t considered the different sizing. I just thought the shoes were mislabeled.</p>
<p>Following up on the reference to the “last”, New Balance on line has a chart of all their lasts which describes the foot each one is designed for, like narrow heel, high arch, etc. Once you find the right last, you can shop their shoes looking for that one.</p>