Save 15% off your entire order at Shoes.com with code OCT08 at check out. This code is valid until October 31st. If you're looking for wide width shoes, click here for a big selection. I really like these Era pumps from Franco Sarto, pictured left. They also come in gray, brown and black but I think the red would be so pretty with gray trousers.
Naturalizer Kilowatt in pink patent
It can be really hard to find fashion-forward shoes in wide widths but these wedges from Naturalizer are very on-trend. The pink patent is pretty bright so if you like the style but not the shocking pink hue, they're also available in black or white patent. I love a colorful shoe, though. These are $64 from Zappos in sizes 5 - 12 narrow, medium, and wide widths.
Many of the reviewers say that these are actually pretty comfortable so maybe I'll give them a try. Wedges are way easier to navigate than heels and the straps look like they'd add some support to the ankle. Zappos pays for return shipping, so even if they don't work out, it's easy to send them back.
Avenue has several new sandals for spring and these Irene wedges are my favorite. They're available in black and white but I think the pink is adorable and way more exciting. The color and shine reminds me of fabulous pink lipstick. If you're not a fan of heels but still want some height and sexiness, a wedge is a great alternative. They're available in sizes 8 - 13 wide for $39.95.
Avenue has many more new items for spring and I'll be posting about those soon.
Save $20 off a purchase of $100 or more at Shoes.com through April 7th. Just use the promo code APRIL2008 at check out. This is just in time to start thinking about shoes for Spring, eh?
I'm really pining away for some warmer weather. Frankly, I'm sick of bundling up and wearing "sensible" shoes. How boring. Happily, retailers are starting to stock their springtime items, including cute new shoes at Zappos! I love Zappos because the have a really big variety of wide width shoes, they ship super fast, and they pay for return shipping so the whole process is a breeze.
Fitzwell Anaya in Bronze
I really like these and I can't quite put my finger on why. I think it's because they're so not what you'd expect from a wide width shoe. They're sexy, they're trendy, and they come in a whole bunch of colors.
Stuart Weitzman Youngbuck in Red Patent
Oh, how I love a big friggin' buckle and these are so hot in the red patent. There's also a matching bag if you're into being super matchy-matchy but I wouldn't necessarily wear both pieces together.
Easy Spirit Micelle in Red Patent
More red patent and more buckles! These are sleeker than the Stuart Weitzmans above, and a more affordable way to achieve a similar look.
Naturalizer Hoffman in Camelot Leather
The obvious pairing for these shoes would be a tweed skirt or pants but how about a denim skirt (pencil, not flouncy) and a gauzy yet fitted top instead? Retro is the most fun when you go for something a little unexpected.
Check out more wide width shoes at Zappos. I've ordered several pairs of shoes from Zappos in the past and I've always been pleased with the experience. The free return shipping is vital for shoe shopping online and the selection is way better than what you'd find in stores.
Alright, spring is still pretty far off and it's cold and dreary and just BLAH. So, let's look at some springy shoes from Avenue and dream of warm, sunny days to come. *cue chirping birds sound effect*
Gemini Leather Ballet Wedge
I love flats but sometimes flat is too flat and it's basically like walking barefoot. That's fine if you're just running to the store or won't be on your feet long but in reality, it's not great for your feet. These cuties are a cross between a ballet flat and a wedge, and the slight heel will keep you from dragging your pants through the dirt as you frolic about in a field of flowers.
Vicky Gemstone Sandal
These are a little on the geriatric side but sometimes you have to use your imagination when it comes to footwear. I'd consider these to be a flip flop replacement. They come in three metallic shades (the pink here, gold and silver) and metallic is always big for spring and summer. They have the big gemstone that adds a little bling but doesn't venture into tacky. The straps will show off your polished toesies very nicely. And best of all, they're probably way more comfortable than a ratty pair of worn out foam flip flops. They're a little glam and damn it, I like them. I want them in pink AND silver. So there.
Toronto Nubuck Ballet Flat
I really wish my mom would wear flats like these with jeans instead of her Big White Marshmallow Sneakers. Maybe I'll get a pair for both of us and sneak them into her house. Anyway, if you want to replace your Big White Marshmallow Sneakers with something that's still sporty, go with an athletic inspired flat like these. They're a much more modern option and they don't make your feet look like down comforters. Plus they come in brown and pink, one of my favorite color combinations.
I'm running out of adjectives.
Receive $20 off your order of $150 or more at shoes.com with the code JANSAVE. I'm kind of lusting after these Franco Sarto "Comic"
pumps in slate grey. They look like a ballet flat but have a little heel. Totally cute!
I've written about the Pecan boots from Avenue previously (here) and after staring at them for a while online, I finally decided to order a pair for myself. They're on sale and I had a coupon and if they didn't fit, returning them to a store would be easy, so why not give them a try?
I'm pretty sure I have around a 20 inch calf but I decided to play it safe and go with these because they can be adjusted up to 23 inches with the laces up the back. I wear between a size 8 and 9 in shoes, so I ordered the 8.5. They come in both wide and double wide widths, I ordered the WW width. The shoe part of the boot fits fine. I could probably wear the wide width but I like the extra bit of room for comfort and room for socks on extra cold days.
The shaft part of the boot was a bit of a struggle, even after loosening the laces. I really had to work at getting them zipped up. After I got past my lower leg, they were easier to get on. Now that I've broken them in, they zip up pretty easily. There's a wide gusset in back, under the laces, that provides a good three or four inches of adjustment room at the top and down the leg. The laces are really stretchy, too. I'd recommend taking the laces out completely, wearing them for a while to break them in, and then re-lace to get the right fit.
