ever purchased shoes too small and knew it?

No, I never buy something that isn't in my size.

Yeah, I've done that too. Are they leather? If so, it might be possible to have them stretched, either by wearing them with some thick socks (which is somewhat painful) or through another method (there are lots of online options, if you look around), or you could have a professional cobbler do it for you - as I recall, it's not too expensive.

yes I have done that. A few months back I bought a pair of heels that were too big because I thought I could just stuff something in the heel so that they would fit well they still flopped off my feet so I ended up giving them away.:( I really wanted them though and they just didn't have my size.

OH boy! I sure have and i knew that they were too little. But i just had to have them because either they were on sale or that was the only size that was close to my size shoe. And your feet feel all cramed up. You try to look as cute as you can and your feet are killing you at the same time.