OLD GREY FOX –
A few things happened together -
I know that shoe size is just a guide, but nevertheless for years I took a 10,5 to 11 and was happy enough
However, as we get older our feet expand, so I didn’t really know my current size
As I’ve got older my legs & knees have become a bit more achy & wobbly
Just recently my trainers have all worn out at about the same time
So I wanted some new trainers that would be better quality and fit better than the usual cheap stuff
I live in Burnley, and there are no decent local sports shops so much against my own advice I bought a pair of Saucony trainers Online from Pete Bland Sports
They were size 11,5 and I thought that would be OK, but no, I could wear them, but they were just a bit tight across the toes
So I went to Sports Direct - Huh! - a very large range, but not very well laid out and the assistants were just about the most bored and uninterested you could imagine.
Yes, I know it’s a discount store, but they just stood chatting to themselves and not offering any help at all
I tried on a couple of pairs, didn’t like them, then remembered Boundary Mill near Colne, so I tried there
Much better; although it too is a discount store it is well laid out with some decent makes, and although I didn’t get personal service, the assistant was pleasant, helpful, and after a bit of discussion she offered some advice, and then I served myself, which was perhaps easier
Most running shoes are narrow - ish across the toes - well I’d started to realise that myself - so she recommended Asics - interestingly, that is the make of both my old pairs
So I’ve bought two pairs of Asics trainers while I found some that fit - they are sized mainly by the US sizes, with a confusing selection of UK, EU, and other sizes on the list
But this time I chose them by the fit, and got a US size 13 /EUR 48 and a US 14/EUR 49 - it all depends on actually trying them on
I also bought from Boundary some ankle length diabetic socks - I do have diabetes - sized UK 12-14/US 13 - 15/EUR 46 - 50 and they are a good fit, I wouldn’t want them any smaller
I should point out that there is nothing wrong with Pete Bland Sports, it’s my own fault for not trying shoes on
Their prices can be high, but I got some Saucony in their sale for £62-50
My Asics were £59-20 & £62-40
If you ever go to the Lake district you could call at Pete Bland in Kendal and New Balance factory shop in Shap