I want to let you in on a little secret... I’ve never bought a pair of shoes online before – ever.

I’m only writing about this now because there’s currently a plethora of end of season sales taking place over the Internet and I’ve come away empty handed after perusing websites for hours, feeling totally deflated and defeated.

Practically every online store I have bookmarked in my browser is having a sale, because it’s the time of year when retailers make way for new stock for the fall/winter season. Net-a-Porter, Far Fetch, Shopbop and SSense – just to name a few – have designer footwear going for up to 50% off the original retail price. As a result, shoes are being listed as “sold out” faster than you can say Miu Miu.

I visit all of my favourite online sites religiously everyday and sometimes several times a day. It’s becoming a silent obsession I try to hide at work, but I’m continually going back in the hopes of finding something in my size and that will fit within my budget.

When it comes to clothes I have no qualms of selecting pants, shirts or dresses from an online store. Clothes allow for more leeway and room for alterations (if needed). Secondly, sizes in certain articles of clothing remain standard for the most part.

On the other hand, shoes are a completely different territory and for me it’s necessary to try them on before committing to the purchase. I need to be able to put shoes on my feet, walk around in them and determine how they feel and look.

Below are a few shoes I’ve miss out on buying.

1. Ralph Lauren, Net-a-Porter
2. Camilla Skovgaard, Net-a-Porter
3. Charlotte Olympia, Far Fetch
4. Nicholas Kirkwood, LUISAVIAROMA

Online I procrastinate and agonizingly analyse buying a pair of shoes, so much so that by the time I muster up the courage to make a purchase the item is no longer available = fail.

Online return and exchange policies at many retailers are really good, some have free collection services. This allows for customers who have the guts and credit limit to buy items in multiple sizes should one not fit properly and then they return the rest. However, I’m not that type person willing to triple charge my credit card.

I have a feeling my shoe shopping escapades will not change anytime soon, but I’m holding out for a slim ray of hope.

Is anyone else feeling my pain? Have you come up with a few solutions to your online footwear fear? Advice and words of wisdom is definitely welcomed.

Images from Net-a-Porter, Far Fetch and LUISAVIAROMA