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.

Narrow Feet – Toes Too Tight and Heels Too Loose

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Dear Shoe Lady,
My foot measures 10 inches long and 3 and a quarter inches wide at widest part of largest foot. Is that 10 and a half, narrow? Some narrows are a bit tight in the toes, but mediums are so wide in the heel, I can’t keep them on my foot. I do okay with flats, but when the heel is elevated, it is hard to keep them on. Thanks for your help.

Dearest Barbara,
With a length of 10 and width of 3.25 puts your size as 9.5 Narrow (N or AA). What size are you currently wearing now? Since the narrows are tight in the toes but loose in the heels then you may want to play around with insoles and possibly heel grips.

Full and half insoles offer different levels of support and no insole will create the perfect fit without trial and error. If you send me your email address I would be happy to mail send you some full insoles to play around with. Remember you can always trim the insoles. Email erica AT designershoes DOT com.

If you are looking for stylish flats in size 9.5 narrow here are some lovely options. The Naturalizer Shoes are known for their comfort more than style but that has been changing over the last few years. The Naturalizer Violette Pewter Mettallicare a stylish ballet flat with a buckle detail.

Naturalizer Violette Pewter Mettallic at DesignerShoes.com

Naturalizer Violette Pewter Mettallic is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

Ross Hommerson shoes are always made from quality materials, anti microbial foam and padded footbeds, some with arch supports. Ross Hommerson is on the expensive side so may sure to wait for sales. The Ros Hommerson Ailis Bronze Nappa pictured below is on SALE for $48.82. Marked down from $99.00 and is made of COROLLA CONSTRUCTION

Ros Hommerson Ailis Bronze Nappa at DesignerShoes.com

Ros Hommerson Ailis Bronze Nappa is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

Size 11.5 Flats

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I need a pair of flat women’s shoes with 1/4′ heel, and that just cover the toes. They need to be in a women’s size 11.5. They are for my mother, who is 86 years old. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and cooperation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Paul

Dear Paul,
We have a few pairs of shoes that I’m sure your dear mother would love! The first is the Rangoni Camilla flat in black. While very versatile, this comfortable flat is also very conservative and fashionable.

Rangoni Camilla Black at DesignerShoes.com

Rangoni Camilla Black is a Low Heel Dressy Flat


And in beige:
Rangoni Camilla Tortora at DesignerShoes.com

Rangoni Camilla Tortora is a Low Heel Dressy Flat


However, the Rangoni brand is expensive. If you are looking for a more cost effective yet comfortable style I would recommended the Fit in Clouds. Easy on the wallet, stretchable with a rubber sole bottom.
Fit In Clouds Bow Tie Black at DesignerShoes.com

Fit In Clouds Bow Tie Black is a Low Heel Dressy Flat


Make sure to review the Fit in Clouds sizing chart. Your mother would order an XXLARGE.

Australian to US Shoe Size Conversion

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I am about to purchase shoes but just want to confirm size conversions. I am Australian wearing size 7.5 to 8 dependent on style. I believe I am a US 8, but its the width I need to check on. I believe I am a C width shoe here in Australia.. which I believe is a wider fit….can you advise.
Thank you
Dee

Dear Dee,
I am so glad you came to us for help! Actually, an Australian women’s size 7.5 is equivalent to a US size 9, while the size 8 is a US size 9.5.

With width, a “C” would be considered a Wide or “W” size. Likewise, narrow is “AA”, Average is “B”, and Extra Wide is “E”. If you take the widest part of your foot (usually the balls of your feet), and measure length-wise, a US size 9 or 9.5 is about 4 1/16 to 4 1/8 inches. I would advise trying a US size 9W. You may be going up a half size because the medium/average width is just too snug.

I thought I would spotlight a couple new arrivals, in different styles, all sized 9W. First up is a style from Aerosoles, a brand know for comfort, true fit and style. The Aerosoles Plum Tree Tan Patent has a 3 inch wedge heel which is helpful for those women who want height and stability. I adore the pattern on the heel.

Aerosoles Plum Tree Tan Patent at DesignerShoes.com

Aerosoles Plum Tree Tan Patent is a High Heel Casual Pump

Aerosoles have a wonderful collection of flats as well. Perfect for work, walking to the T, all while being stylish.

