Good stores for larger sizes - my opinions.

Saturn · 12th August 2008, 06:46

I should preface this post by stating that I am in the US - so these thoughts mostly apply to stores located in the US (I'm pretty sure... didn't do much research).

For those that can't find stores other than Payless that carry size 11 and up, I've found these are very reliable sources:

1. Shoe Dept. I find these in malls and sometimes shopping centers. Usually have size 11 and 12, (not 13) and usually the larger sizes stay on the shelves and end up clearanced - good for us! I bought a couple pairs of boots from these places for 1/8th the cost. The quality is so-so, but hey... if the price is right, it's always fun to buy a new pair for $8 that used to cost $40 and all the small sizes are gone. They have a decent selection of higher stilettos, which I like. Not many higher than 4" though.

2. Gabriel Brothers. This place has cheap prices, and carrys many size 12s! I wear size 11, so it gets a little frustrating seeing all the size 12s and trying them on, and they are slipping off my feet even with socks on. Most of the heels in the "clearance area" are from Frederick's of Hollywood. I've seem some really high heels here - 5", maybe even 5.5" - but a lot of times, they just have so few 11s and a ton of 12s. Good news for size 12s.

Places that I don't like:

1. Payless Shoes. Sure, that's where I started too. But the larger heels are not that stylish. Not many stilettos in the larger sizes. All the fun styles are in the smaller sizes - not fair! Still, good for getting big, WIDE sizes, so it's not all that bad. I am technically an 11W, but I never find anything good in the wide sizes though.

2. Wal-Mart. Screw this place, honestly. Not much over a size 10, and even if it is, it's probably flat and/or boring. You're lucky to find an 11 or 12. They actually used to be much better in this department, but it's gotten worse since I started buying (of course).

3. K-Mart. Read my Wal-Mart rant, minus the "they used to have good stuff" part.

4. Goodwill / Salvation Army / any Thrift Store. They're fun to look around, but the larger styles are usually... how do I say this... dumpy? Yeah. A lot of size 9 dissapointments. Occasional size 10s, too small for me. Not many high(er) heels, if at all. Size 11s are usually nothing I'd want. Size 12, prepare yourself for some loafers. You will get lucky occasionally with the chunkier "goth" type boots or shoes, if that's what you like. I actually donated 4 or 5 pairs of my 11s (and one size 10 from when I thought I could wear that - WRONG!) I came back to the store, and all of my pairs had already been purchased. So that might be why the larger, neater sizes are hard to find there. Somebody's beating me to it!

One thing that I liked about all these stores, is that it's fairly painless and rather exciting to try the shoes on in-store. There's usually a lull of activity unless you go on a weekend or something.

So what do you think of these opinions? Did you have similar experiences in these stores? Did anyone ever find a VERY high pair of shoes at the thrift store? Please, share!

heelma · 12th August 2008, 20:28

The only regular shoe store I can find a shoe large enough to fit is Payless. Yes, more styles in smalles sizes, of course, but I disagree with your opinion that there are hardly any good ones in size 12 or 13. I lucked out quite a bit lately there. But it also depends largely on the location of the store. This has been reviewed here in many threads already.
No luck with any other store you mentioned.

Saturn · 12th August 2008, 21:45

Are you able to find any thinner-heeled stilettos at Payless? I usually find very thick or chunky heels there. Sometimes you can tell that they're specifically designed to hold a larger frame.

t-strap lover · 12th August 2008, 23:20

Saturn, where are most of the stores that you mentioned? Also I've never had any problems finding 11's in shoe stores, dept stores or on the net. As for as Payless, they seem to always have some really nice heels in larger sizes. It might be the area you live in where you are having trouble finding the right shoe.

Bootking · 12th August 2008, 23:30

Don't put Wal-mart down so fast; I'm sure that it must depend upon the store. You can find size 11 and in some decent styles - not many but they are there. I bought a nice stiletto sandal there, "George" brand, (see the pics). I would also suggest Burlington Coat Factory - again, hit or miss but they do have size 11 also. Also, some Macy's (you would have to call and ask if they carry them).

You could also add Target (particularly Target.com more than the store).

dingpat · 13th August 2008, 00:08

For me personally, I'm already pretty tall, and stilettos would not look great on me (my opinion), So I like the chunkier heels and wedges a lot. I also have to wear a 12-13 (varies in brands) so payless is really MY only option.

heelma · 13th August 2008, 02:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saturn

Are you able to find any thinner-heeled stilettos at Payless? I usually find very thick or chunky heels there. Sometimes you can tell that they're specifically designed to hold a larger frame.

Example: The Perpetual Payless ShoeSource Thread
see the entire thread for other examples.

plasmaboy · 13th August 2008, 11:34

What about UK. I can think of:

Shoezone
Faith
Next
Barratts

I some times don't have the bottle to do Faith or Next as you have to ask for the size 9's or whatever. Got to get a grip[ I guess!

highestheels · 13th August 2008, 15:35

I have tried Barratts in couple of places and they only seem to stock up to a size UK8. Shame as some of their new styles are very nice.

thatotherguy · 14th August 2008, 06:30

I Have quite small feet (Size 9.5 Womens US), I'd reckon it will be pretty easy for me to get shoes, since my girlfriend just bought me my first pair in what she calls a "normal store that I shop at"