Size 14’s Are Not Always Correctly Sized?

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

Kitten Heels: Heels Without The Sacrifice

Q: Dear Shoe Lady, I love the dramatic look of high heels, but in reality prefer extended comfort. Any suggestions?
__Stephanie

A: Hi Stephanie,

A happy compromise would be kitten heels. I have been seeing more of them around lately as one of the Spring 2011 trends.  They will give you the longer wear while fulfilling your heel criteria. The attention of the higher heel can be redirected to the drama of a stunning pattern or finish of the shoe to make up for a lower heel, and save your feet!

Waikiki Slide by Forgotten Soles Found at DesignerShoes.com

This orange Waikiki slide by Forgotten Soles boasts a punchy splash of color, and can easily be worn with pants or dresses.

Kitten by All Black by Barefoot Tess Found at DesignerShoes.com

The textured purple Kitten By All Black by Barefoot Tess is shiny dress pump. This versatile style would look good in a work environment or for a night out.

Marianne by Naturalizer Found at DesignerShoes.com

Marianne in black by Naturalizer combines the simplicity of a career pump with a revamped high-gloss shine.

Best,
The Shoe Lady

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

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