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
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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

Need Shoe Size Advice ASAP for Trotters

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Dear Shoe Lady,

I wear any where from a 9 to a 10 US size–foot measures 10.06 inches long, 3.31 wide for width ( actual width of toes), further down .5 inches below toes–3.44 inches wide, and 2.83 for the heel.  What size should I order for the trotter’s Liz shoe?  I am leaving town in two weeks.  I have trouble with the width by the toes and the width of the heel fitting.

Janet

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Dearest Janet-

I don’t understand your description of your foot measurements.  Just to clarify, the “width” of the your foot measurement is the WIDEST part of your foot, not your toe area.  And, regrettably, it has been a long time since shoe manufacturers paid attention to the width of your heel, it is assumed to be in proportion to the length of your foot and the width at the “ball” of your foot.  So I’m going to take you for 10.06 inches long and 3.44 inches wide.
Foot Measurements
You are pretty close to a perfect 9.5 N.
I’m also not clear on what “trouble” you have with the toe and heel width?  Too wide?  Too narrow?
If you like your shoes a little wider, go for a 9.5M.  If you like them roomier in the toe, go for a 10N.
Rest assured that I am not measuring the actual Trotter’s Liz shoe in these sizes.  I am going by two pieces of information:
1.  Your measurements, as given, compared to the internationally recognized data on the size chart  http://www.designershoes.com/size-chart
2.  My knowledge that Trotters does a very good job of making shoes according to the size specifications used internationally.
I do hope this information reaches you in time for your trip!
Bon Voyage!
The Shoe Lady

WIDE FEET! PLEASE HELP!

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Hi,
I have a size 5.5 wide, possibly extra wide foot. I also have hardly any arches on my feet, a skinny heel and a high instep. Any thoughts on where I can find shoes that fit?
Thanks!

Keara

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Dear Keara-

Mary Jane style shoes are your new BFF, Best Feet Friend!  There are lots of styles and heel heights.  You want a shoe that will stay on your feet.

I also suggest you try on size 5WW shoes.  You may be buying shoes too long just to get the width your feet need.  With a narrow heel, this will make your feet more likely to slip out of the heel.   Donna brown patent mary jane style by Samanta
PUHLEEZ!  Read my article on wide size shoes:  http://www.designershoes.com/about-size/width
Thanks,
The Shoe Lady

 

 

Career Wear Shoes in Action: Sandberg Wears Beige Pumps with Red Dress

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The Shoe Lady has gone to great lengths to answer two of your most pressing footwear fashion questions.  And she has done it in a video for your watching pleasure.  http://youtu.be/A3bw4L3gELs

1.  What kind of shoes are appropriate for “business attire”?  You’ll watch hundreds of women walking by in slacks and skirts, wearing slingbacks, ballet flats, high heeled platform pumps, round toes, pointy toes and more.  You decide the look that is right for you.  Feel free to judge.   Perhaps some of these styles are NOT appropriate for “business attire”.  Let us know.

Tailored accents on vamp add visual interest.

Tailored accents on vamp add visual interest.

Classic career wear pump in sizes 4 to 12, width AAA to WW.

Classic career wear pump in sizes 4 to 12, width AAA to WW.

Great choice to wear with a red dress for business attire, a la Sheryl Sandberg.

Great choice to wear with a red dress for business attire, a la Sheryl Sandberg.

2.  What color shoes should you wear with a red dress?  Of course, it all depends on the occasion.  Sheryl Sandberg, one of the most well known business women in the world, officer at Facebook.com, formerly Google.com and the US State Department, author of the best selling book for career women, LEAN IN, is a pretty darn good authority on what shoes to wear with a red dress, in The Shoe Lady’s humble opinion.  See her styling a beige-nude tone platform pump with a red dress.  The goal:  let the dress stand out, and let the shoes blend in with your legs, to make your legs look longer.Shoes for Career, Sandberg Wears Red Dress, Beige Pumps

 

What Shoes Should I Wear to Citizenship Ceremony with Navy Jacket, Red Dress?

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Ms. Shoe Lady,

I need your help, please.
I am going to a Citizenship Ceremony. I bought myself a RED dress pencil dress and a navy blue short jacket.
What color shoes can I wear?
Thank you!

