Small shoe sizes

As anyone with small feet can attest to, it isn't easy finding shoes in small sizes these day.  I take a size 5 or even a 4 1/2. Some stores carry size 5, but they don't provide a good selection.  In fact, the pickings are usually quite slim.  I sometimes buy sneakers in children's sizes. as long as they don't look too juvenile, but that is not as easy to do with other types of shoes.

Some people have advised me to purchase footwear online.  However, I really don't won't to buy shoes without trying them on first.  Yes, I know I can return them if they don't fit properly.  I am well aware that Amazon,com, ebay.com and many other websites offer small sizes for women.  Yet I'd prefer to just walk out of a store with shoes that fit.

Do I only have a choice between shopping for shoes online and the sparce selection of small sizes offered in stores?  I know there are many people out there who have the same problem.  I'd like to hear from you.  Tell me what you do and I will post your suggestions.  This will help me and others who take a small shoe size.


- Joanne