Flat Arches are a Challenge

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Amber,

Your feet are closer to average in length and width than you think. By those two dimensions, you are a size 9.5W, not even an extra wide. The flat arches and the orthotics are the challenges. There are several brands that make styles with removeable inner soles which allows your orthotics to take up the space designed for the inner sole and makes a better fit. Soft Spots and some Naturalizers offer this feature, for example.

But let’s assume you don’t remove the inner soles. Women with flat arches tend to find that the edges, the “throatline” of their shoes gap. I recommend, for this reason and so you can test different widths, wide or extra wide, that you look at “Mary Jane” style pumps. These shoes designed to have a strap over the top of your arch.

Take a look at some of these Mary Jane shoe styles. They come in wide and extra wide widths.

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

Thanks,
The Shoe Lady

Understanding USA Shoe Widths – A European Question

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe lady,

I’m from Malta and have a very large foot size unfortunately here the maximum size available for shoes for women is a 9 which is not even close to my size so i have been wearing mens shoes most of my life. As you can imagine this is not flattering at all and restricts my wardrobe to trousers as men’s shoes look hideous with dresses or skirts!

Last February my mother went on holiday in the United states and bought me 2 pairs of women’s shoes in size 11 W – the length of the shoe is fine however the width is simply too small. When I measure my feet according to the chart on this website I still get a size of 11 W however since I have 2 pairs of shoes in that size which do not fit I am hesitant in buying another pair in the same size. so I was wondering if you could tell me how to better measure the width of my foot to be able to buy the appropriate size.

I have recently finished a Master degree in Pharmacy and will start working with a pharmaceutical company my job will involve many functions with other professionals and I would like to be able to wear women’s shoes since first impressions are important in this business furthermore the fact that I have never owned a pair of womens shoes greatly influences my self esteem.

Many thanks in advance for your advice
Marisabelle

Dearest Marisabelle! I am here for you!

We want you to be the most attractively shod pharmacist on the continent! A size 11W is roughly 26.7 cm long and 10.9 cm wide. But there is a small difference between and 11 and a 12, only 0.6 cm, so your measuring has to be very exact. You’ll need to do a bit more reading about measuring your feet. Also on that page, read about shoe size and shoe width. You MUST make judgments about the SHAPE of your feet beyond what the size charts tell you.

Also, I don’t know which brands your mother bought? Some brands are terrible at making wider sizes, others are great. This article tells you about wide feet and lists some of the better brands to consider. Let me know more information about the shape and size of your feet after you read the articles and I’ll make more suggestions for you.

Keep in touch,
The Shoe Lady

I’m an Athletic Woman Who Needs Stylish Knee High Boots

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Pam,

I would start with a Naturalizer boot. The company has been around a long time and knows a lot about the quirks of shoe fitting. You would think shoemakers would be smart enough to know that a narrow or medium foot can support a muscular or wide calf?!? They are sized to allow you to get a medium width foot and a wide calf in a number of brands. But Naturalizer has been doing it the longest. You also may want to look at the boots that have some stretch material in the shaft. They aren’t “wide shaft” but they can accommodate a wider calf. Annie has some, as does Barefoot Tess. Of course, you have to catch them in season!

Sincerely,
The Shoe Lady

What Color Shoes With a Red Dress for Evening?

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,
What color shoe would you suggest I wear with a red sequined dress to a black tie party.
I was thinking nude color, I wear 10 wide, 2-2.5 inch heel. I am having problem finding one. Please help me.
Thank you
Lora

Lora –
I’m imagining that by black tie you mean a long dress? That’s what I’m visioning. But, no matter, the answer is the same. Silver fabric or silver toned metallic. You don’t want to call attention to your feet with such a bright dress. Silver is a great “neutral” for red when you are getting dressy. Here are some choices for silver styles from the DesignerShoes.com Dressy Evening collection.

If it is a long dress and you really want your shoes to blend in, take a look at the Bridal/ Dyeable collection at DesignerShoes.com and have them dyed to match the dress. Have a Ball!

The Shoe Lady

I’m 16 & I hate my big feet!

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Dear Shoe Lady,

I was wondering what you do if you absolutly hate your feet? Im a 16 year old girl with feet the size of Canada. They’re extremely wide and long, and everytime I try to find some shoes that fit I always turn up empty. The shoe is either the right length, but not the right width, or the other way around. What SHOULD i do???

Signed, shoe depressed
Shelby

Dearest Shelby,
Oh my. How familiar this sounds. I used to think I’d like to cut off my toes to be able to shop like everyone else. UGGGHHH. Can you imagine! Now, thanks to those shoe militants at DesignerShoes.com you can have a wide range of choices in larger sizes, in 6 different widths and hundreds of styles and colors. So tell me your size and width and I’ll make some recommendations to get your feet flatteringly fit.

The Shoe Lady

My summer look for the office needs some sprucing up.

