Shoes for a big-footed woman in London

April 12, 2005 3:32 AM

Where can you get shoes for unfortunately-footed women in London? I'm looking for shoe stores that stock large sizes but also narrow widths. The person in question has a 11.5 or 12 US/CAN shoe size, which is about a 10 or 10.5 UK size, with an AA width, which often complicates matters. Bonus points if the store sells styles that actually look good.
posted by adrianhon to clothing, beauty, & fashion (7 comments total)

My ex-wife is 6'4" and wears a 13AA in women's shoes. My Aunt (who is 6'2" and wears a 13W) has a different perdicament.

Before I give you any advice, let me preface this with the fact I'm located in the US.

There are no local places by us that stock large sizes. She does all of her shoe shopping on the Internet, or at a chain of stores here in the US called the Tall Girl shop. There's one by us in Chcicago, but it's a five hour drive.

If you're interested, I will ask her for her internet sources.

I know from both of them that narrow shoes are much harder to find than wide shoes. In fact, one on my Aunt's secrets is that she occasionally shops at drag queen stores (she's in Houston, Texas).

Seriously, I feel for your pal (I'm also 6'4" with a 14W men's shoe). Seems like shoes are all size 10 for men or 7 for women.

Hope I helped a little?
posted by kungfujoe at 4:11 AM on April 12, 2005

If you are looking for active shoes, check out New Balance UK. Buy online or find stores in the area (they list quite a few). New Balance was the first company I know of to carry the majority of their styles in everything from 4A (narrow) to 4E (wide).
posted by sophist at 4:44 AM on April 12, 2005

I'm not sure if they do both mens and womens shoes, or possibly just womens shoes, but there are two shoe shops on Chiltern St (parallel to Baker St and Marylebone High St) that specialise in large and small sizes and wide and narrow fittings - Magnus, and the appropriately named Elephant Feet.
posted by kitschbitch at 7:03 AM on April 12, 2005

kungfujoe: It would be great if you could find out her internet sources - anything would help!
posted by adrianhon at 7:05 AM on April 12, 2005

Try zappos.com -- you can search by size and width, and I believe they've even got a section devoted to narrow shoes.
posted by scody at 8:56 AM on April 12, 2005

I am a guy who is 6'6, and wear a men's 16AAA, so I can relate.

In the US, Kenneth Cole has a toll free number you can call, and makes large sizes. You tell them what you want, and they'll tell you where they have stock. You can then call the store and have the shoes shipped to you, or to a local store. Perhaps they have something similar in Europe.
posted by gregariousrecluse at 9:43 AM on April 12, 2005

Nine to Elleven (sic) has the sizes, but only sells C width (I phoned to confirm)

Big Feet Directory looks very promising, and Croydon is within the M25 so technically within Greater London (whatever aesthetic reasons you may have for considering it otherwise.) They have a monthly shoe event that has all their stock, but they do allow you to visit their warehouse.
posted by quiet at 10:17 AM on April 12, 2005