Durable Winter Shoes

Dear Shoe Lady, I go to school in Rochester and there is a lot of snow. Because of that, there is salt everywhere during the winter. What shoes will best endure the salt while looking good to match every outfit? I have UGGs but I’m afraid the salt will eat them, even though it is lambskin. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Hi Heidi,
Thank you for your inquiry, and that is an important shoe concern. One of the keys to shoe longevity is periodically cleaning them. If you know that your shoes will become exposed to harsher elements like salt, a quick wipe with a vinegar and warm water solution should help. This is only useful for standard smooth leather shoes or synthetic uppers. If suede protection is your aim, then you will want to pre-treat it with weatherproofing spray. It can be found in most sports stores or even pharmacies.

Naturalizer Rayne Black Smooth at DesignerShoes.com

Rayne by Naturalizer is a Low Heel Casual Boot

Rayne by Naturalizer is a good cold weather choice. Rubber soles are also great for safeguarding against the more slippery months.

Stay warm,
The Shoe Lady

Women’s Size 13 WW

Dear Shoe Lady, I have just been looking at the new arrival list and as I see there is NOTHING over a women’s size 12 I need a size 13WW which in your last e-mail you said had arrived. Can you tell me will there be any thing in the size I require soon as I do not which to wear sandals in a English winter!!
Looking forward to your reply,

Hi Jane,
I am sorry to hear of your trouble searching, but am more than happy to suggest some new styles for you. Here are some new arrivals in size 13WW for you to look through that would be more suitable for an English winter. We aim to bring in the widest selection of shoes in a variety of large sizes.

Antia Marisa Black at DesignerShoes.com

Marisa by Antia is a High Heel Casual Bootie

Antia Marisa Black Bootie has a 2.75 inch heel height. Stacked-Leather wrapped heel height featuring full grain upper leathers, and authentic premium leather and cotton linings with an exclusive laser leather sock design, and a full high quality foam, a well shaped arch support leather piece for a great cushioning.

Antia Abella Mocha at DesignerShoes.com

Abella by Antia is a Low Heel Casual Pump

Abella by Antia is a textured ballet flat that can be appropriate for winter paired with opaque or woolen tights.

Antia Nikita Black at DesignerShoes.com

Nikita by Antia is a Low Heel Casual Bootie

Nikita by Antia has a solid raised and negative heel.

Good luck,
The Shoe Lady

Women’s Shoe Size Question

Dear Shoe Lady, The length of my foot is 26.5 cm and the width is 10.5 cm.
 What is my correct shoe size? I have never been able to find a perfect fit.

Hi Katerina,
Our shoe size chart is a great jumping off point for shoe sizing. Based on your measurements, it appears that you could fit into a 10.5w to 11w comfortably. You want to make sure that you don’t wear widths that are more or less than 0.635cm (1/4”). You don’t want any slippage or pinching with your shoes. You always want to remember that the styles and manufacturing of a shoe will make a difference in the final fit. A ballet flat versus a padded sneaker might require a reduction or increase in the size you wear.

Naturalizer Creston Black Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Creston by Naturalizer is a Low Heel Casual Flat

Creston by Naturalizer has a casual look that can be paired with skirts or pants. I am a huge fan of dual use for shoes, and strive for comfort!

Happy browsing,
The Shoe Lady

Two Different Foot Sizes

Dear Shoe Lady,
I am a parent of a child with hemi hypertrophy of the lower left extremity. Our problem is finding shoes, we can generally find a new balance that will accommodate her feet, but as far as finding little girl shoes to go with her uniform, and or girly flat boots for the winter, it is virtually impossible, just because of the width. Do she wears about a 7 on her regular sized foot, and the left she wears somewhere around an 11 or 12, but maybe even a 10 if we can get the width correct. My question is do you make those type of shoes, and if so, would I half to purchase 2 pair of shoes (like i normally do) or since it is special made would you charge me for one?

Dear Mom-

Many years ago when the internet was young there was a company that tried to bring together a clearinghouse for people who needed two different sizes of shoes. Unfortunately, it never worked and is gone. The only way to manage this is to buy two pairs of shoes, same style, different sizes.

As for price, there is no discount. But you can always watch for sales!

As for style advice, I don’t know enough about the age and style preferences of your daughter to venture a recommendation, however we do offer over 200 pairs of flats that range in sizes from 7 – 15. Below is one (I think) cute example.

Barefoot Tess Tuscany Blue at DesignerShoes.com

Tuscany by Barefoot Tess is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

I do hope this problem resolves itself so she can get back to more normal shoe shopping soon.

Best to you and your daughter.

The Shoe Lady

DesignerShoes.com Online Only?

Dear Shoe Lady,
Do you have a store that I can go to — my daughter needs size 14 shoes?
Thank you,

Hi Marguerite,
We are currently solely an online storefront, while striving to provide resources for the best fit possible. One of our benefits is free one-way shipping in the USA on orders of at least $75 dollars. Another way we make our site user-friendly, is to provide reliable filtering options, to be able to pinpoint the target size. In doing an initial search for size 14 I have come up with a couple of styles. Do you know what kind of shoes your daughter needs?

