Where do I begin? I will admit it – I have big feet. So getting proper fitting footwear is a challenge. Our feet also tend to be wider than cis women’s. That’s problem #1. Problem #2 for bigger feet is that women’s shoes are not an on the shelf item. Problem #3 is that buying online has its ups and downs. My first purchase of high heels I was told to go 1-1/2 to 2 sizes larger in a woman’s size. Unfortunately, I could actually walk out of them. Not good.
One other thing I found out about human foot anatomy – whichever handed you are, left or right, that side is larger than the other. Now for you ambidextrous one’s I have no clue! So getting proper measurements is the key. I actually bought a Brannock device, like you would see in shoe stores (well, like you used to see). It measures men on one side and women on the other. Best time to measure is later in the day, so your feet are at their largest. Also, measure both feet and of course, use the larger of two for your size. Remember, European and UK sizes are different, just like with clothing. I find a woman’s 12 ww (extra wide) works for me. DSW has larger and wider shoes. I also like Torrid’s shoes. They offer a large variety of boots, shoes, sandals and stylish clothes for plus size women.
Now the hard part – what style, what color, etc. The basics are black, white and taupe. Models wear taupe a lot, as they change clothes many times and taupe is fairly neutral. Heel height is important too. Start low and work your way up. Heel shape must also be considered. Spike heels are sexy, but easily break off or get caught in pavement cracks. Not to mention easily sink in soft ground. I recommend buying block heels for your first pair of heels. Open toe shoes are good for showing your painted nails. And always remember that girly shoes are not for track and field activities!
I have practiced walking slower and knees closer together. I have used lines on a tiled floor to guide me, walking heel-toe to avoid the tendency of stepping like a horse. Women also gently swing their arms, as well as their bum when walking. I have also noticed that I walk more upright in heels. Many women also tend to hold one arm 90 degrees. Probably a habitat from carrying a handbag, and nowadays a cellphone – lol. Above all else, get comfortable footwear. It will save your freshly painted piggies!
A very dear cis women I love dearly told me when I asked her about wearing high heels (thinking she’d tell me about making her taller). She said it made her feel sexy! I immediately understood her. Benita teaches skin care in a beauty school located in Florida. From her I also learned about nail care and polishes. She is an encyclopedia on feet!
Speaking of feet, the type of shoe covering is also to be considered. Suede looks great, but is not for wet weather. Leather can develop mold and look blotchy. Saddle soap is a good Leather cleaner. Shiny shoes need polishing. Zippered footwear or any zippered garment for that matter needs lubing. I use a (don’t laugh too hard!) hair wax on a swab. Oils can stain. There are also non-staining sewing machine oils. Just use sparingly. One last experience – I have 6″ spiked heels! Makes me feel like I’m going to fall forward and I walk like a prancing horse 🐎 ! Watch out furniture and pets! Happy shoe shopping girls 🥰
Fran
Hi Fran! Great article and a stark reminder of the issues we face. The left and right foot thing is a bitch sometimes depending also on manufacturer. When I was going to the UK and Holland I would just grab a pair (or twenty) and try them on. Thinking about it, I spent hours, probably 2 or 3 hours on each half day shopping expedition trying on the hottest looking shoes. Then I come back here to the good ol’ USA where we are supposedly “tolerant & accepting" and I find myself walking by shoes, being nervous because people here… Read more »
Thx Stacy…love your remarks! Fran’s picked a good one!~ big luv, Kyra
I like that Fran says “Tell them you’re trans"!!! That would confuse the hell out of them. I will definitely try that one because it will happen again. Thanks for reaching out Kyra and Fran – nice work! This is a great site. It’s helping me with my struggles and its nice to know that no matter how far out you think, there’s someone right here with the same issue(s). XOXOXO TO EVERYONE (yes in scremo caps) Stacey
@staceycross
Well girlfriend that’s the power of the CDH community. Like Benjamin Franklin once said. ‘We either hang together or we’ll surely hang separately.’ He was referring to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. We are here for you. Girl Power! 🥰 Fran
We hang!!!! Or hung!! Lpl. Love you Fran!
