ballerina flats with ties

December 7, 2009

Ballerina Flats

Ballerina Flats

Maybe you were teased as a child. And, you've politely ignored the references to your feet looking like gunboats. Well, the joke isn't on you anymore. Large size women shoes are widely available like never before. Whether you want a dressy pump or a comfortable athletic trainer, retailers and manufacturers are figuring out that there is an ever-growing market in large size women shoes.

With over 30 percent of all women's shoe sales being size nine and above, there is big money in selling large size women shoes. The fact is women's feet are getting bigger. While women over the age of 35 have an average shoe size of seven and a half, their younger counterparts average a shoe size of eight and a half.

This "growing" demand for women's shoes in sizes nine through fifteen has spawned many new retailers and shoe manufacturers who specialize in larger sizes. Twenty years ago, a woman with big feet had very limited options in shoes. Now, she can choose from a vast array of business, casual, and even golfing shoes.

It is estimated that approximately 85 percent of women buy shoes in the wrong size. Most often, they buy shoes that are too small. Ill-fitting shoes can contribute to a whole host of medical problems including bunions, corns, hammertoes, and calluses. With the larger sizes more commonly available now, women are finding the styles that they want in the sizes that they need. This is a welcome relief for the many women who have bought shoes in a too-small size because there was no other option.

If you are a woman with big, glorious feet, make sure that you have both of your feet sized every time you buy shoes. Take the measurement standing up and sitting down. Ask the salesperson for suggestions on shoe brands that might work with your foot size and shape.

If you are trying to minimize the size of your feet, look for shoes with rounded toes and moderate heels. You may want to stay away from pointy pumps, ballerina flats, and t-straps that can lengthen the appearance of your feet. It is also best to stick to neutral tones or colors that blend well with hose or pants.

Finally, keep in mind that if the average shoe size of women keeps growing, you may find yourself having smaller than average feet. Those jokes about your less than dainty tootsies will certainly be a thing of the past.

Chrisy Diaz is a fashion advisor for plus size women. She has been helping women of all sizes look their absolute best while helping them find fantastic deals on plus size apparel. For the hottest tips, secrets and additonal articles, not to mention some great deals on wide or large size womens shoes visit Plus Size Fashion Secrets.

	Skechers Little Kid/Big Kid Diameter-Confirmed Lace Up Casual List Price: $39.95
	? Cool casual style for the boy who can't wait to grow up ? Smooth synthetic upper with stitching and overlay details ? Padded collar and tongue ? Soft fabric shoe lining ? Cushioned comfort insole ? Shock absorbing midsole ? Flexible rubber sole

	Clarks Women's Nikki Boston Slip-On
	? An incredibly popular mix of dress casual style and comfort cushioning ? Smooth leather upper with twin elastic gores for a snug fit ? Side zipper closure ? Shock-absorbing EVA insole ? Flexible rubber-like sole ? 1" heel height

	Easy Spirit Women's Serra Boot
	? Cozy up to cool weather ? Suede leather upper ? Soft fabric lining ? Removable cushioned insole ? Flexible rubber sole with 1" heel ? Stitched detailing and fleecy collar ? Bungee cord and decorative buttons for fit

	Skechers Women's Starry Sneaker List Price: $59.00 Average Rating:
	Skechers' Starry ensures that you'll be training in style. The leather, mesh, and synthetic upper features eye-catching contrast overlays and a lace-up design for a custom fit. Padded linings keep every step a cozy one, and you can tread on any surface with the sturdy rubber sole.

	Daniel Green Women's Nikki Slipper
	? Add a hint of understated flair to your leisure wardrobe ? Nubuck leather upper with nailhead detailing ? Soft, warm fleecy insole ? Indoor/outdoor rubber-like sole ? Available in whole sizes only, half sizes please order the next size up

	Daniel Green Women's Geneva Slipper
	? You'll want to spend the entire day snuggled up with this cozy slipper ? Suede leather upper ? Cozy fleece lining ? Cushioned latex footbed ? Flexible rubber-like sole ? Available in whole sizes only, half sizes please order the next size up

	Daniel Green Women's Adelyn Slipper
	? You'll stay deliciously warm in this cozy slipper style ? Knit fabric upper ? Cozy fleece lining ? Cushioned latex footbed ? Flexible rubber-like sole ? Available in whole sizes only, half sizes please order the next size up

	KEEN Presidio Shoe - Women's List Price: $89.95 Average Rating:
	Traveling by foot? The Keen Women?s Presidio Shoes turn long urban treks into delightful romps through town. Water-resistant leather uppers let you carry on after a misstep into a London puddle or a stroll through a rainy South American street...

	Skechers Women's All-Access Scooped Lace Up List Price: $55.00
	This easy-going style from Skechers is perfect for your everyday casual wardrobe. The low profile offers comfort around the ankles, especially with its padded linings. The lace-up front offers a custom fit while the fully-tractioned sole offers steady stepping on any surface.

	Clarks Women's Fireworks Flip-Flop List Price: $42.00 Average Rating:
	? The style of choice for a variety of casual activities ? Suede leather upper with zigzag border stitching ? Cushy polyurethane insole ? Flexible rubber sole ? Well-constructed and beautifully designed ? Available in whole sizes only, half sizes please order the next size up