Barefoot Tess Dublin Grey at DesignerShoes.com

Dublin Ii by Barefoot Tess is a Low Heel Casual Flat

Dublin Li by Barefoot Tess has a beautiful antique quality with the hints of gold peeking through the grey microfiber.

Browse over 300 women’s size 14 shoes at DesignerShoes.com!

Best,
The Shoe Lady

Womens Size 12 or 13 Wide Dyeable shoes

Dear Shoe Lady,
I am looking for a low heeled dyeable shoe or sandal in either a womens 12 or 13 wide. Can you help me?

Hi Elizabeth,
Although shoe colors are virtually endless these days, it is a great option to be able to match a color perfectly to complete your look. Touch Ups, Special Occasions, and Dyeables have great lines for dyeable shoes that range from sandals, ballet flats, to pumps. Here are a couple of options to get you started!

Special Occasions Shannon White Satin at DesignerShoes.com

Shannon by Special Occasions is a Low Heel Dressy Sandal

Shannon by Special Occasions has a simple ankle strap for that bit of extra support, and a low heel to enhance comfort.

Touch Ups Daisy White at DesignerShoes.com

Daisy by Touch Ups is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

Daisy by Touch Ups has the versatility to work well for evening and casual events.

Good luck,
The Shoe Lady

Shoes for Swollen Feet

Dear Shoe Lady,
I can not find a shoe to fit my foot. The measurements are 11 inches long, 4.5 inches wide but the circumference of my foot is 1 ft 1 inch due to swelling. So the top of the shoe never fits over my foot… not even strappy kinds. I have tried to go up in sizes but nothing seems to help. Any suggestions?

Ms Clarissa-
Your question is above my pay grade, I’m afraid. Substantial swelling in your feet can be do to a number of reasons but it is definitely something you need to discuss with your doctor. And I’ll bet you have had that discussion.

Your length and width measurements suggest a 12WW. But as you so correctly recognize, this really isn’t enough information to determine if the shoe will fit. A shoe really requires a measure of volume and shape. That is higher math and also above my pay grade. But you need shoes and I want to help.
Until you can address the swelling, I suggest you look at some of the soft moccasin style loafers you’ll find in the Tamarac Collection.

Tamarac Highlander Rootbeer

Highlander by Tamarac is a Low Heel Casual Slipper

Straps will bind but if you can find a shoe that is soft around the throat line, (where you put your foot into the shoe) you will be more comfortable. You may also want to look in the DesignerShoes.com Lace Up Style Collection

Aerosoles Tempire State Black Combo at DesignerShoes.com

Tempire State by Aerosoles is a Mid Heel Casual Laceup

Do see your doctor, watch your salt intake and don’t try to squeeze into an uncomfortable style. Hopefully this is a temporary situation. Could you be pregnant? That is a leading cause of swollen feet!

Best to you,
The Shoe Lady

What Color Shoes to Wear with a Red Dress (day)

Dear Shoe Lady,
I’ve got a red knee length Karen Millen dress and want to know what color shoes are best to go with it. I have worn it for a wedding and wore silver shoes and silver bag but was wondering if nude shoes would go? Black looked too hard and red seem too much. What do you think?
Thanks,
Jody

Dearest Jody,
As much as it pains me to say this, you don’t need me. You understand perfectly what to wear.
But, since you asked……

Nude shoes usually mean a beige tone shoe. Without seeing the dress, I would not go there. That is a color, more a daytime, business wear color.
Although, here is a beige shoe that might work with the right accessories for a daytime occasion:

Samanta Covington Preto at DesignerShoes.com

Covington by Samanta is a High Heel Dressy Pump

I would not do black pumps or red pumps.

I WOULD do shades of silver, like pewter.

Bella Vita Entertain Ii Pewter at DesignerShoes.com

Entertain Ii by Bella Vita is a Mid Heel Dressy Pump

or

Dyeables Opal Pewter Metallic at DesignerShoes.com

Opal by Dyeables is a Mid Heel Dressy Sandal

I WOULD do CLEAR sandals. Here is a way out example of a high heel platform mule.

Ellie Vanity Clear at DesignerShoes.com

Vanity by Ellie is a High Heel Dressy Slide

(Note: Do make sure you are fully insured before wearing these!)

I WOULD do a nearly naked little black patent sandal for less dressy occasions. Here’s a low heel T-strap sandal from Annie:

Annie Sunup Black Patent at DesignerShoes.com

Sunup by Annie is a Low Heel Dressy Sandal

Simple rule:
Dress up: Silver or pewter.
Dress down: black patent sandal or clear.

Corollary rule:
Rules are made to be broken… when you find the right shoe and accessorize!

The Shoe Lady

Narrow Slingback Shoes

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.

Trotters Dea Navy

Dea by Trotters is a Low Heel Dressy Slingback

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

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