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girl with big feet seeks comfort walking shoe

My daughter and I are gearing up for a trip to Italy this summer, and we're having trouble finding comfortable sneaker-type walking shoes to fit her US-size 12.5-13 feet. She had her heart set on the Dansko "Alissa" but they don't come in her size (43 EU). It seems that like the Dansko, Keen's, Taos, Merrel's, and virtually every other "comfort" shoe I know of are limited-to-unavailable in larger sizes. I'm somewhat hopeful about ECCO's, as at least some styles seem to come in size 43, but I've never tried that brand myself.
Any suggestions on a comfortable, quality walking sneaker that comes in extended sizes for women would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Posted by
2598 posts

I swear by Ecco leather sneakers--they are cute, comfy and have great arch support. I have the Chase II and Soft 7 styles in 4 colors and they feel great right out of the box, I didn't need breaking in and never got blisters or sore feet after walking many miles. Check Zappos or Amazon for the best pricing.

Posted by
24 posts

I share your daughter’s pain. I wear a size 12 (wide, if I can get them) and haven’t yet found a leather sneaker-like shoe that fits or is even available in my size. I find the ECCO brand to simply run too narrow / short and untrue to size. I’ve had success with the ASICS brand. They aren’t leather, but they come in crazy patterns and colors and never fail to get me envious compliments. They also go anywhere and are both tough and comfortable. ASICS also manufactures the Metrolyte style that Sarah Murdoch chose as one of her go-to shoes on her blog (look for the link elsewhere on this site and check out her fab article on reader’s picks / her picks for best travel shoes.) Manufacturers simply have not figured out that style doesn’t have to screech to a halt when over size 11.

Posted by
119 posts

Check online for Alegria (brand) on their official site or Zappos or Amazon. The Debra style shows some size 43. There may be other styles that could work too.

Posted by
119 posts

I also feel your pain! When I got married nearly 50 years ago, I was a size 9, but now I usually need a 11 1/2 which is hard to find. I end up ordering 12 and trying to make it work. The European sizes seem to vary. Good luck!

Posted by
1274 posts

Hi there -

Have a look and see if you can get hold of Zamberlan (made in Italy) approach shoes (maybe via Amazon?). The men's and women's shoes are built on the same last, so there should be no problem in getting a pair of EU43 sized shoes even if they are ostensibly 'mens' shoes.

On the flip side of the same coin, I really liked, having worn out a previous pair, one particular model of a Zamberlan shoe which had been discontinued. I managed to track down a ladies pair in my size, EU42. I bought them and like my previous pair they are superbly comfortable. They are not 'sneakers' in the running shoe meaning of the word (what I'd refer to as 'trainers') but more your 'proper' walking shoes, although they due retain a 'heavy duty sneaker' look. Fortunately my latest pair has kept the lilac to a minimum! Nobody has ever said to me 'Ian, are you wearing ladies shoes?'*, so you'll probably get away with it going in the opposite direction!

*If challenged on this I would reply 'Yes, of course I am, they are massively comfortable!'. Never let it be said I'm not in touch with my feminine side!

I've also recently seen a Zamberlan ladies boot in a size EU43 - my size in boots due to thicker socks - at a brilliant sale price, which severely tempted me! So maybe you'll be able to track down a ladies shoe in a similar size!

Ian

Posted by
3961 posts

We swear by our Ecco's. I have 2 pairs of Ecco 7 and a pair of Chase 11. I wear them with a lightweight no show Smartwool sock. My husband just purchased his second pair of Ecco 7. We wore them throughout Greece last year. My other favorite is an Asics black running shoe for everyday walking. The Ecco's are frequently marked down on Amazon. Nordstrom will have them on sale at their Anniversary Sale in July.

Posted by
13808 posts

Another recommendation for Zappos. Order a range of sizes and pick the best fit. Free shipping and free returns.

I swear by Altras but they run small. I usually wear a 10.5 or 11 and generally get the 12s in Altra.

Do look at the suggestion to read Sarah Murdoch’s blog. She also wears a 12 and doesva yearly rundown on shoes for big feet.

https://adventureswithsarah.net/

You do need to get moving on getting her something. She needs to put some miles on them to make sure they work.

Posted by
2 posts

THANK YOU for these kind, thoughtful, and really smart responses. I’m feeling encouraged, and before I was not. Thank you. Cinderella’s stepsisters were misunderstood!

Posted by
13 posts

I wear a 12/43 EU. I brought a pair of Alegria's to Europe and found that my foot slid forward and they were too short for going up and down hills. They were comfortable at the store and at home, but were stiff and never softened up. I was saved by a pair of Clark's sneakers I threw in my suitcase at the last minute--I think a 12 in Clark's runs a little on the long side. I have recently bought size 12 Ecco Soft's and find them narrow, but I'm hopeful I can stretch them out. Chaco's are very supportive and tend to run long, but they only have sandals in 12's; there are some cute leather ones out now. I second the recommendation to look at Zappo's and sort by size (in the left column.)

I hate it when people say "just buy men's shoes!" Dang it, I want cute shoes too! That being said, the Ecco Soft men's look much like the women's and should be a bit wider with longer sizes.

Tell her good luck. Things are much, much better than when I was young but it's still a challenge to find cute, comfortable shoes. My grandmother always said "we have a good under-standing, even if it is a long way from out head!"

Posted by
13808 posts

CJ!! Love your Gramma!

A word about men’s sizes - while I have a very wide forefoot, I also have a narrow-ish heel so the men’s sizes don’t fit so well. On the Altra website are some lacing suggestions to snug up the heel and I have to use one of these options with the women’s lasts on my right foot.

These lacing options can be alternatives for creating or decreasing space.

Let us know what you go with and how it works for her!!

Posted by
915 posts

Same comment re: men's shoes. I wear an 11 in dress shoes or 11.5 in running shoes, 42 in Euro sizing, and have a medium foot with narrowish heel. Men's shoes typically come in dark colors and run wider. I'm fortunate that my size is easier to find than OP's daughter, but still, most of us women with larger feet don't want to wear guys' shoes!

Have a look at Nordstrom, Maryland Square, Masseys--they carry some 12 and 13 sized shoes. Including at least one Dansko clog I see: https://www.masseys.com/finder/clogs/_/N-kixu9vZxlr3tbZ174o75iZ8txn59