Category Archives: Shoe Fit

The Shoe Lady answers questions about shoe width, shoe length, finding the right size in a shoe, why shoes fit the way they do, and more.

Long Toes? Short Toes? It Makes a Difference in Picking Shoes

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I’m a male, and I have an arch length that is much longer than my foot length. I’ve heard two schools of thought on this:
1. Take the higher of the two measures.2. Split the difference of the two measures.

My foot length corresponds to a size 14.5, but my arch length corresponds to about a 17 (I’m not exactly sure on that, because my arch length is off the chart on the Brannock Device, which tops off at 16. My arch length is 9″). Because of the major difference, would it be better to split the difference or go with the higher number? Thanks 🙂

The Shoe Lady <Shoelady@designershoes.com>
May 15
to Heath

Dear Heath –
So sorry.  But I can not even find an “arch length” reference on Google!  I use a Brannock device and have never heard of anyone measuring the arch length.  I suggest you not worry about arch length, worry about foot length and width.  Then pick your style of footwear, shape, vamp design, etc., based on whether you have a high or flat arch.  Also consider using orthodics for a better fit.
Best of luck.
H E
May 15
to Shoe
 Thanks for the response. 
I had done some more research since I contacted you and pretty much answered my question.
Shoes are actually made for your arch length; Manufacturers simply count on everybody having regular sized toes. The arch length (heel to ball length) doesn’t concern most people (hence why I and almost everyone else hasn’t heard of it), because most people have arch lengths that correspond to their foot lengths (in other words, they have “normal” sized toes). There are some people, however, who have extra long or extra short toes. This makes the arch length and foot length very disproportionate (short toes correspond to a long arch length and long toes correspond to a short arch length).
I have short toes in proportion to the size of my foot, so the length of my foot will fit well into a size 15 shoe, but the break of my foot is much higher up than the break of the shoe. This makes the shoe too tight on the ball and presses the toes together. The widest part of your foot us supposed to match up with the widest part of the shoe. This can cause big problems in the future and could be part of the reason why I have mild bunions on both feet.
On the Brannock Device, the heel-to-ball measurement is on the opposite side of the width bar. The numbers correspond to the shoe size. When I measure the length of my arch on the Brannock Device, it goes off the chart. My arch length corresponds to between sizes 16.5 and 17. This is the size I’m supposed to wear, even though I will have extra room in the toe box.
People with extra long toes have a special problem: If one’s arch length corresponds to a size 11 but their foot length corresponds to a size 13.5, they can’t simply go with a size 11. Their toes would be squished. These people either have to buy a pair of shoes that are too wide for the rest of their foot to accommodate for the ball, or they have to find a shoe that has a extra longer toe box.
Hopefully that made sense lol.

The Shoe Lady <Shoelady@designershoes.com>
12:49 PM (2 minutes ago)
to H
 Dear Heath-

Thank you for the clarification.  And the detailed description.  I’d never heard this referred to as “arch length” before.  But I am painfully familiar with the “ball to heel” length.  You are absolutely right, this is the dimension that shoemanufacturers use.  And they assume an average toe length.  So people with short toes and people with long toes have to take that into consideration when they buy shoes on line.  I tend to suggest that they think of the shape of their foot in relation to the shape of the shoe.  But non-average toe length alone is often the culprit.
Best to you,
The Shoe Lady

Need Shoes & Boots & Sandals in 5.5 Extra Wide

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Shoe Lady-

Where can I find a company that sell shoes, sandals, boots and sneakers in a size 5.5 EW.  I have always wore wide shoes since I was a little girl.  My mother always took us to Coward Shoes in Manhattan years ago.  Now that I am older I can’t find anything that fits my feet.  I can only wear boots in a size 6W by or 6WW depending on how the boot are made and I can only find them online. Sometimes I find sneakers I can wear but they always hurt my feet because I have a high instep.  I am not over weight.  I only weigh 138 pounds.  My son is getting married next year and I won’t be able to wear a dress because I can’t find shoes or sandals to fit me.  Please help!!

