Growing up, I’ve always had a “hate” relationship with shoe shopping because of my small feet. In US sizes, I’m a 5 or a 5.5, which many stores (and even some brands) don’t stock. When it comes to sneakers and flip flops, I’ll often settle for a 6 since it’s more common and having extra room isn’t a big deal with those type of shoes. Sometimes that doesn’t work out, especially with flats.
I’ve finally given up and have turned to shopping online, which is sooo much better for finding my shoe size. I used to avoid it because well, it’s shoes. How will I know if it fits well or feels good unless I’ve tried it on?? (By the way, this is not a sponsored post. After my eternal struggle with shoes, I just have to rave about getting ones that actually fit.)
Lately I’ve been turning to Zappos and DSW. Zappos has an amazing return policy with free shipping both ways. With DSW, I take a look at the shoes in store and ask the cashier to order my size for me (free shipping to my house and free return in store). So with that, I’ve thrown away some very, very worn shoes of mine and opted for some newer ones.
First up are two new flip flops! The orange ones are by B.O.C., and the black ones are by Clarks.
I have to admit that I don’t treat my feet well when it comes to flip flops. I love wearing flip flops and often buy ones with little support. When I wore these, I was shocked at how comfortable they were. The bottom of both feel so cushioned! Plus, I think the flower design of both are really cute.
Next up are a couple of flats. I haven’t had much luck with flats in the past due to not properly buying my size. I really like the simple design of both, and the Jessica Simpson ones (left) have nice padding at the bottom. It’s a very comfortable flat. The Nine West ones (right) are thinner at the bottom but the lining is softer, so it still feels fairly good.
And lastly are more sneakers. A couple years ago, I bought a pair of Vans for a cosplay, and then realized how much I liked them. I liked the style of the shoe, and they were more comfortable than I expected. I even brought them on trips where I had to walk around a lot, and they held up really well. Thus, I bought two more in charcoal – one with laces and one is a slip on.
And that’s it! New flip flops, flats, and sneakers – I think I’m good for a while! Do you buys shoes in store or online?
I have to buy them in person, because I have such wide and small feet. I was lucky one time when I bought toms online, but they still ended up being a bit too big on me. I now go to thrift stores and get shoes there. <3
ooOOOMMggg I am also a size 5/5.5. I always hated shoe shopping and to this day I think I still do. I just try something on, and they don’t have it in my size, or I’m an in-between so it doesn’t work out. I have tried to be more open about buying shoes from different places since some stores seem to stock better shoes than others. My perennial hate for shoe shopping just really slams down on me every time I need to buy new shoes.
I have a few heels! Both pumps and little ankle boots. I actually found that because of my very high arches, I can’t wear flats. 🙁 I need to wear something that has even just a bit of a heel or some support for my foot. That’s the hardest part about finding flats. I am on the lookout for brogues or oxford shoes which are cool and practical and look good, but aren’t too casual. I don’t remember the last time I wore sneakers (apart from sport shoes to go to the gym or running), so I think that’s out of the question haha. I used to wear them so much when I was a bit younger!
I don’t buy shoes online because I really need to try the shoes on and walk in them and be 100% sure about buying them. I feel it’s safer that way. 🙂
*high five* Small feet unite! It’s such a pain that to find shoes our size D: I started wearing sneakers again the past couple of years. Before that, I kind of stopped wearing them too. As for flats, I know several people who buy inserts to have an arch!
Since Zappos has free shipping and returns, I often order multiple sizes to try them on. Then I return the ones that don’t work 🙂 It’s not as fast as buying in store, but they have my size more often, so it works out better.
It’s great that you found a way to find shoes for your size! I have average sized feet (I’m told it’s small for my height but that’s not saying much haha). I’m a 6.5/7 so I don’t have much problems looking for shoes. The only real challenge I have is when shoes I want sell out. :’D
I love shopping online, so I tend to order my shoes online too! XD I’m also very particular about what I’m buying. I’ve stopped wearing heels, and I’m picky about flats. My shoes are mostly sneakers or loafers now.
