I need wides and I'm stuck in the middle of IL with minimal shopping too! Online is the only way to have choices around here.
I like Zappos too, partly because of the consumer reviews. If you can't try them on first it's nice to hear how they've worked for others. My favorite dress shoes now are some Ros Hommersons I got last year based on so many reviewers' opinions on them.
I have to admit though, I think I found the ones I wanted cheaper on another site.
E.