Okay, so, I’ve been on the hunt for some decent flats, size 12, which, let me tell you, is not as easy as it sounds. I mean, it feels like the average shoe size for us ladies has been creeping up over the years, but finding stylish options in larger sizes is still a bit of a mission.
I started my search the way everyone does these days – online. I figured, let’s check out what deals are out there. There were some crazy low prices advertised that caught my eye, but the fine print got me – things like “30 Day Return Policy” and “24/7 Customer Service” were nice, but then I saw “Free Shipping Over $49.99” which instantly made me think, “Ah, there’s the catch!” I’m all for free shipping, but I wasn’t planning on buying multiple pairs just to hit that minimum.
So I moved on, I really wanted to touch and feel the shoes, you know? I ended up looking for some local shops. I remember reading somewhere that pointed toes give you a bit of extra space up front, while round ones don’t. I was thinking of getting something a bit dressier, so I leaned towards pointed-toe flats. They just look a bit fancier, and they’re a good alternative to heels for a night out. I figured I should probably go half a size up for those. Oh, and I saw that patent leather and suede are in this year, and even some cool textured stuff like snakeskin. I’m a neutrals girl myself – black, beige, white – but I gotta admit, a splash of cobalt blue or silver does sound tempting.
Then I tried on various shoes, I was thinking about comfort. I need something I can wear all day, whether I’m running around the office, in meetings, or just out and about. I heard that some brands, like Tieks, are supposed to be the gold standard for Italian leather ballet flats. I guess they’re known for being really comfy and flexible, which is exactly what I need. But the problem is I have not found a size 12 in there.
Finally, after a long time searching, I found some brands that actually offer size 12 options. It took a while to test the shoes, and I did find some comfortable and feet-friendly flats. So, yeah, it took a bit of work, but I finally got some new flats. It’s always a bit of a journey finding the right shoes, but it’s worth it when you find that perfect pair. It’s just a shame that it’s so much harder when you’re not the “average” size. Hopefully, that’ll change soon!