Only 1% of Women’s Shoe Brands Make Shoes for over 25% of Women!

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
I am very certain that I am not the only woman in the world that has a size 10 1/2 shoe. Why do manufacturers not make 10 1/2 shoes? Tens are too small and 11 are like boats on my feet. How can I get a hold of any shoe manufacture to suggest that they start making them? Also my heel is very narrow and I can never fit in any shoe. Ros_Hommerson_Ruby_Black_Kid-200x150

Yes I can buy one of those heal add-ons but then my foot moves forward and shortens the shoe. Then my toes are very long and there is never enough space in the toe area for them. I have a nightmare trying to find shoes that fit. I love when I can wear sandals but I can’t wear them in the winter. I don’t know exactly how writing this letter can help my situation but I found you on the Internet and I thought I would give you a try. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Christine Bennett

Dear Christine –

Approximately 25% of all women in the USA wear shoes OVER size 10, yet fewer than 1% of all brands selling shoes in the USA actually make shoes over size 10.

They say that capitalism is a great way to get products to meet market demand. But that does NOT hold true in the women’s shoe industry! I have no idea why there is such a huge mismatch between production and market need, but there is. The shoe industry folks who make these decisions still think it is 1952 and the average women’s shoe size is 6.

Here are some brands that make women’s shoe size 10.5: Naturalizer, Bella Vita, Ros Hommerson, Aerosoles-Outrider-250x

Stuart Weitzman. Find the brands that make the shoes that fit you and let them know you love them!

Best to you and your toes,

The Shoe Lady

Super Wide Feet !

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,

Using your measuring guide my feet are 28cm long and 12.3cm wide. Reading your charts my length is 10½ but my width would require a massive size 13… I have always struggled finding shoes, in fact I never had a comfy pair!

Does anyone make shoes for my size?

Dear Sarah,

After reviewing your measurements a 28cm length puts you at a size 13 and your 12.3cm width puts you at a WW. Have you ever tried on 13WW?

Oh Sarah, yes of course, manufacturers do make a size 13WW. Take notice of the brand and tips scrolling through the photos.

Trotters Melanie Cognac at DesignerShoes.com

Trotters Melanie Cognac is a Mid Heel Casual Slingback. Trotters’s women’s shoe size run is typically six widths, extra slim (AAAA), slim(AAA), narrow, medium, wide and extra wide(WW). Sizes range from 5 to 13

I found you can always take a pair of shoes to a shoe maker. Talk to him about what the problem is. To tight on the sides or causing blisters and they will happily stretch the shoes out, usually for free the first time. 100% worth it !

Annie Venice Zebra is a Mid Heel Casual Sandal. Annie’s women’s shoe size run is typically 6 medium (M), 7 extra wide (WW) to 13 extra wide (WW).

I love Annie Shoes. The fit is true and the styles are very trendy.

Antia Clarissa Mocha Full Grain at DesignerShoes.com

Antia Clarissa is a Low Heel Casual Sandal. Antia’s women’s shoe size run is typically 6 medium (M), to 13 extra wide (WW)

The shoes may be hard on the eyes (in pictures) but they are stylish and suitable to wear with cute jeans, shorts of even a flirty. The photos do not do the shoe justice.

You are not alone. The average women is a size 9, not a 7, that the manufactures want to believe. Embrace your feet and treat them well.

Take care,
Shoe Lady.

Narrow Slingback Shoes

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
I am looking for a pair of navy blue flat slingback shoes in size 9AA. Do you have anything?
Thank you!
Phyllis

Hey Phyllis,
Slingbacks shoes are fabulous options, because of the adjustable ankle strap. I champion any style that aims towards that perfect fit especially for the narrow women’s foot. I would check back in periodically to view any updated styles. Below you will find a solid choice as a jumping off point.

Dea by Trotters is a Low Heel Dressy Slingback

Browse all DesignerShoes.com Narrow women’s Slingback shoes!

Narrow Shoe Width

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
My foot measures 3 1/16 across. I usually wear 7.5-8 in ladies shoes. What is my foot width? Is it AA or A? This matters a great deal as AA is often pinching and B is swimming on my foot. Please help!

