Tips for Making Big Feet Appear Smaller

Big Feet
Tips for Making Big Feet Appear Smaller
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide



I regularly hear from people who think they have big feet, and want to know how to make them look smaller. If this sounds like you, the first thing I want to share with you is that your feet probably do not look as big to others as they do to you.

For example, in US sizes, there is only about 1/3 of an inch difference between whole sizes. So if you wear a size 10 shoe, and wish you wore a size 8, look at what 2/3 of an inch looks like on a ruler -- does it look like that much of a difference to you? It probably doesn't to others either. So try not to be embarrassed about your shoe size - style is for everyone and every size, and most people probably aren't as critical of your feet as you are.

Where to Buy Large Sized Shoes
Having said all of that, if your feet are truly bigger than what is considered average, you probably have difficulty finding shoes that fit. I've compiled lists of online retailers that cater to men and women that need larger shoes. Armed with those resources and the following advice, you'll have flattering shoes that fit well in no time.

Tips for Making Big Feet Look Smaller
And, if after all I said above you're still convinced your feet look too big, here are a few tips for styles that will make them appear smaller. Interestingly (and problematically for people with long and wide feet), many of the styles that will make your feet look shorter, will also make them look wider. For the sake of this article, I'm concentrating on length, not width.

Heeled Shoes vs. Flat Shoes
While high heels may not be as good for your feet or body, they will make your feet look smaller. The good news is that chunky heels and wedges usually accomplish this better than stiletto heels, and they're typically much easier to wear.

The heel height doesn't factor in quite as much on men's shoes, since there isn't that much of a variance, but typically styles that show just a hint of sole around the upper of the shoe will make your feet look shorter.

Round Toes Instead of Pointy Toes
Pointy toed shoes can make even the daintiest of feet appear long. Since they're usually very close-fitting, they also make the foot look thinner.

Narrow shoe styles might be a good thing if you think your feet look too wide, but if it's the length of your feet that is keeping you up at night, you definitely want to steer clear of slim shoes with pointy toes. The same goes for guys, so bicycle toes should be avoided.

Dark Colored Shoes
Shoes in darker colors will make your feet appear smaller than shoes in light or pastel shades, but don't feel like you just have to stick to black. In addition to darker earth tones and grays, deeper versions of red, blue, purple and green will serve you better than their lighter-toned counterparts.

Avoid Skimpy Sandals
A strappy sandal that exposes a lot of the foot will make anyone's foot look larger, but showing a little bit of your foot can work to your advantage. To break the monotony of just wearing closed shoes, women can try peep-toes, D'Orsays or sling-backs.

Closed Shoes for Men and Women
As a general rule for closed shoes, the more material there is on top of your foot, the longer your foot will appear. A style with an opening that is closer to the toes will not look as big as a shoe in which the foot opening is very close to the front of your leg.

Accents Make Big Feet Look Smaller
For women, bows, buckles, lace overlays, and kiltie detailing will make feet appear more petite, and guys who want their dogs to look smaller should check out shoes with tassels, and straps that cross the shoe closer to the toes than the leg.

Big-Looking Shoes Will Make Your Feet Look Big
My tips above are good general rules, but since there are so many style factors in every shoe, there's really no way of describing which shoes will be perfect for your feet.

The best and easiest thing you can do is take a good look at the shoe before putting it on. A style that looks longer than others out of the box is going to look longer on your feet.

MY THOUGHTS

at 7" to 8", i never really felt that my feet are too large.  especially after finding out that there are women with size 12" feet.  it's true that those sandals and pointed shoes can make your feet appear longer.  and the shoe accents make your feet look shorter.  oh, well.  what does it matter.  it certainly not an issue to me.