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Much like the dire offering of cool, chic and on trend 'plus size' clothing for women, the selection for women with big feet is a limited one.
READ MORE: ‘Clothing sizes in SA are ridiculous’ say W24 readers – and they’re not just women!
I spoke to a few people with feet bigger than a size 7 and asked them what shoes they buy and where they shop for them:
One of the first comments? "Flip flops".
I found this troubling. It's winter, after all.
Image: Giphy
"I'm a size 42 (that is size 8 for men and 9 ladies) so my sneakers and running shoes are from the men's department. Green Cross, Hush Puppies, Woolworths and most recently MRP, make size 9 shoes," said Melissa.
I have always heard great things about Woolworths' offering, particularly also for women with not just bigger, but broader feet.
"Woolies has a great range for women with bigger, broader feet," affirmed Candice. My colleague Carmen, who wears a size 8 and has trouble finding shoes for wider feet also confirmed this.
"I’m a size 42 and have always had trouble finding the shoes I like in my size. Woolies have been great though, so if in doubt I would go there (before I moved to the UK) FYI Louboutin have limited shoes in this size," says Pami humorously.
Green Cross, Milady's and Donna Claire also got the nod from many, saying size 9's are available in pretty shoe styles they actually want to buy.
Then I did a bit of my own investigation in Cape Town:
Country Road and Woolies
All the good word of mouth confirmed! Both stock 8/41 and 9/42 in most styles and for wider feet.
ZARA
I spoke to a shop assistant in store who, interestingly, noted that one must always ask the shop assistants for a number 42, as they often carry it, yet it's not displayed on some of the tags. Many tags only go up to 41.
MRP
I spoke to an attendant who said that people especially shop their pumps and heels in 9/42. There's a variety of styles and cool, fresh trends on offer.
I also visited a few other stores in the V&A Waterfront, known for cool fashion and on trend styles; most cater to women with a size 8 feet, like the above, however, they didn't carry any larger sizes.
READ MORE: 5 ways to make a simple outfit look expensive
But what if you have bigger than size 9 feet?
Queensize
This online store stocks some pretty cool styles. (Not ALL granny shoes)
This pair of boots go up to size 12!
Zando
Zando has a great selection of boots that go up to size 11/12.
Spree
Up to size 9, Spree offers a variety of styles like espadrilles, slip-ons and boots. However, its size 10-12 offering is predominantly limited to sneakers, like these awesome Chuck Taylors.
Superbalist
The sizing offer on this super trendy site is, like on many other sites, at first glance, a win. There is 9, 10, even a 12! But the selection is pretty limited (see below).
Seems those with UK size 3 to 8 feet have their pick of style, colour, etc. while bigger feet get a boot or a leftover tekkie.
Images: Supplied
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