I am sometimes forced to wear size 11 shoes, despite having 9½ feet, because so few manufacturers put out 9½ size shoes in an EEEE (quintuple wide) or oversized EEE (quadruple wide) width.

At least a size 11 in a W (wide) is comfortable enough for me, and most shoes come in at least a wide.

I think out of all the shoes I have ever bought, only two styles in 40 years have been wide enough to allow me to wear a 9½. I recently found that second style in a work boot that was being surplussed and no longer being produced, with the marketing that it was wide enough for any foot. Once I confirmed the comfort, I immediately bought three more pairs for a lifetime supply. That brand was Terra. Highly recommend, they’re fucking awesome work boots.