Aerosoles Bec 2 Differ Black Multi at DesignerShoes.com

Aerosoles Bec 2 Differ Black Multi is a Low Heel Casual Pump

If you need additional assistance on this, our size guide can be found at: http://www.designershoes.com/size-chart

How to Convert Men’s to Women’s Shoe Sizes

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I am a men’s size 9. What does that translate to in women’s shoes, particularly high heels?
Thank you
-N

Good Day N,
The first step in converting a man’s shoe size to a woman’s is to measure your feet! Refer to this recent post for step by step instructions. Without your your length and width measurements (so important) I will use the given men’s size 9 which converts to a women’s size 10.5.

Depending on the style you desire I selected a couple shoes which happen to be favorites of mine. Always remember pedicures are your best friends in summer and keep you feeling sexy all winter long.

I love leopard shoes. They make a rather dull outfit pop. Don’t be scare to jazz up your standard work outfits to add a touch of glamour. The heel height is 2.25 with a rounded toe pump and platform sole.

Naturalizer Lennox Natural Jungle at DesignerShoes.com

Naturalizer Lennox Natural Jungle is a High Heel Dressy Pump

A fantastic new brand, Takera, designed by Asjha Jones, WNBA All-Star, made exclusively for women sizes 10.5 through 15. She recognized the void in the market place for this exotic sizing due to her own personal pains of not being able to fulfill her shoe fetish due to limited styles and quality in her size, 13. The Takera Milan Black Leather (my top pick) rocks a 3.2 inch heel, zip up heel and sexy black netting.

Takera Milan Black Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Takera Milan Black Leather is a High Heel Dressy Pump

Be sure to browse all women’s size 10.5 high heels at DesignerShoes.com. Our sister site!

Best of luck!

Wider Width Feet

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I was so excited to find your website as the only shoes that fit my feet are thong sandals.

I have measured my feet as your site describes, and the measurements are as follows:
Length 24.5cm
Width 11.75cm
Please can you tell me what size I am?

Kind regards,
Michelle (Australia)

Hi Michelle,
We LOVE our Aussies! With a length of 24.5CM your size would be an 8.5 which equates to 26.4CM.

Your shoe width however, is a bit tricky. An 8.5WW measures 11.1cm. You width is 11.75cm so I am afraid an 8.5WW will be too snug. I would suggest trying an 8.5WWW. The downside with tripe wide widths is the styles are very limited.

Another option would be to try a 9WW and play around with the use of insoles. Also be selective in choosing shoes with soft, stretchable material to accommodate your wider width feet. Here is a nice 9WW size option –

Annie Gable Brown Velvet Suede at DesignerShoes.com

Annie Gable Brown Velvet Suede is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

One more thing Michelle, what size/width thong sandals are your currently wearing?

Happy Holidays!

Aerosoles Shoe Fit for Size 9.5 Wide

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I am interested in the Aerosoles Baltic Sea Black Leather shoe in size 9.5 wide. I am concerned that the strap will not fit over my chubby foot. Is there elastic in it or will it stretch in some way?

Dear Susan,
I’m so glad you chose the Aerosoles Baltic Sea Black Leather shoes. You will not be disappointed! One of the best features about these shoes is their comfort. No need to worry about the material of the strap, it is easily adjustable via it’s Velcro. You can loosen or tighten the shoe as needed and it will remain safely secured on your 9.5 wide foot!

Aerosoles Baltic Sea Black Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Baltic Sea by Aerosoles is a Low Heel Casual Loafer

Happy Holidays!

Boots and Casual Shoes for Women’s Size 11 Wide

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I have an 11 wide foot. Last winter I got frostbite at Christmas and then was diagnosed with Reynards Syndrome due to Fibromyalgia. I have to wear 2-4 pairs of socks in the winter and need a shoe that has lots of toe box, and last year wore a size 12 mens sneaker to have enough room. Do you have a recommendation for a casual dress shoe, possible lace up, and a warm boot that I can wear either with jeans or long dresses. Thanks so much! I just found your website and love what I see and have several selected!

Dear Lorrie,
First of all, you sound like a trooper! I can feel your positivity and I have just the thing for you! Aerosoles Brown Suede boots are not only super-stylish, but these sleek shoes will keep your legs and toes warm under, or even over any outfit (not to mention, they’re on SALE)! If you prefer a wider selection of women’s boots make sure to check out one of my favorite (besides us) shoe shops!