 

Lisa-

I am SO sorry!  DesignerShoes.com only offers 22 styles.    There are some lower shaft height boots, some wedge heel pumps, a couple of loafers and lots of lace ups.  But nothing for the Mother of the Groom to wear to the wedding.Shela sandals by Bella Vita
You will be limited to online shopping.  I am hopeful that we may have a new brand to offer you, with some nice dress shoe styles, by late summer.  If not, I suggest you plan on finding a size 5W sandal that you can take to a shoe repair shop and have stretched.  This will require you to pay attention to where the straps should be, what you need stretched, the material of the straps, etc.  A bother, I know.  But I want you to look gorgeous for that important wedding!
The Shoe Lady

Fourteen Year Old Needs Size 15 Shoes – that are Cute for a Teen!

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Hi Shoe Lady,

My 14 year old daughter is 6’2″ and wears a size 15 shoe. I have the hardest time finding age appropriate shoes (flats, sandals, low heels) for her. The shoes I find are either to high or not trendy enough for her age. She thinks they look too much like grown folks shoes. Please give me some advice on a site I can go to. And to, the shoes are soooo expensive when you get pass a size 12.

Please advise.

QS

Dear Q,

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you wrote on behalf of your daughter!  Please use this coupon code – your first name in all caps- and she’ll save 10% on her first order of size 15 shoes.

Everyone knows that women’s feet are getting longer fast.  The average size in 1990 was size 7.  Today it is size 9.  Tell me why shoe stores still stop at size 10?  What will they do in 2030 when the average women’s shoe size is size 11?  Will they still stop at size 10?  Whew!

I find 87 styles in size 15 on DesignerShoes.com today.  http://www.designershoes.com/?size=74.  Some of these are not appropriate for a 15 year old.  But I do think you will find some cute and inexpensive choices.  Manufacturers are beginning to realize that there is a big market here.

Also, I strongly suggest that you carefully measure her feet to make sure she really is a size 15.   Follow the instructions here:  http://www.designershoes.com/about-size/measure-feet   Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

The Shoe Lady

Size 14’s Are Not Always Correctly Sized?

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Shoe Lady:

Lava Ivory silver metallic sandal. You advertise that the shoe can be purchased in a size 14. A few yrs ago, I  purchased the Cloud fit flat in a 14 and found  out that it was sized correctly . So, before I waste time ordering that sandal, I need to know if it is a true 14.

Cassie

 

Dear Cassie-

I just checked.  The Lava silver sandal, I assume you mean the Barbara, is not available in size 14.  If it was, it is now sold out.  I’ve been asking Lava to make larger sizes, like a size 14.  But I don’t think they have yet.
I assume in your email you meant the Fit In Clouds brand shoes?  And that you meant it was NOT sized correctly?
They are a new brand and I, for one, am eternally grateful to the owner that he was willing to go to his factory and have them try to make a size 14.  The factory had never done it before.  Most factories refuse.  But the owner of Fit in Clouds prevailed. (They are a completely different company than Lava, by the way.)  It took a season for them to adjust the fit, with lots of conversations with me and with DesignerShoes.com customers.  The reason it is hard to find size 14 shoes is because brands don’t know how to size them correctly.
And…. I’m just sayin’ here…. when a brand actually DOES TRY to make a size 14,  it is better for us larger footed folks if we encourage and guide them, not criticize and scold them.  Just sayin’.
Consider throwing some kudos to Samanta and Barefoot Tess and Forgotten Soles and Maasai Sandals for the efforts they make to bring us more size 14‘s.
The Shoe Lady

What Shoes for Black Dress at Black Tie Wedding?

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Dear Shoe Lady,

I am going to a black tie wedding I bought a dressy long black dress what color of shoes should I wear??

 

Dear Michelle,

Not Enough Information!  Is it a summer wedding?  A winter wedding?  Florida?  Minnesota?

