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

EnFemme

 

 

 

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Kyra Marin
Lady
Active Member
3 months ago

Love it! Fran! Thanks so much for writing on this topic, it is the hardest thing of my girly stuff to buy online and to always know that which one has begat! Although my feet are fairly easy size & fit, online it’s about quality (no matter what I spend) and trying to understand what I am getting or is their a better source. In 6-7″ heels (or 4"), I do not want it to break while out. (Ya, 7"s: more for an easy night at a private club or party! lol) Also, anyone’s thoughts with heels to their the… Read more »

Carole Corbett
Duchess
Active Member
3 months ago

Great advice on shoes so thank you for writing that I’m up about 100 pairs right now and I have definitely what makes a difference every brand runs either smaller large and the styles may very Sunette every shoe will run large and that every shoe will run small. I’d like to read the comments because that is typically helpful as much as a little more shoe will be made better materials, such as better leather that will stretch and accommodate our feet better, if you have Shoemaker who is knowledgeable, they can help with adjusting shoes tremendously if you… Read more »

Carole Corbett
Duchess
Active Member
3 months ago

even with the more expensive shoe companies, they all have sales so watch for change in seasons that’s when the typical cells are the best and you can really score some really good shoes for reasonable prices. I personally like Vince Komodo nine W..

Carole Corbett
Duchess
Active Member
3 months ago

Macy’s will have some good brands as well. Nordstrom Rack will also have good brands on sale with large sizes.

Carole Corbett
Duchess
Active Member
3 months ago

if the shoe is going to be core to your wardrobe that it’s worth it to buy a better shoe and sometimes when I find a shoe that fits really well and I like it I buy a couple pairs either in a different color or even the same color, especially if it’s a classic like black

Natalie Sierra
Lady
Member
3 months ago

I’m lucky enough to fit into a women’s size 10-11 shoe/heel. Often times this is the largest size available in retail which might be a sign this life is meant for me !

LisaNicole
Member
Active Member
3 months ago

Shoes! I could never understand the addiction…until I started dressing. Now I drool while flipping through shoe catalogs. For my size, 5’7″, I need a size 11! Look up Bigfoot in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of me, not a large creature. I also stopped buying anything over 3″ so as to not look awkward when walking. Bandolino flats go with just about any outfit. 6″ spikes are only in my dreams.

LisaNicole
Member
Active Member
2 months ago
Reply to  Fran LaRosa

@gafran 
My latest addiction is boots. They’re made for walkin’ babe!

Robin Snow
Duchess
Active Member
3 months ago

Hi Fran,

If you’re a Sasquatch, like me, shoes are difficult to find. I’ve found measuring your foot in centimeters to then looking at the size chart to convert it to a foot size. Unfortunately, most size charts for don’t show the larger sizes.

Happy hunting,
Robin

Corine Slips
Duchess
Active Member
1 month ago

What is the best way to learn how walk in high heels. Have wanted to try for awhile. Is it better to wear nylons or pantyhose for fitting. I would love to try.

Corine Slips
Duchess
Active Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Fran LaRosa

Thank you Fran. I will definitely practice. Hope all is well.

Harriette
Lady
Active Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Corine Slips

@Corine Slips Have you ever walked in high heels, Corine? There are some things that you can do to make your first heels adventure a success. You don’t have to start with 4″ pin heels or stilettos. A wider heel, even block heels, will make it easier to keep your balance, if balance is actually a problem. It may not be. Keep your back straight up, don’t walk bent forward. It shortens your stride and it looks really weird, too. Start with lower heel heights. Be realistic. Kitten heels and some wedges aren’t high. Gradually go up in height, if… Read more »

Corine Slips
Duchess
Active Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Harriette

@Corine Slips Have you ever walked in high heels, Corine? There are some things that you can do to make your first heels adventure a success. You don’t have to start with 4″ pin heels or stilettos. A wider heel, even block heels, will make it easier to keep your balance, if balance is actually a problem. It may not be. Start with lower heel heights. Be realistic. Kitten heels and some wedges aren’t high. Gradually go up in height, if this is appropriate. Get a good fit, so that the shoe is secured to your foot. Loose heels is… Read more »

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