Finding shoes that actually fit when you’re a woman with larger-than-average feet is a nightmare. Honestly. It’s a constant cycle of walking into a store, seeing a cute pair of heels, and having a sales associate give you that "sympathetic" look before telling you they only go up to a size 10. This is exactly why the no small feet blog became such a cornerstone for the community. It wasn’t just about shopping links. It was about the shared frustration of being a woman who literally cannot fit into the standard retail mold.
Size 11, 12, 13—these aren't just numbers. They are barriers.
Most people don't realize that the average shoe size for women has actually been creeping upward for decades. According to data from the College of Podiatry, the average female foot size has increased by about two sizes since the 1970s. Yet, many high-street brands are still stuck in the past, capping their inventory at a 10 or maybe an 11 if you're lucky. The no small feet blog stepped into that gap (pun intended) to provide a roadmap for navigating a world that often feels like it wants tall women to just wear men’s sneakers and be quiet about it.
The Reality of Shopping with Large Feet
If you’ve ever searched for the no small feet blog, you probably weren't looking for a fashion lecture. You were likely looking for boots that don't pinch or flats that don't look like orthopedic loaves of bread.
The struggle is real.
Standard manufacturing processes use "grading" to create different sizes. But here’s the kicker: when you scale a shoe up from a size 7 to a size 12, the proportions often get wonky. If a designer doesn't specifically account for the different weight distribution and arch placement of a larger foot, the shoe becomes a torture device. This is a technical nuance that the no small feet blog frequently highlighted. It’s not just about length; it’s about volume, width, and structural integrity.
Why standard retail fails us
Traditional brick-and-mortar stores hate carrying large sizes. Why? Inventory costs. A size 12 takes up more shelf space and, statistically, sells slower than a size 8. Retailers call these "fringe sizes." Being called a fringe size feels great, doesn't it? Not really. It makes you feel invisible.
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Online shopping changed things, but it also introduced the "return-by-mail" fatigue. You order five pairs, none of them fit right, and you spend your Saturday morning at the post office. The no small feet blog served as a filter, helping women identify which brands—like Nordstorm Rack, Long Tall Sally, or specialized European labels—actually understood the assignment.
Identifying the Best Brands for Size 11+
When we talk about the legacy of the no small feet blog, we have to talk about the specific brands that actually show up for the community. It isn't a long list, which is part of the problem.
- Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack: They have historically been the gold standard. They carry up to a size 14 in some brands, which is basically a miracle in the retail world.
- Sam Edelman: A rare "mainstream" brand that consistently offers stylish options in size 11 and 12 without making them look clunky.
- Margaux: They offer a massive range of sizes and widths. If you have a narrow size 12, they are basically your only hope.
- Torrid: While they focus on plus-size fashion, their shoe department is a hidden gem for wide-width size 11s and 12s.
The no small feet blog was essential because it provided "fit-checks" on these brands. You’d find out if a specific boot ran small in the calf or if the toe box was too shallow. That kind of granular detail is something a generic product description will never tell you.
The Psychological Impact of Not Fitting In
Let's get personal for a second. There is a weird kind of "body dysmorphia-lite" that comes with being a tall woman with large feet.
Society associates "femininity" with smallness. Small hands, small waist, small feet. When you’re 6 feet tall and wearing a size 13, you can feel like you're failing at being a "woman" according to some outdated, narrow definition.
I remember reading a post on the no small feet blog years ago where the author talked about the "clown shoe" effect. It’s that feeling when you put on a pair of shoes and they just look... massive. The blog helped normalize this. It showed that your feet are the foundation of your body. They carry you through the world. They aren't something to be hidden or ashamed of.
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Style over "just whatever fits"
For a long time, women with large feet were told to be grateful for anything that went on their feet. "Oh, it fits? Great, buy it in every color." But what if you don't like the color? What if you hate the style?
The no small feet blog pushed back against the "settling" narrative. It encouraged women to demand actual fashion. You shouldn't have to wear ugly shoes just because your DNA decided you were going to be tall.
How to Navigate the Current Shoe Landscape
If you're hunting for size 12+ today, the game has changed a bit since the heyday of the no small feet blog, but the core strategies remain the same.
First, stop looking at "standard" retailers first. It's a waste of energy. Start with sites that allow you to filter by size immediately. There is nothing more soul-crushing than scrolling through 20 pages of shoes only to find that none of them come in your size.
Second, embrace the "Extended Size" sections of major brands. Nike and Adidas are actually pretty good about this now, often blurring the lines between men's and women's sizing in their "unisex" lines. This is great for sneakers, but obviously less helpful when you need a pump for a wedding.
The European Secret
Many European brands, particularly German and Scandinavian ones, have a different perspective on height. Brands like Gabor or Ara often carry larger sizes (up to a UK 9 or 10, which translates to a US 11 or 12). Shipping can be pricey, but the quality usually justifies the cost. The no small feet blog was one of the first places to really bridge that gap for US-based shoppers.
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Practical Steps for the Large-Footed Fashionista
If you're tired of the struggle, here is how you should actually approach building a wardrobe that doesn't hurt your feet or your pride.
Invest in Quality Basics
Because finding shoes is hard, when you find a pair that fits perfectly, buy the best quality you can afford. A leather boot that can be resoled by a cobbler is worth five pairs of cheap synthetic ones that will fall apart in six months.
Learn Your Measurements in Centimeters
US and UK sizing is notoriously inconsistent. A size 12 in one brand is a 13 in another. If you know your foot length in centimeters, you can compare it to the size charts provided by most high-end manufacturers. It’s the only way to be 90% sure a shoe will fit before it arrives at your door.
The Cobbler is Your Best Friend
If you find a shoe that is almost perfect but a little tight in one spot, a professional cobbler can stretch it for you. They can't make a size 10 into a 12, but they can certainly turn a "too-narrow" 12 into a "just-right" 12.
Join the Community
While the no small feet blog might not post as frequently as it once did, the community it built moved to places like Reddit (r/TallGirls) and specialized Facebook groups. These are the places where people post real-time alerts about sales or new brand launches.
The no small feet blog was never just about footwear. It was a movement toward inclusivity in an industry that is incredibly slow to change. By refusing to settle for "men's sneakers" or "ugly orthopedics," the readers and creators of that space forced brands to realize that tall women have purchasing power.
We still have a long way to go before every shoe store carries a full range of sizes, but the path has been cleared. Your feet aren't the problem; the industry's narrow vision is the problem.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
- Measure your feet in centimeters tonight to get an accurate baseline for international shopping.
- Check the "Extended Sizes" filter on Nordstrom Rack and Zappos once a week; the good stuff in size 11+ disappears within hours.
- Identify one high-quality "investment" brand that consistently fits your foot shape and save for one versatile pair rather than three "okay" pairs.