OK, I tried to think of a more 'delicate' title for this thread, but I can't. So I admit that I have big feet (by Swiss standards anyway).
I need a pair of smartish sandals for an upcoming wedding (not mine!), and have had a hard time finding anything. I take a European size 42 - 43
It doesn't have to be fancy, and although online I did find the rather flatteringly named bigshoes.ch, this looks to be more of a boutique style footwear store. I want something smart but basic.
So I would be grateful for any tips on either real shops (Zurich area) or online stores that cater for the larger footed woman Surely I am not the only one.......
have u tried to check some shop online in US? before i used to visit www.shoemall.com but just last week i was checking there site and it doesn't work anymore. btw me too i have a huge foot.
I know someone from Zurich in fashion retail (clothing) that I will see this weekend. I don't know how knowledgeable they are about shoes (especially larger sizes) but I'll ask.
If I forget to post back with a reply please feel free to PM me before Sunday morning to remind me.
Big shoes at Bellvue have lots of beautiful shoes in larges sizes 42 and over though they can be pricey , around 300 chfs plus, the big Co-op in the middle of Banhofstrasse have a good selection of larger sizes from about 140 chfs upwards, I ve tried Vogele shoes but the largest I have ever found is a few small 42s ......
i go into "normal" shoeshops, cry a little at the limited range in my size, look in the mens section, cry some more..
next shop.. repeat etc.. you know how it goes..
anyway, i have also ordered shoes in these "normal" shops in larger sizes- i think that was in Vögele shoes. cant remember - shops not there anymore.
have you thought of painting your feet? being 42-43 myself, the only place where i found a "decent range" of shoes has been the netherlands and Toronto. guess its too far to go though, huh?
Recently on my local radio station there was an article about a 14 year old girl who was excluded from school for wearing the wrong type of shoes. She claimed that she could only get men's styles or trainers in her size as she had large feet.
A man phoned in, sympathising with the girl, and mentioned a shop that stocked fashionable shoes in large sizes. The presenter was impressed that a man was aware of the problem and asked if he had a daughter or wife with ther same problem. He replied that he was single and a transvestite. The shop was the one where he bought his shoes. The presenter was lost for words!
This may be a route to search for larger size shoes.
Hi... I have big, and also quite wide feet too and have probably experienced a lot of the same frustrations as you. I haven't lived in Switzerland for a while now, but I remember occasionally finding something at the large Coop on Bahnhofstrasse (St. Annahof). Unfortunately, a lot of their larger-sized stuff is atrocious in terms of style, either grandmotherly or tranny (or maybe both... hmm...).
I discovered a great website last fall, where I have ordered boots and shoes both, and am very happy with service and quality. Have a look at duoboots.com if you are interested in finding out more. Unfortunately, I cannot give you any clear advice on shipping to Switzerland (and problems attendant to that), sorry. However, if you get in touch with Duo, they are usually extremely helpful and willing to go the extra mile in terms of customer service.
You could look at Swissgirl71's for sale thread. She has large sized shoes, great brands in great condition for unbelievable prices! Sorry, but I got the best ones!
Did the originator of the thread find any good suggestions? I bought a few pairs from Bigshoes near Bellevue,but there are too expensive for the style.
It is better just to fly to the UK and get what you want. Which is what I do.
I find that the selection at Coop Annahof has improved a lot over the past 2 years, and prices are resonable. For me, it is the only place in Switzerland to buy shoes. However, I still go to the Netherlands once a year and buy 3-4 pairs in a specialized shop where they sell women's shoes up to size 46.
In my opinion, the shop at Bellevue is way too expensive for what you get.
Hi, It looks like we have a interest in larger size shoes. Are you all tall as well? I ran a company called "Standtall" which addressed all the issues that tall women encountered ie: feminine shoes for over size 40! Would there be such an interest here?
Swissgrey, I dont know where you stay but if you are stuck, I have a beautiful pair of black shoes (evening wear) that I have not worn that would be happy to give you for the special occassion
Yes, I was informed Bigshoes is the place to find large sized shoes and yes there is a chance they're a bit expensive but that often is the case in a specialty shop.
I would not like to say the women with big feet should be considered "specialty".
I mean....are plus size clothes shops considered specialty? hat shops for women with big heads, or gloves shops etc etc? (yes a bit extreme)
The size of ones feet is not something you can help? In the olding days I wonder what the women used like in the Middle Ages, Victoria Ages etc.
I heard the a huge percentage (over 50) of women do not wear the proper shoes. That is because shoes are now made in such a way that is not for feet but for fashion.
Women with wide feet always have to go up 1 or 2 sizes. So a 40 would then have find a 42 or bigger. If your arches are "arched", it could cause the need for bigger shoes also.
Anyway...that is my two cents worth.
I have a big frame....on the slightly taller size but my feet size matches proportionately my size.
If the makers of shoes can make a 40 why the heck cant they make it bigger....economies of scale wouldnt make it a problem for them.
bigshoes IS TOO EXPENSIVE. you can go to the UK where there are MANY (non specialty) shops:-) for big feet....
The shoe site that sets the standard is http://www.zappos.com . They charge $40 for international shipping but given the exchange rate and the price of shoes in the US, it is still probably cheaper than buying the same shoes in a store in Switzerland. Of course, you need to know what you are shopping for.
I'm 1.80m tall which I don't find very tall, but it is obviously above average here. Nowadays it is not really a problem anymore, because I know where to shop and the limited choice cuts down my shopping time . I have also been thinking about business opportunities, but I have a feeling that most 'tall' people in Switzerland are foreigners and that the market potential is therefore small. However, I've never done any serious research on the matter.