It sounds quite glamorous.  I’m guessing it is indoors so the weather may not be terribly significant.  I suggest something with sparkle.  Strappy sandals with rhinestones or a metallic color like silver or pewter.  Don’t go with black.  Make your feet look jeweled and almost bare.  If you want to go bold…. do something like dark silver grey with your pedicure.

Honey Silver sandals by Lava

Anneka Silver sandal by TouchUps

Have fun!

The Shoe Lady

 

Large Size Women’s Shoes in South Africa

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Hi,

I live in South Africa and it is a big problem getting shoes in my size. Please tell me if there is a shop here that imported from you, or is the only way for me to order myself. What if it doesn’t fit ?

Tilla

 

Dear Tilla,

It is unbelievable to me that you can not even find a woman’s size 10 in South Africa!  But I have heard from my DesignerShoes.com friends that they have a lot of customers in your country who order shoes on line.  So it looks like that is the way to go.  If you do order on line, here is the return policy:  https://www.designershoes.com/customer/returns

For the best chance of getting shoes that fit, read About Sizes:  http://www.designershoes.com/about-size/size.  Measure your feet carefully.  If you have any questions, email info@designershoes.com before ordering.

Good luck and happy shopping!  I see over 2800 styles in size 10 on DesignerShoes.com today!

Sincerely,

The Shoe Lady

 

Need Special Size 13 Narrow

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Dear Shoe Lady

I am currently only wearing breeze walker by propet, size 13 narrow
cannot find anything, anywhere.  Can you help?  Also, I have pronation.

Felice

 

Dear Felice,

I am surprised and pleased to report that I just found 67 different styles in size 13N on DesignerShoes.com at this link:

http://www.designershoes.com/?sizewidth=150

Many of these are New Balance athletic shoes.  There are some nice loafer choices from Trotters.  And, of course, there is Propet.  Still that is not a great choice if you want something for dressy evening?  Business attire dress?

But I think your bigger problem is comfort and fit.  You can’t always tell by the size and width marked on the box that the shoes are going to feel right for you.  Technically there are 28, TWENTY EIGHT!, different fit points on a shoe.  No wonder those of us with hard to fit feet have a hard time.  It is hard enough finding a size 13N.  But that only measures two out of 28 fit points.

Pronators tend to have their ankles lean inward when they walk.  Supinators are the opposite, with ankles that lean out.  Either way,  these walking styles can result in soreness in your shins,  calves and knees.  As you move through a step, your foot hits the ground and rolls.  But pronators’ feet continue rolling inward too much.  For comfort and protection of your legs, look for shoes that  have motion control or stability features and  firm, multidensity midsoles and external control features.  Personally, I think New Balance is the place to go for these requirements.

812 New Balance with roll bar for pronators

 The 812 style is one they have in the collection,  http://www.designershoes.com/new-balance-ww812wt-white.  It is available in 13 Narrow and has a “roll bar” feature which offers their highest level of stability for pronators.

Take care of those feet and they will take care of you!

Best,

The Shoe Lady

Special Offer for WIDE Sizes – Register to get offer for YOUR Size!

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WHAT SHOE GO WITH A RED DRESS?

Please…visit our new YOUTUBE video to see

examples of “Career Wear” shoes in action.  

And…see Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO,

demonstrate what color shoes to wear with a

“business attire” red dress:  http://youtu.be/A3bw4L3gELs

Frequently
Asked Questions

 


Can “Gapping” be Controlled by Wearing Narrower Shoes?

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To:  The Shoe Lady
Subject: Width

I require narrow width, as medium is full of gaps! My actual size is 12 1/2, which is already too large.  Smaller sizes have choices of 1/2 sizes AND width!  When a STYLISH or COLORED choice is advertised, it is immediately out of stock or backordered!  Of course, we too want to purchase a variety of shoes.  Please help us!

