At the year-end, we tally up our Poppy Barley orders to identify the most popular shoe styles, leather colours and sizes. For the men, a surprising number of you are seeking smaller shoe sizes, from sizes 5 to 7, which tells us that it's hard to come by off-the-rack (and that you seek comfort, style, quality and fit, all rolled into one). So, what's the story? When Chris Hamill, a creative director and avid traveller, posted this #PoppyBarleySquad photo and caption on Instagram, we knew he'd be the perfect person to tell it.“Have you tried the children’s shoe department?” “Perhaps we could find something like this in a ladies size?” Yes those questions are real and I’ve had them directed to me more than once. They don’t make for an encouraging shoe shopping experience. At 5’7” and 130 pounds, I’m used to rummaging through stacks of shirts to find that one elusive 14.5” size or snapping up the size Small because it will never be there at sale time. But if your feet don’t meet the typical minimum store threshold size 8… well there’s not much point in even bothering to look.