These aren't super high quality, leather boots and they're not pretending to be. They look really good, better than I expected and I'm pretty thrilled to have found a pair of boots that actually fit my thick legs. I don't typically wear any type of heel but the two inch heel on these is sturdy and totally doable, even for my klutzy self. My only complaint is that the sole of the shoe part is grippy and the sole on the heel is a little slippy. It's a tad unbalanced.
Overall, I'm very pleased. I'd recommend these boots if:
The thought of a "holiday themed" shoe scares me but I am down with a little holiday fun in one's wardrobe. Sassy by Naturalizer
comes in gorgeous red suede that's happy and festive but not entirely holiday-specific, so you can wear them throughout the fall and winter. The reviewers on Zappos all comment on how comfortable these are and the mary jane style is versatile and cute. They come in sizes 5 - 11, narrow to wide widths.
Remember when the only shoes you could find in wide widths were frumpy and completely unappealing? I've always had wide feet, it runs in my family, so it's a delight to me that I can find so many cute shoes online now. Even better, flats are still super hot and totally versatile. Here are some options.
These Type Z Maryann flats
in black and white tweed are cuter from the top view. They come in sizes 5 - 12, medium and wide widths. They're available in solid colors but I love the tweed.
For a more subtle tweed, check out these Stuart Weitzman pointed toe Obladi flat in gray.
How cute is this modified mary jane? I love the little strap! These come in sizes 4 - 12, narrow - wide widths.
I love pointy toes but sometimes super pointy isn't super comfy. These Mode flats from Type Z
are pointed but not too pointed. Check out that killer buckle detail. They're available in the brown, black, and navy. Sizes 5 - 12, narrow - wide widths.
I don't want to use the "H" word just yet but these velvet skimmers
from Silhouettes are perfect for the upcoming season that shan't be named. Just wrap yourself in a cozy sweater and slip into these flats and pretend that it will be fall forever. They come in medium through extra wide widths, sizes 7 - 12.
Looking for something a little dressier? These Marnie flats by LifeStride, from shoes.com can add a touch of glam to a simple evening outfit. Or wear them with jeans for some casual daytime fun. They also come in black and gray patent.
There's something very Marie Antoinette meets Madonna about these plum suede pumps
from Stuart Weitzman. They scream "special occasion!!" but I think they're too pretty to tuck away for some big event. Wear them with skinny jeans or a swingy sweater dress and tights instead.
They come in narrow, medium and wide widths, sizes 4 - 11. They're also available in black but yawn.
I first wrote about boots for wide calves three years ago and interestingly, not much has changed since then. It's the same sites carrying boots for plus size women. I was going to write an update to that post but honestly, I haven't found a great reason to. However, the good news is that the retailers who are carrying wide calf boots update their styles every year and there are lots to choose from.
If you've been shopping for boots, you'll notice that most wide calf boots have about a 17 - 20 inch shaft circumference. It depends on where you carry weight but that would probably fit up to about a size 22-ish woman. This is great but I'm not a size 22, I'm a size 24 - 28 (depending on the... yeah, you know). The widest point on my lower leg measures 20 inches so while I could probably wear the more generous wide calf boots, they'd be a little snug. Is there a term for when your leg fat is squished out at the top of your boots? Leg muffin top? Not cute.
My mission was to find the boots with the widest circumference and I think I've found them.
Pecan boots from Avenue. They have a very generous 23 inch calf circumference, thanks to the lacing up the back. The only problem is that they're a WW (extra wide) width so if your actual foot isn't wide, then you might have some slipping around to contend with. My solution would be a thick ankle sock, which would be super comfortable and warm anyway. They're $99 and come in black and brown, sizes 8 through 13.
Keep in mind that I haven't tried these on so I have no idea how they fit or feel. I had a pair of Avenue shoes that I wore to death and they were pretty comfortable and good quality for the price.
So I didn't post yesterday, thus failing at my own goal in less than 48 hours. Hey, look! Shoes!
These aren't wide width but I tried them on at DSW yesterday and they were actually pretty comfy. I was tempted to buy them until I realized that I have nothing to wear with them. I'm still tempted, though.
These high heel oxfords by Stuart Weitzman do come in wide widths and they're very on trend for fall. Wear them with wide leg trousers and yay, you've updated a wardrobe staple. They're also cute with tights and an A-line skirt.
I was going to do one more "gray" post but I think you get the picture. So, to cleanse your pallet a little, here's a pretty pair of red shoes from RSVP. They're $70 and come in sizes 5 - 11, medium and wide widths. I'm probably deluding myself but I think I could even walk in these. And they'd look really cute with gray trousers! Yeah!
I got it in my head a month or two ago that I absolutely needed a pair of silver sandals for summer. I'm not very fond of white shoes (due to my own extreme paleness) and I can't always wear black or brown, so silver seemed like a great idea.
Finding a pair of silver sandals should be super easy, right? Well, no because I have wide, flat footsies and that limits my options (doesn't it seem like I'm always singing that tune?). So I looked all over every online shoe store I could find that carries wide widths. I ordered one pair before these that didn't work out but I didn't let that keep me from continuing my hunt.
I'm nothing if not determined.
Anyway, I stumbled upon these silver thong-style sandals at shoebuy.com and BEHOLD! they come in wide widths. Flip flop type shoes tend to be more forgiving in the width department but it doesn't hurt if they're specifically a wider size.
Buying shoes online is always kind of an adventure so I don't get my hopes up. However, I'm very happy to report that these shoes are GREAT - they fit perfectly, the strap is thin and sparkley enough for a night out but not too over the top for daytime wear, and they're oh so shiny! Oh and, they're only $40. Now if it was only warm enough out to actually WEAR THEM, I'd be in business.
If you'd like to receive $5 off a $50 purchase at shoebuy.com, just use the code BUYS at checkout. They have a pretty big selection of wide width styles and they offer free shipping, too.