I always wish I had smaller feet! I’m a size 7, which is super common but on the bigger side for someone my height. Since it’s such a common size, I notice it tends to go out of stock sooner than some of the other sizes D:
I like buying my shoes online, but only if I know the store has a free return policy. DSW is a favorite of mine as well!
I’m the worst when it comes to shoe shopping XD. Either there is something about the shoe that I don’t like or it’s too expensive ;~;. Your shoes haul looks niiiceee :D. The flower on the flip flops are on point! Flip flops are the easiest to wear and walk around with @___@.
Your Nine West flats look classy~~ You can never go wrong with a pair of Vans. They’re simple and pretty durable!
I bought most of my shoes in store because my foot size likes to change between 5.5, 6, and 6.5 XD.
I just hate shoe shopping!
I have small feet too. I’m a size 5 and I hardly get anything for my little feet! Especially if I got to those malls for shoe shopping i am 99.99% bound to be disappointed. I usually have to look for some decent footwear in the local shops!
I loved your sneakers! I have been buying floaters for about 10 years now and they remain my first preference shoes! I don’t do too well with heels, and bellies or flats give me those bad, bad shoe bites!
I need to get used to the two though, not that I am gonna enter the corporate world!
I definitely have to go in store. I’m really picky when it comes to shoes and I have to be sure they fit right and don’t look weird on me. So many times I’ve tried a pair on which looked nice on the shelf, but looked horrible on.
Love your new shoes – especially the Vans. I reall want a pair!
Xxx
I’ve heard of DSW and heard nothing but good things about it. I’m amazed at your new collection! they totally look so chic and can be worn with any type of attire style, it’s a great haul you got into! I love the flats!!!
Nice stash! I’m glad you found an online source that allows you to do returns in case the shoes end up not fitting right. That’s a good thing, honestly, because I feel the same way about buying shoes online 🙂
I really like the sneaker on the left! That’s something close to my style, so it’s something I’d consider, too. Vans are very comfortable, and they were what I wore in high school, but it seems like my feet no longer likes them. I bought a pair of Vans a couple of years ago, but I ended up giving it to my aunt XD
My feet are in between sizes, an 8 or 8.5 so I always seem to have trouble finding shoes that fit just right. I think that’s why I own so many flip flops and slip on canvas shoes because they don’t have to fit perfectly, and they’re cheap. 😛
I love the flip flops you bought! I have a pair that look almost identical to the black ones, but without the good support. They’re very flat, so I wish they were better for my feet. I also have a lot of trouble finding good flats – they always seem to be so hard on the heel that they make my feet bleed. So I have to opt for soft cloth ones, which don’t hold up very well and don’t look as nice. Shoe shopping can be so hard. D:
I loovee the flip flops!! I gotta get me some those. Really pretty. Am hesitant to buy shoes/clothes online though since I really have to try them on. Return policies aren’t that great here.
My friend has the opposite of your problem. Since we’re in Asia, my friend whose size is US Women’s 11 can never find a pair here. She either has to go abroad or also get the expensive branded ones.
The shoes you got look so good, it’s great to have a bit of variety as well. 😀 There are a number of shoes that I really want to get (online) but I have brought any on the web before, so I am a bit unsure about getting the right size. Especially with many types being imported and having different sizes. >.<
I work at a shoe store part time along with my studies and I can’t stop talking about shoes to people haha! I love the variety you’ve picked up, I need to go on a shoe haul soon myself actually! I’m glad to hear you like the vans, I wish I could wear them – I have very narrow feet and small (size 3) so the converse is a much better fit but I love how vans look!
Great selection! Especially love the black flip flops and the flats, I’ll have to have a look in Clarks soon. I need some new flip flops myself.
Before I got my office job, I was a deputy manager in a shoe shop and really enjoyed it. Often had a really large shoes collection as a result!
AH I LOVE THESE! I specially love the Jessica Simpson flats because they really look like cute ballet flats. I always buy shoes at outlets because they have discounts – shoes are more expensive than we give them credit for. One of my favorite places is Clark’s! It’s so hard to find fashionable shoes there but when you do, it’s worth it because they are so so comfortable. I also LOVE fans for the style. Though they are not the most comfortable sneakers, they are so fly!