Janet

 

Dear Janet,

I am assuming Congratulations are in order?!  Not sure which country, but it sounds like you are aiming to honor a flag of red and blue?  Very nice!
I am seeing some navy blue slingbacks.  It would be charming if you could find some shoe clips that had a red flower to clip on the vamp.
Here is a classic navy slingback.  Panama navy slingback by Bellini
Here is something a little dressier:
Best to you,
The Shoe Lady
Thank you so much ,Shoe Lady!I am noticing that the heel is small. I guess a high heeled shoe would be inappropriate?Janet

Dear Janet,
You are dressing for “business” attire.  You certainly can wear a high heeled shoe but most business attire shoes are in the 2.5 inch range.  And a navy blue shoe is generally considered to be for business attire so there are not many styles made in that color with higher heels.

The Shoe Lady

Pretty Slingbacks for Spring! Save 10%

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Maybe Need Women’s Size 14? 15? 16? How Do I Know?

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Hi Shoe lady.
Thanks for your previous feedback to my mail.
I have taken some measurements but hey were quite discouraging in compariosn to your size chart.
My length toe to heel was 32cm, and width was 11.3 cm. I saw that the size 15 was 29 cm, that means basically that there are no shoes that would fit me from your store… Ihope am wrong. Anyway back to the foot description, i have no bunions and i think my feet are soft and flabby. I love open toed shoes but we have very long winters here and i go in covered shoes almost 9 months a yr. I do not mind heels but i am 188cm tall so i really don’t need high heels. The shoes i am thinking of now are simple flat shoes for both work, casual and comfortable. I sit alot at work therefore need a flat shoe. I loved the ‘ All Black Crosstoe 11 By All Black. Would love some open toed shoes so am waiting for your advice. And by the way one of the shoes i bought that never fit was the Andiamo Island Pearlized Ivory Patent in size 13w.

Denise

 

Dear Denise-

I actually think the shoe chart measurements at DesignerShoes.com are pretty accurate.  But just because the shoe CHART measurements are correct, it doesn’t mean that the shoe MANUFACTURER measurements are correct or, for that matter, that your measurements of your feet are correct.  Particularly when we venture into the women’s size 14, 15, 16 sizes, there are many fewer shoe choices and the variations in fit characteristics in these sizes can be much greater than in more commonly made sizes like 7 or 8.
You need to double check your own measurements.  i suggest having someone else do it for you. Make sure they hold the pencil straight up and down, and keep it pressed tight against your foot. Another tip to estimate your size, try on men’s shoes that are in US sizes.  (I’ve found that Euro sizes can vary greatly depending on country of manufacture).  I’m guessing a men’s size 13 or 14 might be best for you?  Try on a few styles to get the best size across three or four styles.  Then compare this back to the US women’s size equivalent.
That said, because there are so few shoes made for women who need size 14 or more, we are all hoping that you will fit into a size 14W or 15.  Not enough choices but some.
Today there are 38 choices in 14W including some stylish flats by Barefoot Tess and by Samanta.  http://www.designershoes.com/?sizewidth=211
There are 80 choices available today in size 15M.  http://www.designershoes.com/?p=2&sizewidth=132.  Brands include Barefoot Tess, Forgotten Soles, Ellie, Takera and Tamarac (the moccasin loafers are a good comfort choice for cold wearther.)  The All Black Cross Strap styles are gone.  But they ran very small and narrow.  I think you would have been disappointed.
I’m assuming you are writing from an address outside the USA and want to avoid having to send back shoes that do not fit.  Please write me with your choices before placing your order.  Give me more size details on your feet and the styles and sizes you want to order.  I can’t promise they will fit, but I will see if I can get more information on the fit characteristics of your chosen shoes.
Thanks,
The Shoe Lady

Where Can I Find the G.Wiz Brand “Bailey” Fishermen’s Sandals?

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4 Give Fisherman’s Sandal by Aerosoles

Dear Virginia-

The G.Wiz Bailey “fisherman” sandals were a comfort classic for many years.  Unfortunately that company, like many other shoe companies, did not make it through the 2008++ recession.  That’s the bad news.  The good news is that Aerosoles had a style very similar to the Bailey.  See this:
Thanks,
The Shoe Lady

Pretty Prom Styles-Save 10%!

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