Unlucky For Some

It's a sad fact that we live in a world that isn't attuned to the needs of tall people.

I am forever crouching to see in mirrors which are fixed at chest height, reaching down for taps, doorhandles and cash machines, watching out for dangerous doorframes and low-flying lampshades and squeezing myself into trains, planes and automobiles ill-equipped for anyone 'above average height'.

But I accept that I have no right to complain about this. I am 6ft5, and can't expect everything to be placed at a height to suit me (people would be forced to travel around with footstools under their arms). However. I do feel I have a right to complain about one aspect of being tall that I have never fully accpeted - finding shoes to fit size 13 feet.

Today's example is no exception. I wandered into Oxford Street early this afternoon with the intention of buying a new pair of running shoes - my old ones have reached their 500 mile life expectancy and I've been wondering if that's part of the reason I've been having problems with my knees. I went into Niketown (every stylish runner's first choice) and found a beautiful pair of Airmax 360 trainers, fully cushioned. A familiar conversation ensued:

JD: Hi, I'd like to try on these trainers.
Clerk: Certainly sir, what size.
JD: 13 please.
Clerk: (drawing breath through his teeth as though I had just asked him something seriously unreasonable) Let me look on the computer (and, after a brief pause) No. We don't have them. They're limited edition.
JD: (thinking 'limited to who - people with average sized feed?') Ok. What about this other style.
Clerk: No, nothing there either.
JD: And these (pointing to a less desirable style)
Clerk: Er.... no, none of those either.
JD: Ok, what about the plain black ones (pointing to the crappest design on the shelf)
Clerk: No, none in a size 13.
JD: I hate you people.

I tried talking to Niketown Customer Services (curiously hidden on the 3rd floor, accessible only by elevator) but they were baffled. "We had some in August" said the lady behind the desk helpfully.

So, in a world where I can buy a Ferrari on ebay via my mobile phone, add a TV to my grocery basket and fly to European capital cities for less money than a cab home from the centre of the one I live in, the flagship London store of the one of the biggest multinational companies in the world couldn't find me a pair of trainers in my size! Unbelievable.

I have taken this as a sign that I should go to a specialist running shop and intend to start researching options immediately. In the meantime, a quick web-search has revealed that I am not alone. Other famous '13-ers' include Abraham Lincoln, Elle MacPherson and, ironically, Mr Nike himself - Michael Jordan!

I don't suppose he ever had to shop at Niketown though...