Small Feet, Big Problem.

Shoe shopping is supposed to be simple. Walk into a store, find your size, buy a pair, and leave. But for me, and plenty of other adults with small feet, it’s never that easy. Instead, we get stuck in the kids’ section, sifting through light-up sneakers and cartoon-covered slip-ons, just trying to find something—anything—that doesn’t look like it was designed for recess.

And as if that weren’t frustrating enough, companies like Nike seem convinced that because I order small shoes, I must have a child. Every few months, I get an email telling me to “Get your son or daughter ready for back-to-school with these stylish picks!” Well, Nike, I hate to break it to you—I’m almost 20. I don’t have a kid. I am the kid, apparently.

Beyond the awkward marketing emails, the real problem is that the shoe industry refuses to acknowledge that adults with small feet exist. Why can’t I get a sleek pair of professional heels in my size? Why am I stuck with flimsy kids’ running shoes when I want a high-performance pair with carbon plating? I’m a college student, not a third grader—I need shoes that actually fit my life.

Until then, I’ll keep deleting those back-to-school emails and rolling my eyes every time a cashier assumes I’m shopping for a child. I’m not. I just want stylish heels, durable running shoes, and options that fit—without the condescending marketing.

Nike, Adidas, Converse—whoever’s listening—it’s time to step it up. Literally.