Thank you,
Joan

Hi Joan,
Even though there should be a size between AA and B (A is essentially the same as AA or 2A), there currently isn’t. You are on the right track by testing out what works for you. In the meantime if a shoe is too small and the result is discomfort, I suggest getting the next width up. I would also take into account if there is any extra padding available in order to compensate for the bit of extra space in the shoe.

Here is a lovely shoe that could work for you.

Trotters Janna Leopard at DesignerShoes.com

Janna by Trotters is a Mid Heel Casual

Happy Browsing!

Best,
Shoe Lady

Wedding Choice for Women’s Size 12 Wide

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
My daughter is getting married in August and I would like your advice on the best shoe style for her feet. She is not used to wearing heels so the following styles would all be okay. Ros Hommerson Bono in White: Trotters Dora in White: Special Occasions Hillary in White. Her foot measurements are Length 10.7 inches and width 4.50 inches. She also has quite a high instep. I look forward to your advice.

Dear Shiona,
Anything for an Aussie! I’ll give you my best suggestions. Let’s deal with size first, then with style.

Given her foot measurements, I recommend a size women’s size 12 wide. Size 11.5 would work but there are virtually no wedding shoes in this size. The width measurement suggests a Wide edging toward the “extra wide”. But since you’ll get a size 12 , it will probably be slightly wider than the 11.5 would be . If her feet are thick (top to sole) and if it will be hot so they might swell (how hot is it there in August?) you may want to consider a 12WW. But I think a 12W should do.

I am going to suggest that you look at the fabric shoes designed for brides. They are easy to spot stretch if she needs a little more width. And, this is the big one, after the wedding she can have them dyed a different color, like hot pink (a personal favorite).

Now for the style. Attitudes toward wedding shoes are going through changes. My FAVORITE daughter in law, Victoria, got married in baby blue pumps and a white wedding dress. We are seeing more people opt for colored shoes with their white dresses. Just an option. This is her wedding and she should have fun with her apparel choices!

I’ve used the “Shop For” section at DesignerShoes.com to find Bridal/ Dyeable Collection shoes in size 12W.

You will see over 130 choices. You can narrow this list down still further by heel height (you said she wasn’t comfortable with a higher heel. But a low heel may be too low. Mid heels start at 2.5 CM. She may want to limit is to a sandal, like Alana by Special Occasions;

Special Occasions Alana White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Alana by Special Occasions is a Mid Heel Dressy Sandal

a pump, like Betty by Touch Ups,

Touch Ups Betty White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Betty by Touch Ups is a Low Heel Dressy Pump

a flat, like Felicity by Special Occasions,

Special Occasions Felicity White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Felicity by Special Occasions is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

or a sling back like Shelley by Dyeables,

Dyeables Shelly White Satin at AskTheShoeLady.com

Shelly by Dyeables is a Mid Heel Dressy Sandal

Whatever she picks, I hope you will have her post some wedding photos, including her shoes!, on our Facebook page

Best to the Bride!
The Shoe Lady

Thick Ankles and Heavy Calves

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
Strappy shoes look awful on me; peep toe shoes seem way to narrow – I have a wedding to attend and the dress I’m wearing is eggplant in color, and comes just above my knee, some what fancy. Can you suggest something that would look nice?

My foot measures 9-1/2 in length, across the toes it is about 3-1/2 wide and the arch of my foot is about 1-1/4 in from the ground. Also a friend says I should wear plain black leather, but I think I should either wear cloth or maybe even patent leather??? Not sure.

Hi Michele,
Eggplant sounds like a beautiful color for the wedding. Black shoes are also good choices (and a wardrobe staple), but I would also look into complementary colors to make what you are wearing pop. In this case it would be yellow or gold in order to highlight the eggplant color. Side note: have you considered an insert for the ball of your foot for peep-toe shoes? It might not be that the shoes are too narrow in the front, but that your foot is being wedged due to slipping forward into the front of the shoe.

Trotters Francesca Yellow Ochre at AskTheShoeLady.com

Francesca by Trotters is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

Francesca by Trotters has intricate embroidery to create a beautiful texture. Flats can still be dressy at an event, and a foot saver if you plan on hitting the dance floor!

