Big Feet? Bigger Problem!

What do we want? Shoes! When do we want them? Now! Where can we get them? Well, there's the problem, because it's not just ANYWHERE! Calling all shoe sizes 10 and up! Do you feel that we are being neglected and not granted the privilege to just shop anywhere for a cute pair of shoes? Well, I certainly do! I have mentioned in previous posts one of my greatest annoyances in life is my size shoe and how it can be extremely difficult to find. I am a shoe lover who wants the same access to shoes as everyone else below a size 10.

Growing up shoe shopping with my mother could lead to an all day event. My feet were wide and not always available in the kids sizes, so I had to wear adult sizes. I wanted the cute light-up, noise-making shoes like the other kids, but most of the time that wasn't an option. If I needed a church shoe, there was an automatic acception of discomfort due to the lack of space for my feet. Once I found a pair that fit me I could expect to basically live in the pair till the soles fell out.

The fashion world is involving in more inclusivity for bigger available sizes in clothing. It is great to see brands finally come to a realization that not everyone is the same size and diversity is needed. It is much easier these days to find plus size clothing options in your department type of stores like Target, Sears, Walmart, Macy's, and etc. However, when it comes to finding larger shoe sizes there is not much availability. The typical range of shoe size in stores seems to go up to size 10. If the store does cater to larger shoe sizes, then there appears to be a lack of variety in shoe styles compared to the smaller shoe sizes.

Typically, in my experience there is a lack in styles for heels and boots in stores. I want to wear that cute scrappy pump or knee-high suede boot that others have access to wear. However, it is simply not available for me in those department type of stores. Please, don't get me started on the boot calf/thigh sizing! You will more than likely need to go to a store that caters to bigger sizes to obtain any type of boot that will fit you properly.

I just want to be able to go into a store and have the same option as others. In recent years I have found stores that do cater to me, but sometimes it can come at a price. It would be lovely to be able to run into a store and pickup a $20 cute pair of shoes but that is hardly ever the case. If you do wear a larger size shoe then you probably know it can come at price, especially if you are looking for more than just a gym shoe. I have spent anywhere from $60 -$100 on a basic type shoe that could be found cheaper if other stores carried my size.

My call to action to the fashion shoe world and department stores out there is to increase your shoe size selection! We have seen the positive impacts on increasing clothing sizes, so why not do the same for shoes? The main argument may be cost in developing larger sizes due to more material needed. That was the same argument used to exclude plus size fashion in more of the main stream fashion world. However, the response is easy. If you make it available people will spend the money!

Till that change is made here is a list of great stores I purchase shoes both in-store and online for women

• Torrid - sizes - sizes up to 13

• Payless - sizes up to 13

• Nordstrom Rack - sizes up to 13

• Ashley Stewart - sizes up to 12

• Lonia - sizes up to 15

• Lane Bryant - sizes up 12

There are definitely more options available out there. These are just my staple stores where I have found some great deals in the past.

In conclusion, I look forward to the day where I can walk into a store without worry that my shoe size isn't available. If you have a similar sentiment about your shoe size let me know in the comments! If not, what's your personal annoyance when it comes to shopping? Let me know in the comments below!