Grant Stone Traveler Loafer

I’m so close to calling it quits on loafers by GS. My first pair was in 9D’s but the instep was unbearable after 30 minutes. I went with a 9E and the instep is much better. In the 9D’s even with thin wool ONDO no show socks they’re tight. The 9E’s were much better in the instep with the same ONDO socks. I need the assistance of a shoe horn to get my feet in the 9D’s and 9E’s with socks on but when barefoot, I can get my feet into the 9E’s without shoe horns. Even in the 9E’s the instep is really tight. They are fine from 6am to about 4pm then my instep starts to be a little painful. I have lots of room in the forefoot and the ball. They would fit me fine if the instep doesn’t become an issue after a few hours. Have been using an instep stretcher for over a week now and it always seems like after wearing a few hours the instep starts to hurt and be uncomfortable. Perhaps a 9.5D will work but they would be too big and I know it. Perhaps loafers aren’t going to fit my feet. I have always thought I had a low instep since I haven’t had any issues with my GS boots but boy I’m frustrated with these loafers. I will keep the instep stretcher in for a few days and pray that it’ll stretch them for good. I am on the verge of quitting and I really like these loafers. They’d be my daily driver if they didn’t hurt my instep so much. 😢