Fashion has made massive strides toward inclusivity. We’ve seen plus-size models on runways, genderless collections, and beauty campaigns that celebrate diversity in skin tone and age. But when it comes to shoes for bigger feet, the industry is still dragging its (tiny) heels.
If you’ve ever felt the thrill of finding a perfect pair of stilettos only to discover they stop at size 40, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a tall woman, someone with naturally broader feet, or a trans or non-binary person navigating gender expression through fashion, this struggle is all too real. Shoe shopping becomes less about style and more about strategy—stretching, sizing up, or painfully compromising.
The Cinderella Complex Isn’t Cute Anymore
Designers still romanticize the idea of dainty feet—glass slippers, pointed toes, sky-high heels with narrow arches. But real people have real feet, and not everyone fits into that fairytale mold. While fast fashion brands occasionally offer larger sizes, luxury fashion is still catching up.
And when they do offer extended sizing, it’s often limited, hidden online, or quietly discontinued after a season. The message? “You can wear our clothes, but please keep your feet discreet.”
Who Gets Left Out
Let’s be clear: the exclusion isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. For trans women, finding elegant heels that affirm femininity is powerful, even liberating. For cis women with larger feet, it’s about dignity and choice. And for anyone on the gender spectrum, fashion is a form of identity. When shoes stop at size 41, the silence is deafening.
This gap affects more than just shoe size—it chips away at confidence, joy, and the freedom to express yourself.
Where Change Is (Finally) Stepping In
The good news? Some brands are starting to listen. From Jimmy Choo to Maison Ernest, a handful of designers are now expanding their size ranges. Others like OnlyMaker, Ally Shoes, and Rothy’s are focusing on comfort-forward design in larger sizes without sacrificing style.
Plus, there’s growing buzz around cobblers who customize and stretch shoes, and even fashion resellers who specialize in rare larger sizes. It’s progress, but it’s not enough.
What Fashion Needs to Do Next
It’s time for brands to acknowledge that bigger feet aren’t a niche. They’re not a compromise. They’re part of the beautiful variety of human bodies—and they deserve to be styled, celebrated, and included.
True inclusivity means you don’t have to search for the one elusive brand that might carry your size. It means walking into a store and knowing you’re seen.
Walk the Talk
If fashion really wants to talk about inclusivity, it needs to start making room—literally. Shoes for bigger feet shouldn’t be an afterthought. They should be front and center, made with intention, style, and respect.
Because no one should ever have to choose between self-expression and a pair of shoes that fit.