Ellen

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Dear Ellen-

There are a lot of causes for why your shoes gap.  Don’t assume that your shoes are too long or too narrow.  It could be that your toe length is not in the standard ratio of the “heel to ball” length.  It could be that your feet are flatter than average or arches are higher than average.  These are the most common reasons for gapping.  You will need to come to a clearer understanding of the shape of your feet and how that shape differs from the average shape.  Then you will need to pick styles that accommodate your foot shape.
I suggest you look for styles in size 12N to start.   
Bella Vita, Softwalk and Trotters are good brands to consider.
I could not agree more that it isn’t fair to offer shoes in size 5.5 which is 4 half sizes from the AVERAGE size 9, but nothing in size 12.5 which is also 4 half sizes from the average size.  Support the companies that take on this battle!  It isn’t easy.  I’ve got the scars to prove it.
The Shoe Lady
***********************
Hey!
13 narrow works for me!  I don’t have the luxury of vast choices to try, nor the patience to order,try,return,try…
How unfortunate for me that manufacturers are focusing on WW,WWW,WWWW .  Many women with size 13 DO HAVE NARROW FEET and want to keep it that way!  Mine used to be AAA but over the years they widened for lack of available size for me.  How rediculous about “dainty feet” – Are you kidding???   And the 13 proportion is very often wrong and ugly on the foot.  Seems they simplly make the front of the toe longer, which makes our feet look like gunboats!  Casual flats too often are too long from instep to end of toe, rather than a low cut just covering the toes- a much more attractive and better proportioned shoe.  Occasionally they get it right. 
    I’m doing fine – just wish someone was giving it more consideration for the high prices we must pay!  Women with large feet also loook for more shoes to but…Wed love to see our size 13N included in the “NEW” and WE HAVE YOUR SIZE”  ads!  And what about the newest colors?  NOPE!    What does exist I probably purchased a year or two or three ago…  OH, well, That’s that. 
Ellen

Duck Feet? What to Do?

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Dear Shoe Lady,

Every pair of shoes I own are too tight in the toes and too loose in the heels. This is a real problem if I want to dress up and wear pumps as the shoes with actually fall off my feet at the back yet be causing me such pain in the toes. I have bought heel grips and they changed nothing. I have doubled them up with thick tissue and still they won’t stay on my feet. I would like to dress up for a wedding and wear classic pumps. Is it possible? What can I do to my shoes to make them fit? I try different sizes in the store and I think I get one that works but 10 minutes into wearing it, it slips! argh!

Lynda

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Dear Ducky!

Takes one to know one!  And I do sympathize!  Here’s the deal.  It is not about your shoe SIZE, it is about learning to pick a style that matches the shape of your foot!

Heel grips are worthless.  I’ve tried them hundreds of times before I learned about fit.  I have definitely “been in your shoes”!

You say you want pumps.  You must get them wide enough at the forefoot for those web shaped toes.  Look for styles that have a wider toe box.   Also consider slingbacks, which adjust better to a narrower heel.  And, of course, mary janes which have a strap over the vamp of your foot to hold the darn shoes on!

Once you understand the physics and geometry of your situation, you will learn to choose styles with a wider toe box for toe room and a higher vamp to anchor the shoes onto your feet.  Boots, T-Strap shoes, ankle straps, etc.

Here are some styles to give you an idea.  You can definitely look glamorous at that wedding!

Best Wishes,

The Shoe Lady

Sofft Ravenna Gold at DesignerShoes.com

Ravenna by Sofft is a Low Heel Dressy Sandal

Studio, black suede a Mary Jane style pump by Soft Spots

Studio, black suede a Mary Jane style pump by Soft Spots

Sofft Reiko Caramel Suede at AskTheShoeLady.com

Reiko by Sofft is a High Heel Dressy Bootie

Bella Vita Athena Multi Snake Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Athena by Bella Vita is a Mid Heel Dressy Pump

Naturalizer Beauty Coral at DesignerShoes.com

Naturalizer Beauty Coral is a 3 Inch Wedge High Heel Casual Sandal