Shoe Stretching – Bella Vita Athena

Dear Shoe Lady,
I have just received my Bella Vita Athena leather shoe size 6.5. The width is good but they have peep hole toe which is just a little long. Will they stretch enough so my toe can slip down a little or should i return them and exchange for a size 6. I LOVE the look!

Dear Lynette,
The Bella Vita Athena Style is a SEXY shoe – what a great choice! Leather in general always stretches a little bit, but all Bella Vita shoes are designed for comfort and are made of excellent quality materials. I’m afraid that if you did indeed go down a size you might find your toes are pinched!

For a bold look try the Bella Vita Athena Multi Snake Leather. Sexy!

Bella Vita Athena Multi Snake Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Athena by Bella Vita is a Mid Heel Dressy Pump

What USA Size and Width for a Bridal Sandal in Norway?

Dear Shoe Lady,

My name is Kjersti, and I’m writing from Norway. I’m thinking about ordering Dyeables Alyssa White Satin for my wedding, but I’m having trouble figuring out the right size.

I usually wear a EURO size 36, but since we don’t use Width sizes in Norway, I don’t know which USA size that would be correct.

My biggest foot is 23 cm long and 8,5 cm wide, something that would end up in a USA size 6 or 6.5 Medium. But that is about the same as a EURO size 37, which is usually to long for me when it comes to sandals.

I have also experienced that some sandals that I’ve bought in shops here at home can get a bit tight over my foot, but my ankles aren’t really thick.

What size would you recommend for me?

Thank you!

Dear Kjersti,

My goodness!  You are breaking my stereotype about Scandinavian women being tall with long feet.  You have tiny feet!  All your measurements suggest a USA size 6 medium or 6.5 medium.   But a EURO size 36 is closer to a 5 or 5.5 wide.  I tend to pay more attention to the size of the shoes you wear rather than the measurements you took because, well, who knows if you slipped up with the tape measure?  The difference between a size 5 and a size 6 is only 0.8 centimeters or a third of an inch!  So lets assume you should be looking at either a size 5.5 wide or a size 6 medium.

Alyssa, dyeable white strappy sandal by Dyeables

Now, down to business.  Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  The Alyssa is a beautiful shoe.  It doesn’t come in wide, only medium.  But it is very open.  I think you could wear a 5.5 or a 6 medium.  It depends on how close to the end of the shoe you want your toes to be.  If you  want only a sliver  of the shoe to show under your toes, go for the 5.5.   Otherwise, go for the 6.

Best Wishes on your special day!

The Shoe Lady