I'm 45 or UK 11 (US women's 13, I think) and 188 cm / 6'2", which means that my feet don't really look all that big relatively. The shoe size doesn't really bother me all that much, as I'm lucky enough to have a store that specialises in unusual sizes, two blocks from my office. Although even they haven't got as many options for me than there would be for just one size smaller, there's still enough.
Earlier this summer I got to chatting with another customer (in her mid-60's) and the store owner about how things have changed – these days, the women's selection in regular stores goes up to 42 or sometimes even 43, while back when I was in my teens I even had some difficulties finding men's sizes that fit – and how nice it is to be able to have other options than sneakers or combat boots. Ended up buying nice slightly punk-esque pumps with 3" heels; back when I found the store, the owner pointed out that at my height, people will see me as very tall regardless of the heels so I might as well choose shoes that look and feel nice. She was right, too.
