As a teenager, the author accidentally tripped her mother in a department store due to her large feet. For years, the author struggled to find shoes that fit properly, often sticking to classic styles like Converse high-tops and ballet flats. However, when she needed a pair of evening heels for her job at Vogue, she realized she had been wearing the wrong size shoes for years. After realizing she was actually a size 42, the author began to embrace her larger feet and sought out more size-inclusive shoe options.
The fashion industry historically catered to smaller shoe sizes, making it difficult for women with larger feet to find stylish options. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards more inclusive sizing, with brands offering a wider range of sizes for those in the 41-plus club. The author, who works at Vogue, has sourced designer shoes in size 42 for various high-profile events, including the Met Gala. Brands like Chanel, Prada, and Manolo Blahnik have become known for their size-inclusive shoe offerings, catering to a diverse range of feet sizes.
Embracing big feet goes beyond finding the right shoe size; it has also become a fashion trend. Balenciaga and Loewe have released oversized sneakers and puffy pumps, while MSCHF’s red boots have gained popularity on TikTok. The trend towards larger, chunkier shoes has been evident in recent fashion shows, with the author describing the current footwear styles as “clodhopper.” Despite this trend, the author still holds onto her classic shoe choices and makes sure to carry a few pairs of her own size 42 shoes in case of emergencies at work.
The author reflects on her journey to accepting her larger feet, noting the struggles she faced growing up with finding proper-fitting shoes. After mistakenly wearing the wrong shoe size for years, she finally discovered her true size and embraced it. She highlights the importance of having access to size-inclusive footwear options and the impact it has had on her confidence and style choices. The shift towards more inclusive sizing in the fashion industry has allowed individuals with larger feet to find shoes that fit well and reflect their personal style.
Despite the challenges she faced in finding shoes that fit, the author has found a sense of empowerment in embracing her larger feet. She has learned to appreciate her unique shoe size and has found joy in seeking out stylish, size-inclusive footwear options. As the fashion industry continues to evolve and cater to diverse body types, the author looks forward to the future of inclusive sizing and the impact it will have on individuals with larger feet. The journey towards self-acceptance and embracing one’s uniqueness is a theme that resonates throughout the author’s experience with finding the right shoe size and confidently owning her big feet.
