And the width is set at average, so it fits very few people. Also the non-foot shape makes it so the few shoes that do offer different widths still fail to fit.
Also people don’t get shoes that fit well because they don’t know shoes that fit well exist because they barely exist.
Altra and Topo make some shoes that fit okay but still are only going to fit certain small segments of the population.
Altra’s size wide also is the common wide = more volume but not actually wider ridiculousness. People don’t buy shoes that fit because they don’t know they exist nor do they realize their shoes don’t actually fit. But even if they did realize both things, most people would not have access to the few modes that fit better.
FYI Vegas store for those interested: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cesars-shoe-world-las-vegas-3
Another brand to checkout is Lems are other brands to checkout. They do have some running type shoes, but I'm only familiar with their casual shoes. I reallly recommend getting some Lems for daily use.
Second the LEMS though - not quite barefoot but definitely minimal.
Not related to the company, just a satisfied customer. I actually wear toe socks inside my Altras whenever I'm doing a long hike, like (say) the Enchantments in WA state.
[0] https://www.altrarunning.com/shop/mens-king-mt-2-alm1952g
Too bad they don't make them anymore. The Altra Superior is probably the closest one, similar shape and low stack height. And if nothing else, there's the venerable Lone Peak with which it is hard to go too far wrong.
I highly disagree with the notion that things that look pleasing to the eyes are "vanity". I also disagree that taste is vanity.
Wearing Crocs is one thing. Wearing Crocs and calling those who don't vanitous is something else altogether.
I agree Crocs are ugly. Shoes don’t have to look like crocs to be anatomically functional.