Help with shoe sizes.

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

I did a search for this and I am sure there are topics on it but nothing has stood out, well at least nothing recent. Anyway I was wondering how to work out shoes size, it is tricky for me as I have worn mens size 12 boots before but i fit a 10 easily, I also have worn size 10 and 11 shoes in mens.

So on average I would say I am a mens size 10 so what does that translate to in womens? The highest I have come across are womens 11. Would that fit me or am I going to have to invest in custom shoes?

[Sara Thomas]

I wear a 10 1/2 men's... and sometimes have luck with a ladies sz. 11 - but just as often they are too small.

I do know that, in the future, I will abstain from buying online and try them on in the store instead: that's my best advice.

Good luck!

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

I'd love to do that but I do not present female yet as I have not been on HRT long enough(for my liking) and also my current situation kind of makes it difficult for me to do so at home. SO I feel like online is my only option.

Well that and lack of confidence to grab a pair off the shelf and try them.

[Lucid]

Unfortunately, shoe size varies greatly from shoe to shoe.  Even within the same brand.  I'd recommend getting an eye for what size of shoe looks about right.  Also feel the insides of your shoes so that you can sort of "feel up" the insides of shoes in the store.  After you get a good idea of what will fit you, just go to the store, find a pair that seems right and just buy them as if you were getting someone a gift.  If you get home and they don't fit, just take them back and get some more.

Hope I was clear and helpful.

[StellaB]

Arrrggghhhh!!! Shoes... the bane of my life..

However..

Shoes differ in sizes from country to country..

http://www.i18nguy.com/l10n/shoes.html#adult

This is a link to a shoe size conversion chart.

Also women's shoes are shaped differently from men's shoes.

[Cindi Lane]

this is a Partial Quote
So on average I would say I am a mens size 10 so what does that translate to in womens? The highest I have come across are womens 11. Would that fit me or am I going to have to invest in custom shoes?

For US shoe sizes; you are on the dividing line between mass market commonly available women's shoes (up to 11, occasionally 12) and the more specialized "Large" women's sizes (12 to 15, and sometimes 16 or 17).

The advice from Lucid and StellaB are spot on, you will learn to exchange shoes (or open a used shoe store). Typically in the US, you will need a women's "wide" shoe that is 1.5 to 2 size numbers larger than a male shoe size. When you are ready to go shop in person, you may need to shop at store that specialized in wide women's shoes.

I personally shop on the internet for all my shoes (I'm a much larger size than you).
The largest e-tailers  (E.G. Zappos and Shoebuy) will have free returns, don't be afraid to return shoes.

Many of the styles on http://www.barefoottess.com/  have a "measurements " tab that is very helpful.

   -Cindi

[Lyric]

In US sizes, you generally calculate by adding one size to your mens size. I'm a 9 1/2 mens, so I (optimally) can wear a size 10 1/2 womens. For boots, I've bought size 11 and just worn thick socks. Size 10 can be a bit tight for me I can pull it off with sandles sometimes.

Anyway, your best bet may be to shop online where size selections tend to be greater. I'm sure there are specialty dealers who handle larger sizes, so you'll want to look around. Shoes are one type of clothing I pretty much have to shop for in stores, myself.

[Damian]

It normally translates to about woman's size 12, you can find those more often in marshalls and shops that buy the extra inventory and sell it for a discounted price. If you find a pair of 11s that are a bit tight on you, here's what you do:
1) Place ziplock bags in the shoes.
2) Fill the bags with water until the inside of the shoe is filled. Make sure not to spill the water in the actual shoe.
3) Place in freezer overnight.
Presto! Shoes are stretched.

[Charley Bea(EmeraldP)]

Thanks I will keep that in mind.