And in the words of Kurt Vonnegut, So it goes. It would be embarrassing to tell you how many times this scenario has been played out for girls of all foot sizes. Like the ugly step sisters we cram and cut and squish our feet so we can walk, excuse me, hobble around in what might look like the perfect shoe.
Fortunately I've learned from my past mistakes, and have a few brands I'd like to share with ya that have a great fit for big feeties and won't break your toes...or your bank account.
BLOWFISH
Ah Blowfish, how I love thee, let me count the ways... One would be my Garren platform sandles.
Here are a few links to some of the other stylish size friendly styles that I feel are a must have for any season:
Heda Heels
Turn Boots
Blythe Booties
MIZ MOOZ
Looking for a style with a bit of an androgynous twist? I always am. Oxford style shoes and oxford heel hybrids reek of class and style IMPO. I've gone to thrift stores and gotten pairs of actual men's shoes to quell this need, but I always felt a little weird walking in another man's shoes... who knows where those tootsies have traveled...But my Miz Mooz Hadley's do the trick without the risk of fungley friends. Miz Mooz designs seem to get a little clunky at times, so I would stick to the classic with this brand. When you have larger feet you sometimes don't want to draw too much attention to them. Thinner by stable heels can do the trick, and try not toe do something with too high of an arch. Although from the front it can make the tootsies look tiny, they might seem out of proportion if you have thicker calves.
JEFFERY CAMPBELL
Now we're getting into some Fancy Footwear. JC takes risks with their designs, which I totally appreciate. However some of the styles are just not curvy girl friendly. Their size 10 does fit on the wider girls foot, but you should beware. Jeffery Campbell shoes should ALWAYS be worn with some sort of sock in place. And if they fit tight in the store, try taking them to a cobbler to have them stretched out, because the process can be painful, although in my opinion worth it for the final result. Their flats are definitely the way to go, but I have to say my favorite style right now are the Cutout Oxford wedges. MERCY!
OTHER TIPS FOR TRYING ON SHOES
Ok girls. You've got some brands to check out, now here's what to look for in the store when you want to make sure you're gonna go home with a goodie.
Check the Materials:
- Every shoe should tell you what they're made of, but there's a secret code that can sometimes be hard to figure out. Diamonds = man made while Hide looking thing = Leather. Shoes that are all natural materials will wear in better, but don't be discouraged if the shoes are a bit more animal friendly. Canvas' also give, as well as linen. Corduroy not so much (FUN FACT: Toms cuts their corduroy shoes a bit bigger than the regular classic canvas, so no need to worry about a fit faux pas!)
- Walk a few laps! If you're shopping in a store that sells shoes and clothes, check out the shoe section first. When you find a pair you're interested in, wear them around the store while you shop, take them into the fitting rooms, walk around in circles and see how many compliments you get. The longer you wear them in the store, the better of an idea you'll have about how you'll fair in them out in the real world. Do they start pinching after 10 minutes? Are you sliding forward in them with each step? How easy it is to skip, run, jump, walk up/down stairs in them?
- Don't be afraid to adjust. There are magical products to help with comfort and fit that are NOT prescription shoals... Foot Petals makes stick on inserts for shoes that you can mix and match to create the perfect fit. Some girlies I know get their shoes on the larger side so they can stick a bunch of these bad boys in there and create their own perfect fit. BTW...did you know there are measures you can take to prevent blisters? LIKE OMG FRICTION BLOCKING STICK THINGIE! Why aren't people raving about this? It's like a little deodorant stick for the back of your ankles and I've got girlies who swear by it when wearing in a new pair of heels.
I think that's enough for now. I'm gonna save some of my other styling tips for another blogisode. Now you ladies have fun and remember, if you guys ever need help styling or finding the right fit for shoes you've got a bunch of great ladies to help you at Therapy :)
