*Updated August 2016

Below is a list of stores that may offer a discount to accommodate different sized shoes:

Nordstrom’s: If you have two different sized feet and are ordering online, you will order two pairs of shoes (one in each size, but they must be at least 1.5 sizes different). You will be charged for one pair and will be asked to send back the shoes that you do not need for credit. If you have the need for only one shoe, a whole pair will be sent to you, and you will be asked to return the unneeded shoe. You will be charged accordingly for only one shoe.
The phone number to call for this program is: (888) 282-6060.
Note: If you order in the store, they follow the same discount and will let you get one pair in different sizes, without extra cost. 

LL Bean: LL Bean allows people to order “split sizes”- the size difference can be anything from ½ size difference and any width difference, to a women’s size in one shoe and a men’s size in another shoe. They charge 1.5 times the price of one shoe (for example, if one pair is $60, you will be charged $90). LL Bean ships the two odd sizes to you with no need to return the odd shoes. Both shoes in different sizes must be in stock when the order is placed, because they need to compare the shoes to make sure the colors match before they ship the “split size”pair. Please ask to speak with the Product Support Team when you place the order by calling (800) 441-5713 (Surprisingly enough, it LL Bean sells NB and Brooks!)

South Sound Running: Tacoma, WA – Let the associate know you wear the IDEO (ExoSym) and they will sell you different sized shoes at no extra cost (Thank you Ryan!). These people are really nice and will ship the shoes out of state. (I live in Texas and this is my go to place!)

Brown’s Catalog: Offers a discount of 20% off each pair and send you the two different sizes that you need.

Brooks Retailer: If you like the Brooks brand, go here to find a retailer near you. Give the store a call and see if they participate in Brooks Mismatch Program to offer you a second pair at a discounted price.

Other Running Store Retailers: Remember, most stores are locally owned, so you may want to try giving one a call in your area and seeing what discount they can offer! You never know until you ask! Here are some examples, but also try searching “running shoe retailer” in your city and you may find other options around you.

REI: Mark your calendars for REI’s Garage Sales and Anniversary Sales. This is a good time to purchase two pairs of shoes at a discount so that they equal out to be the price of one pair. You may also consider becoming a member to receive promotional offers, stay in the know about sales and receive a dividend back on your purchases at the end of the year! REI also recently introduced a used gear site, check it out here: https://www.rei.com/used

Zappos: Offers free shipping and free returns – may be helpful if you wanted to try out a few pairs (I’d personally rather try them on in store to determine sizing and then call South Sound to see if they carry them, but if you live remote, this may be a good idea for you!)

Keen: You can go here, make an account and request a code for a discount.

My advice: Find a shoe that works for you and order it in a few different styles / colors so that (a) you feel like you have options and (b) you can rotate your shoes to make them last longer. For example, I really like the Brooks Glycerin and it works really well for me so I call and order it from South Sound Running in two or three different colors and then every year when a new version is released, more colors come out and I order more. Another thing to think about is every year when a new version of the shoe you like is released, the version before it goes on sale, so you can purchase it at a discount.

19 Comments

  1. I am currently contacting company after company to see who offers what for split size needs. As soon as I get information I will send them to you. When you contact Keen they will give you a code for 50% off and you keep the extra shoes they recommended to donate to veterans.

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  3. For those going to the Center For the Intrepid or anyone in the San Antonio area, “We Run San Antonio” will sell mismatched sizes at no extra cost. They are very helpful and familiar with the IDEO. Down side- when I was there they were only offering in-store sales… nothing online. Maybe that has changed.
    Address: 23127 W Interstate 10 Ste 205, San Antonio, TX 78257 Phone: (210) 698-7600

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  4. I have been getting my shoes from Nordstrom. If the shoes you want are only online, they offer free delivery and return. Online, order the IDEO size in a pair and then add your other foot. You will be charged for both pairs. After the shoes arrive, send back the 2 shoes you don’t need for free and they will credit one pair to your credit card. 1.5 size difference doesn’t just mean size 11 IDEO and other foot size 9.5. Their Policy is very liberal, width D to 2E is more than 1.5 difference, and also qualifies for 1 pair price. Example 10 2E left and 10 D right qualify for 1 pair pricing.

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    2. Nordstrom started out as a shoe store, and that is still their main emphasis. I haven’t tried accommodating the Exo-Sym yet, I’m still being evaluated. But I can tell you that Nordstrom stands behind their shoes. I had a daughter who bought boots there to spend a year in Europe. They fell apart almost immediately, but she wore them anyway, and by the time she got back they were a wreck. She took them back and explained what had happened, and without any fuss at all Nordstrom invited her to pick out a new pair, free.

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  5. Brooks does the mixed pair program with any running shoe store. Simply ask the person who does the ordering to call and inquire. I have done this for years with my mixed pair feet! (5W and 8). Best of luck!

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  6. Beth, I wear the opposite shoe size. I wear the ideo on my left foot in a size 11 and my right foot is a size 9 (non ideo)…. I think we are a match, yay!!! what do you say?

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  7. Hey there, just wondering if anyone has had any luck finding a winter boot to wear? I’m thinking of something with a zipper on the back of the ankle that is as waterproof as possible to accommodate putting it on, or something that’s basically a low top shoe, but has an extension of goretex cordura that comes out and goes up to cover the calf? Maybe I need to hone my inner mad scientist and figure something out myself! I need something other than my runners for snowshoeing, and winter hiking in Squamish, BC!

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    1. hi laura! 🙂 i like the LOWA zepher’s – those are really nice boots & they make a gortex
      version as well. a little pricey, but they are great quality and have lasted me a long time! best, beth

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  8. Hi! I am on the process to get my exosym. I think I will have my first visit on April 2018.
    I wanted to ask you: do you have to take a shoe that is your actual club foot size? I wanted to go with my good foot size.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. hi patty, thank you for reaching out! that question is probably best answered by the hanger clinic team (since i don’t have clubfoot, so i don’t want to give you the wrong answer!). don’t hesitate to contact me via email (shaver.beth@gmail.com) if you have any other questions i may be able to help with. wishing you all the best! sincerely, beth

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  9. Beth, your blog is so helpful and inspirational, but this shoe topic/chapter/article (what is each individual subject in a blog called, anyway?) may just very well be the best. Ryan did share info with me about South Side Running and Wide Shoes, and today I found what I needed at South Side Running (and just gave them a 5-star online rating). It’s just so great to have your blog as a resource, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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