If you wear a size 10 or larger shoe, you have probably experienced challenges in finding styles that will fit your feet. Shoe stores will often carry a very limited supply of large size women shoes, and often styles need to be special ordered. Department stores generally don't carry sizes larger than 11. However, retailers are slowly coming to the realization that women's feet are getting bigger. Soon, the quest for large size women shoes may be a distant memory.
In the past, shoe buyers were reluctant to buy big inventories of larger shoe sizes. This made sense as the average woman wore a size 6 or 7. Women with larger feet were forced to choose from a few unflattering styles if there was any availability at all.
These days, large size women shoes sell quickly. The most commonly purchased size is now an 8 1/2, and over 30 percent of women are buying shoes in a size 9 or above. Because of the demand, retailers are scrambling to fill their racks with shoes sized up to 14.
Along with the retailers, shoe manufacturers are paying attention to the growing size of women's feet. High-end shoe designers, such as Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik are creating their styles in sizes up to 12, and sometimes higher.
The online retailers have taken this trend to a new level by developing virtual stores that solely cater to large size shoes. A woman can now choose from hundreds of styles that are readily available in her size. Along with being able to shop from the comfort of home, many of these online retailers offer top notch customer service, free shipping, and lower prices than those at traditional stores.
This new availability is certainly a welcome relief for every woman who has struggled to find a pair of flattering, large size shoes. While once the selection of sizes 9 through 14 was a few orthopedic looking styles on a shoe rack in a department store, now the choices are plenty.
The development of the large shoe market seems to grow every day. Retailers and manufacturers know that there is money to be made in big shoes, and they will be increasing the number of styles available because of demand. So, the quest for large size shoes may soon be over, and women with big feet will be the winners in this fashion battle.
Chrisy Diaz is a fashion advisor for plus size women. She has been helping women of all sizes look their absolute best while helping them find fantastic deals on plus size clothing. For the hottest tips, secrets and additonal articles , not to mention some great, plus size deals visit Plus Size Shoes & Apparel
» left by Ruth from Bay Area (3 years 330 days ago.)
I think traditional retailers will never offer the selection of the specialty store or website. I shop at Dreamshoes in LA and on their website for my size 11s. I can try on everything in the store instead of just a few styles. Respond to this comment
» left by Kathy from LA (3 years 319 days ago.)
Hey Ruth, Thanks for the Dreamshoes tip!!! I wear a 13M or 13W depending on the style, and they actually had both for me to try on. They also have a website if you don't live in the LA area. Respond to this comment
» left by Keshia from Atlanta, GA (3 years 296 days ago.)
Ladies, thx soooo much for the tip! I ordered 3 pairs from the Dreamshoes website (sz 14), and they all look great. This is my first time buying actual WOMEN'S shoes. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 288 days ago.)
Re Dreamshoes. Love this site! Finally I can buy my daughter shoes in size 14 that don't look like they belong on a crossdresser! Respond to this comment
» left by Tami from Ironton, Ohio (1 year 325 days ago.)
I have yet to find a department store as Chrisy referenced in the article that sells my size - I live in Southern Ohio. They're not at Macy's, they're not at Penney's, they're not at Sears (they used to be at Payless, but not anymore.)
I even looked all over Manhatten when I was visiting my daughter the last two Christmases and couldn't find anything. I need to try shoes on and ordering online is a chore because I wind up not liking 9 out of 10 shoes I order. Too expensive! Respond to this comment
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