I am the queen of buying the wrong sized shoes. The main reason is* that I am vain and think smaller sizes are “so much cutter!”, and then get my feet crushed for hours on end. But I’ve decided to change. That pair of New Balance on the photo? It’s a FORTY TWO AND A HALF. No shame... And here are a few things I've learnt:
1/ Always try shoes after a good walk, when your feet have expanded.
2/ If your toes touch the front of the shoe, it's too small. If it slips at the back, it's too big.
3/ When in doubt, size up. You can go a little tighter with leather, but only in width. Length never changes. And if it does, it’s at the expense of your feet**.
4/ The footcare aisle is not just for grumpy grandmas***. You can get:
Soles, for when you’ve gone for the bigger size.
Gel paddings, for very high heels.
Liners to keep your heel in place.
5/ Sandals? I am a 41. Sneakers? 42. Regular shoes? 40. Sometimes, rarely, I am even a 39. And sometimes, a FORTY TWO AND A HALF. Numbers are meaningless, or so I like to tell myself.
6/ (Okay this is just aesthetics but spring is coming so...) It is never okay for feet to overhang in sandals, whether it is at the back or at the front of the sandal. Yes people (well, crazy people like me) will see.
7/ If you’re like me and have long and narrow feet, one of the problems you will encounter is that some shoes will look empty and sad. Filling the shoes is a remedy to shoe sadness. Soles and thicker socks are my one and only secret. It will plump your foot and make it look “so much cuter!”…
…roll eye at myself.
*Realising the pair of shoes is too big or too small right after I’ve pounded the pavement with them and can’t return them.
**Bunions and other feet troubles are mostly genetic, but wearing shoes too small is a contributing factor.
***And anyway, I am one.