Really Stepped In It

October 5, 2026

I got around to trying the shoes on this weekend. I knew they were too big as soon as I saw them. I tried anyway because they were marked as the correct size. Unbeknownst to me, Vibram has changed its base pattern. I am saddened.

This new pair is simultaneously too long while also being extraordinarily difficult to get my feet into. The size difference is enough that my toes barely go into the toe section. My pinky toe does not make it. My heel shifts up and down as I walk. And my instep is not properly located. Because they have both narrowed and reinforced the opening so that it has zero give, I don't think I'd be able to get past the opening in a size down. It's really frustrating.

They've also made the shoes more narrow. There is no logic in doing that as it defeats the mechanics of someone who has spent years walking in such a manner. They weren't uncomfortable side-to-side once on, but using a shoehorn was a pain in the... posterior foot region. I think a size down would be too snug. Plus if the opening is never going to give, that would just get very annoying.

I am unsure what to do. I could possibly cut a notch into the opening of the smaller shoe, but that probably isn't a sound idea. Perhaps I could manage to cauterize the opening somehow, or stitch it. If it didn't work, it'd obviously make them non-refundable.

The thing is, that specific style is the only pair of boots or shoes that is comfortable for me to hike or walk distances in without taking a really painful toll on my body. The other styles I have just aren't made for it. Plus the shape of my feet has always made shoe buying a challenge. They've always been very petite, wide, and with extremely high arches, but now with my natural toe spread... I might be fucked. I don't walk in other zero-drop shoes because my feet tend to slide all over the place in them.

It's not the end of the world, but it's definitely a non-enjoyable variable in mine. I will figure something out at some point. Going back to “normal” shoes just isn't an option for me.

I've been awake all night, so I guess I'll take a nap for a few hours while the sleepies are hitting me. I really hope I can find a workaround. Other than that, it will surely be a most marvelous Monday. Let's see where and when today's dreams take me.

Not proofread nor edited.