Have fun at the wedding,
The Shoe Lady

10 narrow sandals or slides

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: I have searched your site for sandals or slides to fit… but ALL my searches come up with nothing… my shoe size is actually 10-1/2N, but in a sandal or slide I can wear a 10N… I have searched everywhere, to no avail. I am tired of wearing flip-flops for every occasion… they are not very attractive with a skirt or dress… do you have any ideas…?

A: Jeanine, I can certainly understand wanting a variety of looks for the summer months, and wearing a style beyond flip-flops! In searching for both 10 and 10.5 narrow, here are a few choices to get you started that will work with both dresses and skirts.

Trotters by Shelby has subtle elegant detailing and a soft footbed.

Trotters Shelby Black at AskTheShoeLady.com

Shelby by Trotters is a Mid Heel Casual Sandal

Tahiti by Softwalk comes in four colors: Black, Mocha, and Gold Wash, and sports decorative nail heads.

Softwalk Tahiti Pearl Oyster at AskTheShoeLady.com

Tahiti by Softwalk is a Low Heel Casual Sandal

Valentina by Naturalizer showcases a metallic shimmer, and an adjustable heel strap for the perfect fit.

Naturalizer Valentina Nickel Alloy at AskTheShoeLady.com

Valentina by Naturalizer is a Mid Heel Casual Sandal

Good luck,
The Shoe Lady

My summer look for the office needs some sprucing up.

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Hi Shoe Lady,

For the past few years, I have relied on the same office look, and I am interested in branching out. My summer work look needs some sprucing up. Any ideas for moving closer to sandals, but still appropriate for work?

All the best,
Elizabeth

A: Hi Elizabeth,
It sounds as though you require something with a covered toe for your office environment. A lighter weight shoe could be the way to go also for those summer months. Here are a few suggestions for you to think about.

Here we have a modified take on the ballet flat by Trotters. The Jeri shoe has a slingback, which enables more breathing room.

South Role by Aerosoles is a slingback pump that comes in green, black, or tan. The cutouts in the toe box add a bit of the risque without sacrificing the career shoe requirements for sobriety.

Acalia by Antia is a shoe that gives you a cross between ballet flats and sandals. The pattern paired with solid pants or skirts will make a good balance of textures.

Take care,
Shoe Lady

My prom is coming in May. Need perfect shoe.

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Dear Shoe Lady,

My prom is coming up in May, and I’m having trouble finding the perfect shoe. The color of my dress is aqua blue. Do you have any advice on what direction to take? Thank you!
–Amanda

A: Dear Amanda,

Depending on what details your dress has, metallic can be a striking choice. They provide a shiny accent to your outfit without overpowering it. I have included some pictures of possible options.

: Eliana

makes it perfect for dancing. It also comes in silver.

Anneka by Touch Ups have an elegant jeweled t-strap.

Pairing colors is also a good option in making your outfit pop. I would try to avoid tone on tone (i.e. blue dress and blue shoes) ensembles, because they tend to be a little too much like a costume. Mixing can be a great choice once you find a shoe color that complements your dress.

Francesca by Trotters carries a yellow lightly sequined slipper that could provide that extra splash of color. It also comes in other colors including violet.

You can browse our site by color, and heel height as well to pinpoint your search. Good luck on your search!

Enjoy your prom!

The Shoe Lady

Valentine’s Day Shoes

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Tal F.

Dear Shoe Lady,

I’ve been married for over 10 years but I really want to spice things up this Valentine’s Day!! I already have the perfect dress — it’s a classic LBD — so can you recommend perfect red shoes?

Happy V-Day!
Kirsten

—

Kirsten,

It’s hard to go wrong when you have a Little Black Dress to work with, but I’d love to recommend some of my favorite vibrant reds pairs. That being said, I’m not sure if you’re looking for high heels or not, so I’ve included a pair of flats I like as well.

ellie-brande-red-w-black DesignerShoes.com

sofft-gabriela-red-patent-2 DesignerShoes.com

trotters-carin-dk-red DesignerShoes.com

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