Aussie Needs Wedding Shoes… but what US size?

Hi,

I’ve read your posts regarding Australia to USA conversions but I’m still really unsure as to what size shoe I should buy. The largest of my feet are 25.2cm long and 10.4 cm wide. I have to get shoes for a wedding in about 2 months and can’t find anything that fits right in the stores. Any help you could provide asap would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Tracey W.
***
Dearest Tracey,
Anything for a wedding! Are you, per chance, the bride?

First the disclaimer. You Australians are far too easy going about everything…. life, shoe size and everything in between (except, perhaps, for barbecue?). You get shoes from many different countries which all have slightly or very different sizing systems. Even with in those countries (I’m tempted to mention France, but won’t) there are significantly different approaches to what constitutes a EU size 38, for example. My favorite Aussie shoe colleague, Alice, could never determine her own size. We narrowed it down to 10.5W, mainly because of the thickness of her foot… an avid sportswoman, she has very muscular feet.

Now the answer. IF you are correct in your foot measurements (please read this and measure again), then you will be either a size 9W or 9.5W. Here are the measurements:
9W = 25 cm long and 10.3 cm wide. 9.5W = 25.4 cm long and 10.5 cm wide.

This is where picking your size becomes no longer a science but rather an art. Have a friend look at your feet objectively. Are your toes longer or shorter than average? Is your foot, like Alice’s, thicker and more muscular from top to sole than average? Do you have a high arch or no arch at all? Then compare the shape of the shoes you are considering to the shape of your foot. If you want a high heel, pointy toe closed pump, go for the 9.5W. If you want a strappy sandal and like your toes coming up close to the front edge, go for the 9W.

Anneka Silver T-strap jeweled sandal by Touch Ups

Porsha White Silk Pump by Diane Lynn

Best wishes,
The Shoe Lady

Australian to US Shoe Size Conversion

Dear Shoe Lady,
I am about to purchase shoes but just want to confirm size conversions. I am Australian wearing size 7.5 to 8 dependent on style. I believe I am a US 8, but its the width I need to check on. I believe I am a C width shoe here in Australia.. which I believe is a wider fit….can you advise.
Thank you
Dee

Dear Dee,
I am so glad you came to us for help! Actually, an Australian women’s size 7.5 is equivalent to a US size 9, while the size 8 is a US size 9.5.

With width, a “C” would be considered a Wide or “W” size. Likewise, narrow is “AA”, Average is “B”, and Extra Wide is “E”. If you take the widest part of your foot (usually the balls of your feet), and measure length-wise, a US size 9 or 9.5 is about 4 1/16 to 4 1/8 inches. I would advise trying a US size 9W. You may be going up a half size because the medium/average width is just too snug.

I thought I would spotlight a couple new arrivals, in different styles, all sized 9W. First up is a style from Aerosoles, a brand know for comfort, true fit and style. The Aerosoles Plum Tree Tan Patent has a 3 inch wedge heel which is helpful for those women who want height and stability. I adore the pattern on the heel.

Aerosoles Plum Tree Tan Patent at DesignerShoes.com

Aerosoles Plum Tree Tan Patent is a High Heel Casual Pump

Aerosoles have a wonderful collection of flats as well. Perfect for work, walking to the T, all while being stylish.

Aerosoles Bec 2 Differ Black Multi at DesignerShoes.com

Aerosoles Bec 2 Differ Black Multi is a Low Heel Casual Pump

If you need additional assistance on this, our size guide can be found at: http://www.designershoes.com/size-chart

Wider Width Feet

Dear Shoe Lady,
I was so excited to find your website as the only shoes that fit my feet are thong sandals.

I have measured my feet as your site describes, and the measurements are as follows:
Length 24.5cm
Width 11.75cm
Please can you tell me what size I am?

Kind regards,
Michelle (Australia)

Hi Michelle,
We LOVE our Aussies! With a length of 24.5CM your size would be an 8.5 which equates to 26.4CM.

Your shoe width however, is a bit tricky. An 8.5WW measures 11.1cm. You width is 11.75cm so I am afraid an 8.5WW will be too snug. I would suggest trying an 8.5WWW. The downside with tripe wide widths is the styles are very limited.

Another option would be to try a 9WW and play around with the use of insoles. Also be selective in choosing shoes with soft, stretchable material to accommodate your wider width feet. Here is a nice 9WW size option –

Annie Gable Brown Velvet Suede at DesignerShoes.com

Annie Gable Brown Velvet Suede is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

One more thing Michelle, what size/width thong sandals are your currently wearing?

Happy Holidays!

Shoe Size Conversion Chart – Australia

Dear Shoe Lady,
I need your help. The size of my foot is 28.5cm from toe to heel and 11cm across my foot. I think im a size 12 by my calculations but just double checking with you as I live in Australia and would like to try and get it right first time.
Thanks heaps hope to hear from you soon,
Julie

Hi Julie,
Thank you for your inquiry! We strive to do our best in matching the right fit. At times it might be difficult to find the exact fit due to each individual’s unique feet paired with standard shoe size manufacturing. The style and shape of the shoe also adds another layer to your search. It is great that you measured your feet. It looks like the best overall fit would be a size 14 medium. I used our shoe size conversion chart to double check your size.

Do you wear a size 12 in Australia? The US sizes and Australian sizes are virtually the same. It doesn’t hurt to measure each foot again, and remember you should be barefoot and standing up when you make the tracing.

Barefoot Tess Bordeaux Grey at DesignerShoes.com

Bordeaux by Barefoot Tess is a High Heel Dressy Pump

Bordeaux by Barefoot Tess is a lovely muted gray pump, and this shoe line is known for catering to longer feet.

Please let me know how the search is going!

Best,
The Shoe Lady

Naturalizer Australian Shoe Size

Dear Shoe Lady,
I have a pair of Naturalizer wide shaft boots with the size 8 on them (In Australia) is this the same size I order for Naturalizer wide shaft boots from you? I’m looking at the brown array.
Thanks Donna

Hi Donna,
Australian sizes and US sizes follow the same measurements. That being said, you should always take into account the length and width of your foot. Depending on the style and manufacturer, shoes tend to have slight variations. A good place to start is with our size chart, which is in both centimeters and inches.

Naturalizer Array Oxford Brown Leather Elastic Fabric at DesignerShoes.com

Array by Naturalizer is a Low Heel Dressy Boot

Array has a great blend of a leather shaft, with a complementary elastic fabric back with a bit of extra give.

Naturalizer Glassy Dark Sienna Wide Shaft Suede Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Glassy by Naturalizer is a Mid Heel Casual Boot

Glassy can be dressed up or down, and sports subtle nailhead detailing on the ankle.

Browse all the Naturalizer Boots at DesignerShoes.com!

Happy Fall Shopping!

Best,
Shoe Lady