Women’s C Width Shoes Disappeared

Dear Shoe Lady,

What happened to women’s C width shoes? I can’t find them anywhere these days, just “W”. Problem is W’s are often too wide because W can be C or D. Should I give up looking for C widths and either squeeze them into B’s (as one sales person suggested) or settle for a sloppy fit with D’s?

Marie

Dear Marie,

I wish the world were so simple.  The reason more people refer to “W” rather than “C” or “D” to denote wide size women’s shoes is because the “C” vs. “D” width implied a precision in shoe manufacturing that wasn’t really there!  As shoe manufacturers moved to more different factories, it became harder to assure that dimension.  And the other change that happened, more shoe manufacturers decided to make extra wide (WW) widths so to control their costs, the cut out at least one of the widths, the “C”.  Narrower footed ladies will also tell you that they cut the AAAAA, the AAAA, many AAA’s, and the “combination last” (one width in the heel, another in the forefoot).
Read more about the REAL truth of wide size shoes, how they are made and how to think about your best size here: http://www.designershoes.com/about-size/width
Don’t assume that you should buy medium widths and they’ll be too tight or wide widths and they’ll be too loose.  I recommend that you try on your favorite brands in your size medium and your size wide AND in half a size smaller in wide.  Do this for a few brands and styles until you can determine a pattern for what is the best fit in each brand.
Then, remember that the fit will also vary according to the style (high heel, ballet flat, sandal) of the shoe!
Happy Hunting!
The Shoe Lady

Australian to US Shoe Size Conversion

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