While there are no official statistics about average shoe size, it’s generally thought to be around a US size 8 or 9, or a UK size 6. But what if your feet are longer than that? How do you find stylish shoes for women with big feet?
You’re definitely not alone if this is a struggle you are facing. Just as women’s clothing size is now bigger on average, so too is shoe size. In fact, over the past few decades, the average women’s shoe size is believed to have increased by two sizes.
But while women’s foot sizes have increased since the 1970s, many shoe makers and stores have not kept pace with the trend, so it’s often tricky to find shoes that are more than two sizes above the current average.
A focus on fast fashion rather than quality has also compounded the problem, with many stores preferring to only stock sizes that are close to average.
However, change is now afoot, and more brands are waking up to the needs of women who need bigger shoe sizes. In this article, you will find some of the best brands to look out for.
Take a look at this article on average shoe size if you want to know more.
Celebrity women with bigger shoe sizes
If you do have larger feet, you’re in good company. There are many stylish celebrity women who also need a larger shoe size.
They include Uma Thurman, Oprah Winfrey, Kate Winslet, Whoopi Goldberg and Paris Hilton, who are all a US size 11, as well as Elle MacPherson who is a US 12. And, it’s not just modern day style icons who have larger feet than average. Audrey Hepburn famously wore a US 10.5.
How to make your feet look smaller
You may love having larger feet. The US swimmer Missy Franklin certainly loves hers, as she says they help her to swim faster. But, if you do want to make your feet look smaller, below are some of the considerations to think about:
Pointed or round-toe
You may prefer a round toe rather than adding extra length with a pointed style.
Maudie @my_silver_years above opts for round toe espadrilles.
Get her look with this pair of espadrille sneakers, romper, belt, sunglasses and hat.
Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat
Color blocking
Another tip if you want to make your feet look smaller is to go for shoes that have color block features. If the toe cap is in a different color, for example, this will “break up” the length of the shoe.
David Tate Nicole Cap Toe Flat
Wear flared or bootcut jeans
These will cover up the top part of your feet and make them look smaller.
Melissa @melissabultburns above wears her jeans over her Converse sneakers
Check out this similar cardigan set, bootcut jeans and handbag to complete the look.
Consider heels
Heels naturally tend to make your feet look smaller as the line of your shoes runs diagonally rather than horizontally.
Tanasha @stylishheights above wears her heels with her yellow dress.
Steal her look with this similar pair of strappy sandals, dress, blazer and handbag.
Bella Vita Sarah Slingback Dress Shoe Pump
Choose a color that contrasts with your skintone
Opting for a shade that is completely different from your skin tone can also break up the lines of your foot, creating a shortening effect.
Troy @thethriftanista above (read her style interview here) opts for black shoes with straps across the foot and ankle, breaking up the line of her foot.
Recreate her outfit with this similar pair of sandals, floral dress and belt bag.
The best brands to find stylish shoes for women with big feet
Now let’s move onto some of the brands that offer larger sizes.
Let’s make this a great resource for women who have larger feet and need stylish shoes. Let me know your own favorite brands in the comments at the bottom.
Tory Burch
Looking for a stylish flip flop for summer or a vacation? Tory Burch’s iconic Miller style goes all the way up to a US Size 13, although you will find that your color options are more limited compared to the smaller sizes.
If you’re heading into the cooler months soon, you could also try a pair of boots from Tory Burch.
Tory Burch Miller Lug Sole Platform Boot
Naturalizer
Naturalizer is a good brand to opt for if you need arch support and is also a great go-to if you’re looking for larger sizes.
Clarks
Looking for a pair of shoes to transition from summer to fall, a pair of sneaker booties like the ones from Clarks (below) could be the answer.
Zappos
Zappos is a fantastic go-to for women with bigger feet, as you can refine your search so you only see those in larger sizes.
PIKOLINOS
If you’re looking for a pair of boots for winter and fall, Pikolinos is a good place to start. You’ll also find a good range of sandals.
Pikolinos Daroca Knee High Boots
David Tate
Have you tried the David Tate brand? You’ll find sizes available up to 13 in styles including sandals, sneakers, pumps and booties.
SoftWalk
With a low heel, the Softwalk booties (below) would be a good casual choice for fall.
Trotters
Like many of the brand options in this article, Trotters are also a good choice if you need arch support. The Trotters Kiera pumps (below) are a classic that won’t date.
Fly London
If you’ve been reading me for a while, you’ll know I’m a fan of the Fly London brand. It’s also a good option for you if you do need larger sizes as you’ll find options up to an 11.5 or 12.5 depending on the style.
Converse
For sneaker options, many Converse styles come in larger sizes, including the low-top style (below).
Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® Core Ox Sneaker
Nine West
New York-founded brand Nine West has a wide range of stylish options in larger sizes, so you won’t have to compromise on size over style.
Stuart Weitzman
You’ll find options for sandals, boots, wedges and flats in larger sizes at Stuart Weitzman. The leather boots (below) will add an edge to any outfit.
Bella Vita
Bella Vita has plenty of choices in bigger sizes, whether you are looking for booties, shoes or sandals.
Jessica Simpson
She may only have US Size 8 shoes herself, but Jessica Simpson hasn’t forgotten women with larger foot sizes in her own shoe range.
Jessica Simpson Silesta Sneaker
Vince Camuto
A good choice if you are looking for timeless classics, Vince Camuto is also a great starting point if you need a larger shoe size.
Vince Camuto Becker Slip-on Sneaker
Sole Society
There are lots of stylish options this year at Sole Society, with everything from sandals, pumps, mules and booties to espadrilles in larger shoe sizes.
Sole Society Katarina Point Toe Ankle Strap Pump
Caslon
One of Nordstrom’s own brands, Caslon has a small, but stylish range of larger size shoes. This season, you’ll find slides, sandals and wedge sneakers.
dillard’s
Like Nordstrom and Zappos, Dillard’s is easy to shop if you have larger feet as you can quickly narrow your choices now by shoe size.
Hush Puppies Hazel Pointe Suede Loafers
Designer shoes for women with big feet
You may be surprised to know that some of the biggest name designers are actually very mindful when it comes to making shoes for women with big feet.
Far from sticking to the shoe equivalent of a size 0, there are some designers who cater very well for women with large feet, meaning you could invest in a designer name for a special occasion or to wear for many years to come.
Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik does tend to run small, so you will have to take this into consideration when trying to find the right size for you.
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Jeweled Pointy Toe Pump
Christian Louboutin
There are plenty of choices if you want to invest in one of Christian Louboutin’s classic red-soled shoes, with much of the range going up to a 12.
Christian Louboutin Ziptotal Bootie
Jimmy Choo
Another designer which does larger sizes well is Jimmy Choo.
shop all items above here:
Continue reading:
- The Best Shoes For Wide Feet: 20 Of The Most Fashionable Wide Width Shoes For Women This Season
- How To Dress When You Are Tall And Where To Buy The Best Clothes For Tall Women
- Best Shoes With Arch Support – Comfortable Walking Shoes To Walk In All Day!
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Feature image by Tanasha @stylishheights
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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I wear a size 11 and am pretty sure that clunky white boots with black lug soles may look cool, but will only make my feet look larger.
Try British company Sante Wade