Do any of you suffer from not being able to find high end shoes in your size? Have you been frustrated that a size 10 really feels like a 9? Well, I understand your pain. I have narrow, flat feet and wear a US size 12. My feet are just a bit bigger than the average woman. Ok, A LOT!

About two years ago, I got married and decided for my wedding that I wanted to splurge and get some designer shoes. I went to department store after department store (including Nordstrom, big foot central) and boutique after boutique to no avail. I was told that most of the Italian designer shoes ran small and if I wanted a size 12 then they would have to order it because they do not carry them in the store. I was so disheartened that I just gave up on wearing designer shoes for my wedding.

Well, 2 years later and I’m back looking to “up” my shoe quality and decided to go straight to the boutiques. It seemed like I was reliving 2 years ago until I went into Gucci and they actually sold my size in the store! OMG. . . I couldn’t believe it! Although I did not find what I was looking for, their shoes were an exact fit. I then went over to Prada and they informed me that they do not sell my size in the store, but could special order it. However, the sales associate was very kind and told me to go to Tod’s. I heard of Tod’s, but did not know a lot about the brand. Tod’s Boutique does not sell size 12 in their store either, but I ended up trying on an 11 and it was tight so I went ahead and ordered the size 12. Unfortunately, when the shoe arrived, the size 12 did not fit either. My big toe was right at the top and would be painful with continued walking.

The associates in these high end stores are very kind and willing to order just about anything for you if it is available. I was told that Prada is able to special order shoes with a 20% mark up by the Prada associate. So, don’t be afraid to ask, they are happy to help you. That has been my experience walking in with blue jeans and gym shoes.

Designer’s I currently Wear:

Stuart Weitzman is not necessarily known as a high end designer, but his shoes go up to a size 12 and come in narrow, regular, wide and extra wide and currently are my go to shoes. They are still a bit on the pricier side and are in the same category as maybe a Tory Burch shoe, which also goes up to size 12, but I find her shoes become wider as the size goes up and my foot is on the narrow side so I haven’t found shoes that fit well from her line as yet.

And so. . . My journey continues for a higher end designer shoe that fits me. But, such is the plight of a big foot person!

Shajuana