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Hi Shoe Lady,

For the past few years, I have relied on the same office look, and I am interested in branching out. My summer work look needs some sprucing up. Any ideas for moving closer to sandals, but still appropriate for work?

All the best,
Elizabeth

A: Hi Elizabeth,
It sounds as though you require something with a covered toe for your office environment. A lighter weight shoe could be the way to go also for those summer months. Here are a few suggestions for you to think about.

Here we have a modified take on the ballet flat by Trotters. The Jeri shoe has a slingback, which enables more breathing room.

South Role by Aerosoles is a slingback pump that comes in green, black, or tan. The cutouts in the toe box add a bit of the risque without sacrificing the career shoe requirements for sobriety.

Acalia by Antia is a shoe that gives you a cross between ballet flats and sandals. The pattern paired with solid pants or skirts will make a good balance of textures.

Take care,
Shoe Lady

My prom is coming in May. Need perfect shoe.

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Barbara Thornton

Q: Dear Shoe Lady,

My prom is coming up in May, and I’m having trouble finding the perfect shoe. The color of my dress is aqua blue. Do you have any advice on what direction to take? Thank you!
–Amanda

A: Dear Amanda,

Depending on what details your dress has, metallic can be a striking choice. They provide a shiny accent to your outfit without overpowering it. I have included some pictures of possible options.

: Eliana

makes it perfect for dancing. It also comes in silver.

Anneka by Touch Ups have an elegant jeweled t-strap.

Pairing colors is also a good option in making your outfit pop. I would try to avoid tone on tone (i.e. blue dress and blue shoes) ensembles, because they tend to be a little too much like a costume. Mixing can be a great choice once you find a shoe color that complements your dress.

Francesca by Trotters carries a yellow lightly sequined slipper that could provide that extra splash of color. It also comes in other colors including violet.

You can browse our site by color, and heel height as well to pinpoint your search. Good luck on your search!

Enjoy your prom!

The Shoe Lady

Best Colors – Shoes for Spring!

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Tal F.

Dear Shoe Lady,

That’s it, I’m ready for Spring!!! What are the hottest trends you’re seeing so far for the season? I just bought the pair below but it’s not enough to complete my spring wardrobe!

Colette from Houston

—

Hi Colette,

I’m looking forward to Spring myself! In terms of trends, I’m seeing a lot of citrus colors — yellows and oranges. Here are two of my favorites:

What I love about these pumps from Sofft is that they can be worn anywhere: at work, at night, or on the weekend.

This yellow flat from Aerosoles is such a lovely color, and it looks very comfortable. I like that it has a small heel, which should keep your feet pain-free all day at work.

Valentine’s Day Shoes

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Tal F.

Dear Shoe Lady,

I’ve been married for over 10 years but I really want to spice things up this Valentine’s Day!! I already have the perfect dress — it’s a classic LBD — so can you recommend perfect red shoes?

Happy V-Day!
Kirsten

—

Kirsten,

It’s hard to go wrong when you have a Little Black Dress to work with, but I’d love to recommend some of my favorite vibrant reds pairs. That being said, I’m not sure if you’re looking for high heels or not, so I’ve included a pair of flats I like as well.

ellie-brande-red-w-black DesignerShoes.com

sofft-gabriela-red-patent-2 DesignerShoes.com

trotters-carin-dk-red DesignerShoes.com

Dressy footwear that covers your feet?

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Tal F.

Dear Shoe Lady,

I wish I could be asking you about 2011 summer fashion already, but this is the longest winter ever! Whenever I’m out on the town I’ve been wearing my pumps with socks, but I’ve found that even then my feet turn numb. Can you recommend some “going out” shoes that don’t expose my feet?

Thanks,
Anna

—-

Dear Anna,

It sounds like you need some booties! What’s great about them is that they keep your feet covered but unlike boots, you don’t have to worry about what they’ll look like under pants or jeans. I’ve found that booties are especially helpful now that skinnier pant legs are in fashion and my higher boots are just unflattering on my calves when I’m wearing pants.

Also, if you miss all the color that comes with summer fashion, try winter’s hottest color, dark purple. It’s fun, but still seasonal as it matches most winter colors.

Here are a few you may like:

aerosoles-patrole-car-dark-purple-suede DesignerShoes.com

aerosoles-pop-piz-dark-purple-suede DesignerShoes.com

aerosoles-play-date-dark-purple-suede DesignerShoes.com

Ask The Shoe Lady

for questions about wider, larger, narrower shoes – how to find the best fit in womens shoes

Flat Arches are a Challenge

Understanding USA Shoe Widths – A European Question

I’m an Athletic Woman Who Needs Stylish Knee High Boots

What Color Shoes With a Red Dress for Evening?

I’m 16 & I hate my big feet!

My summer look for the office needs some sprucing up.

My prom is coming in May. Need perfect shoe.

Best Colors – Shoes for Spring!

Valentine’s Day Shoes

Dressy footwear that covers your feet?