Aerosoles Gather Round Brown Suede at DesignerShoes.com

Gather Round by Aerosoles is a High Heel Casual Boot

For a more casual look, I would again recommend another shoe by Aerosoles, called the Rebecca Nickel. I absolutely LOVE these shoes not only for their comfort, but also for their versatility. As flats, they can be worn to spruce up a pair of jeans or combined with a nice cocktail dress for an evening out on the town!

Aerosoles Rebecca Nickel Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Rebecca by Aerosoles is a Low Heel Casual Pump

Happy Holidays!

Slender Long Feet

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Dear Shoe Lady,
I have a daughter who is 13 and wears an 11.5 to 12 narrow width. Do you think you can help me to find her a more modern shoe than they have in the stores and more of an variety?

Dearest Hazel,
We have so many options to choose from! Our website features a very wide variety of sizes & widths including narrow, slim and extra slim, so no worries on finding the right size and style for your daughter. If you were looking for a dressier option, may I recommend Trotters Janna? Such a simple, classic heeled shoe would be perfect for a 13 year old. The Trotters brand offers narrow widths in sizes up to a womens 12.

Trotters Janna White Pearl

Trotters Janna White Pearl

For a little bit more style and warmth, I would like to shoe- I mean ‘show’ you (I’m very excited about these) the Softwalk Dani boots. These ankle boots are very ‘in’ right now and they make a perfect present this time of year.

Softwalk Dani Black

Dani by Softwalk is a Mid Heel Casual Bootie

If, however, you are more interested in casual, yet classy looking shoes- one can never go wrong with a great pair of flats such as the Antia Abella shoes in black. Although simple, they are versatile enough to go with any outfit, for almost any occasion. Happy Shopping!

Antia Abella Black

Abella by Antia is a Low Heel Casual Pump

Heels Slip Out While Dancing

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Dear Shoe Lady,
About 15 years ago I bought a pair of easy spirit shoes that fit me better than any shoes I have ever had. I believe they were labeled something like M A/B but I don’t remember exactly. I am a size 7 and 1/2 but the ball of my foot is wide and the heel is narrow and my arch is high. My feet look great in most shoes but I like to dance and have trouble with fitting my high arch and wide ball into a pair of 7 and 1/2 heels so I have to buy an 8 and then my heel slips out. Dangerous while dancing! Help! What size should I look for?
M

Dear M,
Please measure the length and width of your foot. Compare the data to our size chart. – http://www.designershoes.com/size-chart. Most likely you are a 7.5 wide (W) if an 8 is too big and a 7.5 too narrow width wise. The acronyms for shoe width can be confusing so below I will provide a break down.

SS = AAAA = “extra slim” or “quad”, the narrowest size generally available. Even these widths are increasingly rare.
S = AAA= “slim” or “triple”
AA = N = “narrow” or “double A”
M = B = “medium”, the most common or “average” width for that size.
W = C or D = “wide”
WW = EE or EEE = “extra wide”

Don’t fret over wearing a wide size. The majority of women do not have a medium width even though the manufacturers would like us all to believe. I selected a couple of sexy heels perfect for dancing the night away in size 7.5 wide.

Naturalizer Iman Black at DesignerShoes.com

Iman by Naturalizer is a High Heel Dressy

Perfect booties to pair with a short mini dress or skirt. On sale now for $84.10. Marked down from $117.00.

Sofft Ramona Ii Sand Patent at DesignerShoes.com

Ramona Ii by Sofft is a High Heel Dressy Pump

Peep toe nude pump elongates the leg and works well with patterned or bright color dresses.

Happy Dancing!
The Shoe Lady

Wide vs. Extra Wide Width

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Dear Shoe Lady,
How do you know what size to order wide vs. extra wide?

Dear Maddie,
Thank you so much for your question! To achieve the most comfortable and accurate width fit you MUST measure the width of your feet. Women do not believe the width measurement is an important one but they couldn’t be more wrong! Think about the difference in inches between a wide and extra wide width. It’s 0.4 inches. Imagine having to cram your toes into a shoe that is a half an inch too small. Painful!

The benefits of taking the time to measure your width will help prevent toe crowding, bunions, blisters and long painful nights are the dance floor. Not to mention heel slippage. Use our handy size chart to compare your width data then start shopping for comfortable shoes!

I wanted to spotlight an extra wide classic black pump ON SALE for $39.94. Marked down from $81.00.

Ros Hommerson Ruby Black Kid at DesignerShoes.com

Ruby by Ros Hommerson is a High Heel Dressy Pump

Happy Shopping,
The Shoe Lady