Wow Stacy, I totally understand what you mean and have gone through. I still like it told off the male associate. One CD I met said tell them you’re Trans. It confuses them and you don’t have to explain further. I wish shoe buying was simpler. Most places assume you know what your sizes are. I say sizes because sandals, closed toe open toe and boots can require bigger or wider sizes. Since I’m a big footed young’n 12ww in women’s size (U.S.) most stores don’t keep them in store. Unless there’s a store specializing I’m CD/ Trans… Read more »
You know what: you’re not that far wrong about shoes…… Unfortunately, there’s no way of getting the sizes right – no matter how much you try, it’s impossible to get it right every time – I have the “problem" of having very large feet (UK size 12 – I’ll let the rest of you work out what that means to you!) If I buy a pair of size 12’s, the only thing I can guarantee is that they will be either one size too small or one size too big! Colour has to be a matter of personal taste –… Read more »
Well Holly, You said a mouthful. Sizes are akin to clothes Sizes. Varying by manufacturers. Recently I was measured by a footwear store. I stepped on a scale like device. My Sizes varied left to right by 2 Sizes. That’s length and with. Then I walked back and forth on a mat the Size of a doormat. It measures contact points and pressure. This helps to select the correct inserts that go into the shoe. Together it was like walking on air. The fitting was for a pair of walking/hiking sneakers. The only real way to get the proper fit… Read more »
Hey there Fran, Fun article and great awareness. Ironically, I’m right dominant, but my left foot has one toe slightly longer, technically making the foot longer. For myself, finding something in a half size has been a challenge, but I’m willing to muscle an exact size as long as it’s a wider size. Either way, I’ll check out your shoe references. I appreciate it!
Thank you Tamlya,
Well you certainly break the standard fomminate side being larger. But we girls are standard breakers for sure.
I hope that you find suitable footwear. Both in confort and style. I envy those of us that can walk into the woman’s shoe department and walk out with shoes in hand to the sales counter. Alas we strive on.Happy feet my dear! 🥰
@Fran LaRosa Thank you Fran!
@dovemtn2016
Your very welcome my dear 🥰
Great article Fran. I am one of the lucky ones – I am womens shoe size 8.5 so I can buy my shoes off the shelf in most shops, but as this is a common foot size in Australia I sometimes find the shops have sold out of my size. I have never had any issues buying shoes either in drab or en femme. Australian stores seem to welcome CDs and the SAs seem to enjoy the fact. Maybe it breaks the boredom for them – not sure but they certainly get involved in the process and I usually end… Read more »
Thanks for commenting Ellie,
I envy you for a few reasons. First you’re ability to shoe shop with girly feet. Also and it’s no wonder, you get great attention by the store staff. Plus, and it’s on my bucket list. Your Down Under in Australia! Happy Feet my love 💓 🥰
@gaffalran I have found the shoe size conversion chart on the Zappos website to be quite accurate. I measured my feet years ago and the longer one in 10.5 inches. In men’s that falls between sizes 9 1/2 and 10. Depending upon style, those were the sizes that worked for me. Translating that to women’s, that is a size 11. All my shoes are size 11 and that has worked very well. I have 25 to 30 pairs and the only ones that I have returned were due to width.If you fall between sizes, I suggest using felt or foam… Read more »
@flatlander48
Thank you DeeAnn,
Your added your valuable information and insight to this discussion. Shoes like clothes very in fit. Manufacturers and style are big factors. Our feet take a beating when we just stuff them into ill fitting footwear. Happy feet equals happy girl. 🥰
One of the various types of padding:
@DeeAnn Hopings Moleskin can be very helpful for not creating blisters. It used to be available without the padding, too.
@Harriette Yes, there are various kinds. I didn’t invest much time to find something that illustrated my point.
Zappos Shoe Size Conversion Chart:
Thanks DeeAnn, for the additional information. The padding will help the shorter foot by keeping it in place.
🥰
@Fran LaRosa Yes, the idea is to take up some of the vertical space to limit how for you can insert the foot into the shoe. Years ago I tried putting something into the toe, but found it painful; not unlike wearing a shoe that was too short. The foot wants to slide forward and that put a lot of pressure on the ends of the toes.
Good Morning Fran, Great article. I can understand your troubles with finding shoes. I wear a n 11W in women’s shoes. Most stores don’t carry my size. I recently discovered a new shoe store that caters to women with bigger feet. The website for this company is https://styleforstylenoire.com/ They do have some nice shoes. I don’t have any 6 inch heels. The biggest I have are 5 inches. I have pretty much given up on wearing stiletto heels. After slipping on a wet floor and badly twisting my ankle. My daughter was like. Dad you need to stop wearing stiletto’s… Read more »
Thanks for your input. I tend to stay at 4 inches or less and avoid the spiked heels. I recently purchased Wedged heeled sandals from WallyWorld in size 12 and on sale.
Happy Feet my love! 🥰 Fran