Pouty lips, bulging muscles and voluminous hair flood social media feeds and fashion campaigns. But showcasing women with big feet? An apparent far cry from chic.
Considering the ongoing fascination with inflated features, this aversion to XL trotters seems rather hypocritical. What happened to the bigger, the better? Not only do larger feet promote better balance and stability, but they usually belong to taller beings who elegantly tower above the rest.
In reality, the sole issue with having big feet as a woman is sourcing shoes that fit. Most brands only stock up to size 8, which sell like hotcakes after fellow big-footed fashion lovers swoop in for their shoewear fix.
This often leads to women sifting through the men’s section for sizable footwear, which is fine for trainers and sandals, but not so handy when it comes to heels. Unisex shoes are all well and good, but sometimes the thought of a wardrobe void of cute mules and sultry stilettos is almost unbearable.
Cue the brands championing larger shoes for larger tootsies. High street favourites including Cos, Nike and Dr. Martens have copious options to browse, but the biggest surprise is that luxury labels, for whom the is dainty often a muse, are the most generous with their shoe sizing.
Perhaps this comes from dressing willowy models who require larger kicks to cover their feet. Kendall Jenner reportedly has size 8 feet, while Karlie Kloss has size 9. To our knowledge, neither model has ever hit the runway barefoot due to a lack of shoe stock.
Gucci, Dior and Bottega Veneta stock women’s sizes 8-9.5 for many of their shoe options. These span knee-high boots, brogues, flats and more covetable designs to add to your collection. Whether down to their celebrity poster girls or consumer demand, this is a giant step in the right direction for the shoe industry. And thus, the exclusive becomes inclusive.
Some of the most stylish women in history are premium members of the Big Feet Club. Audrey Hepburn, Elle McPherson, Kate Winslet and Uma Thurman to name a few. Was their beauty ever considered lessened by their shoe size? Never!
Body positivity has helped big foot bearers in their plight for fashionable footwear. Turn back time, and you'll come across antiquated traditions such as foot binding, a cultural practice that involved tightly bandaging women's feet to change their foot shape for aesthetic purposes. The now-outlawed act was popular in China from the 10th century until the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, and aimed to differentiate women from their husbands and keep them house-bound via forced deformity.
So, we’re bidding farewell to tiny twinkle toes and saying hello to statement stompers that require equally elegant styling. Read on to discover the best women’s shoes for larger feet.
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Salomon XT-6 mesh and Rubber Trainers
Salomons are topping our footwear wish lists for many reasons. From the slick design to the athletic lattice panels, this is a performance-fashion hybrid that deserves your attention. The brand’s running-inspired XT-6 trainers are made from lightweight, sage-green mesh with resistant TPU film that sits atop an EVA sole. In layman’s terms, this means the foot is protected from possible injury and the mercurial British weather while you're out and about.
Buy now £160.00, Matches
adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
Step away from the ubiquitous Adidas Sambas and opt for something a touch more unique. The brand’s Handball Spezials feature eye-catching bumble bee stripes set against a practical khaki hue. Did we mention they are available up to size 13.5 for women?
Buy now £85.00, adidas
New Balance 530 Trainers
Inspired by New Balance’s classic running shoes, the design of the beloved 530 trainer pays homage to the Noughties. It features a padded ABZORB footbed to absorb shock while walking, plus the brand’s cult insignia which will automatically assert your sartorial authority. With some blue jeans and a white shirt, you can’t go wrong.
Buy now £95.00, Office
Nike P-6000
Nike’s P-6000 are not only the most comfortable shoes we've ever slipped our feet into, but come in a range of sizes up to size 14. Breathable mesh meets electric blue accents in these streetwear essentials.
Buy now £99.95, Nike
Ganni Black Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas
Ganni is a cult brand that caters to all customers. The label’s adorable yet punkish buckle-clad ballet pumps look great with flared jeans and a masculine oversized shirt. They are available in sizes 2 to 9.
Buy now £295.00, Ganni
Gucci Mid-Heel Slingbacks with Horsebit
Invest in some heritage heels thanks to Gucci’s dreamy cream slingbacks. A buttery white leather construction, a block heel and the house’s iconic equine-themed insignia offer up a classic design to cherish forever. Available up to UK9.
Buy now £715.00, Gucci
River Island Black Strap Block Heeled Shoes
Tap into schoolgirl chic in time for winter with a pair of classic Mary Janes. The high street heels are affordable and feature dainty strap detailing and petite side buckles for stepping out with supreme elegance.
Buy now £40.00, River Island
Cos Leather Mary-Jane Flats
A childhood staple turned wardrobe must-have, the iconic Mary-Jane silhouette is officially here to stay. Cos’ chrome-free leather flats boast almond toes and contemporary silver eyelets, perfect for pairing with long trousers.
Buy now £115.00, Cos
Bobbies Anya
Fall in love with Bobbies’ block-heeled Anya offering. A rich ganache hue is enhanced by a patent shine and a leather design, all handcrafted in Portugal. Pair with an evening dress or jeans for a suave office look.
Buy now £205.00, Bobbies
Bottega Veneta Knot Mule
Luxury lovers beware as Bottega Veneta’s lambskin mules are hard to resist. A midnight black design is propped up by a metallic gold knot that captures attention with ease.
Buy now £1210.00, Bottega Veneta
Dior Empreinte Ankle Boot
Fashion fans will adore Dior’s inclusive sizing, which goes up to size 9.5. These impressive ankle boots are seriously stylish stompers crafted from black calfskin and showcase the brand’s distinctive initial hardware.
Buy now £1390.00, Dior
ASOS DESIGN Conquest Premium Leather Harness Biker Boots
Having big feet does not mean you have to miss out on big trends. Hit the streets in a pair of chunky biker boots featuring statement buckle detailing and a hardy shade of black to withstand years of wear and tear.
Buy now £110.00, ASOS
Sezanne Amandine Boot
Stand tall in Sezanne’s sophisticated Amandine Boot available in both denim blue and failproof black. Made in the brand’s Portuguese atelier, the heeled eye-candy can be worn for all occasions from first dates to swanky office dos.
Buy now £410.00, Sezanne
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Cracking Leather Knee Boots
Seventies style comes to life in these retro knee highs. A nostalgic pick for Gen Z dressers, the caramel-coloured boots will enhance your everyday attire inch by inch.
Buy now £86.00, ASOS
