Cute Plus Size Shoes

About Women's Shoes

Women's plus-size shoes are larger and wider than what is found at a regular shoe store. That doesn't mean that every plus size woman has big feet; they don't. But some do and they should also be able to wear cute shoes. Nowadays, shoes for larger women come in a variety of sizes, colors, fabrics and styles -- nothing like the shoes that were available for plus-sized gals years ago. Some of today's styles include:

• Boots
• Flats
• Loafers
• Mules
• Pumps
• Sandals
• Athletic/sport
• Slippers
• Slides
• Booties
• Slingbacks

Now, as a plus-sized lady, you may not like all of these styles or even want to wear all of them. But if you do find a few cute pairs in your size, your best bet will be to try all of them on to find a style and size that fits and looks exactly the way you want. Most women's shoes come in sizes 5-10, with plus sizes up to 13 or 14 (or larger), depending on the designer. Widths come in:

• 4A or 4N - extra narrow
• 2A or 2N - narrow
• B or M - regular/medium
• D or W - wide
• EW, EE or WW - extra wide or wide wide
• EEEE or WWWW - extra wide wide

Tips for Buying New Shoes

Children aren't the only ones who can have their feet measured for new shoes -- most good shoe stores will also be able to measure the length and width of your feet and tell you exactly what size you should wear. Other tips to purchasing cute plus size shoes include:

• Wear the stockings or socks that you would normally wear with the new shoes.
• Never shop for shoes first thing in the morning; go when your feet have had time to swell as they normally do throughout the day.
• Try on both shoes and walk around the store for a few minutes.
• Try on several different pairs and styles until you find the ones that are most comfortable.
• Make sure your foot doesn't rub anywhere in the shoe when you walk; this will cause a blister.
• Remember that sizes vary from style to style. What fits you in one style may not fit you in another without having to go up or down a size or width.

However, if you are buying your new plus size shoes online, you can measure your feet yourself to determine your size and width:

1. Tape two sheets of paper to the floor.
2. Stand on the paper with the hosiery you would normally wear.
3. Trace your foot or have someone else trace it for you.
4. Do the same with your other foot.
5. With a ruler, measure the length and width (widest part of foot) in inches.
6. Use the measurements from the larger foot.
7. Use these measurements when ordering a pair of shoes online; most Web sites or catalogs will have a chart to help you convert the inches into sizes.

Where to Find Cute Plus Size Shoes

Depending on your size and width, plus-sized shoes can be relatively easy to find. However, it's the larger and wider styles that may be a bit more difficult. To find those cute styles in larger sizes, check out these Web sites:

• Torrid: This women's plus size clothing store also sells a variety of shoes for larger women, most of them in sizes up to 12, but in regular widths.
• Womens Shoes Plus: This online store carries really cute ladies shoes in sizes up to 14WW (extra-wide). Choose from sandals, dress shoes, pumps or boots.
• One Stop Plus: Choose from many styles including extra-wide calf boots to flats and dress shoes; many styles in sizes 7 to 14 WW. A handy fitting guide is also available to help you determine your size, with directions to even help you find a great-fitting pair of boots.
• Designer Shoes: This store offers many hard-to-find plus sizes including wide and extra-wide shoes to a size 15. Many of today's popular styles are available.
• Avenue: This popular women's clothing store also carries a wide variety of its brand of shoes, Cloudwalkers, both in the store and online. Most shoes are available in sizes 8-13.

A Final Thought

Remember to make sure your cute plus size shoes are comfortable before you wear them out in the real world. There really is no worse pain than foot pain, especially if you are away from home and can't sit down or get off your feet for awhile. Have fun shoe shopping!