Most high street stores sell from size 3 (and only stock a few of those) to a size 8. If you fall outside this category the choice gets limited and in some areas is non-existent. Smaller places like Carl Scarpa have some ranges in a size two, so they are worth checking out. SMALL SIZES
A size 1 to 2 is the equivalent of a 5/6 year old. Most shops direct women of this size to the children’s section but at that age you are looking at Wellington boots with a Barbie motif. As you can imagine it’s easy to get small runners but the difficulty comes when trying to get shoes for work or evening wear. There are only three to four manufacturers of small size shoes in the world. They are based in Italy and Spain. If you are a size two you are more likely to get your size in a small boutique as these generally sell Italian and/or Spanish shoes. The Internet - Small Shoes
 Small Shoes is a husband and wife team that have been in the mail order business for many years. They set up the shoes on-line business last year and they have about 40 styles already. They expect to expand the range as the business expands. They stock from size 1 to size 3 and the price range is from £28 to £130, most at around £70. Small Shoes are based in the UK and delivery takes a few days and their return policy is made very easy. Owner Chris recommends that people use the tips on the website to assess their size in continental sizes e.g. 34, 35 as there are about seven sizes between a UK size 1 and size 3. He recommends that once they use this info they should ring the office so that they can further help to get the size right. To contact Small Shoes visit the website www.small-shoes.co.uk or phone 01538 308860.
The Internet - Pied a Petit
This is an online shoe shop dedicated to providing fashionable shoes for women with small feet. The site provides a wide choice of high fashion, high quality shoes for small feet.
To contact Small Shoes visit the website www.piedapetit.co.uk
The Internet - Piccolo Shoes
They provide a speciality retail environment offering a collection of high fashion shoes which are distinguished from those available in the marketplace by the quality of materials, workmanship and design and in small sizes. A showroom in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire is also available where you can try their full range of shoes & boots with sizes starting from 34 (European).
To contact Piccola Shoes visit the website www.piccoloshoes.co.uk Dainty Shoes
Dainty Shoes was set up in 1999. The owner has size 1½ feet and could never get shoes in her size. Dainty Shoes sells all over the world and their clients are from age 18 – 80. All of the shoes handmade Italian or Spanish and the styles change every six months with the seasons. They can also send you a mail order catalogue. Shoes will be delivered within the week and there is a very straightforward return policy where you can get a refund or exchange. Dainty Shoes has nearly 3,000 customers and they get a phone call from a new customer every day, so there is a huge market out there. To contact Dainty Shoes visit the website www.womens-small-shoes.com or phone 00 44 138 463 7644. Pia Bang
Pia Bang, Grafton Street, Dublin 2. Telephone 01 671 5065 for further details.
Size Range: Start at size 2½ up to size 8.
Prices: Range from €85 - €350
Styles: Every shoe comes in a size 2½, as they are Spanish. Pia Bang stocks many high fashion shoes.
Ordering: If you are a size 2 Pia Bang can order a special size for you.
LARGER SIZES
Roughly 3% of women in Ireland are over a size 8 in shoes. Many women with feet over a size 8 tend to wear runners or men’s shoes and will dress down in trousers with wide legs to hide their horrible shoes. Women with small or large feet often buy shoes first and then the outfit to go with them as its impossible to do it the other way around.
Cinderella Shoes
 Gina Hennessy set up Cinderella Shoes about a year ago after she spent a number of years researching and sourcing large shoe stockist around the world. She is a size 9 herself and could never find shoes to fit. She would bring an empty suitcase and stock up when she went to the UK or the US. Size Range: 8 ½ to 12. She also has different fittings including narrow and wide.
Prices: €60 - €125 for shoes.
€109 - €140 for ankle boots.
€230 - 240 for knee boots.
Manufacturers are from Italy, America, Spain, Germany and Holland.
Gina’s clients include customers from Ireland, the UK, the US, New Zealand, Australia, Finland and Germany. She has showrooms in Tullamore but she also takes her stock around the country to her clients. People register with Cinderella Shoes and this gives her an idea of where her customers are. If there are a number of people in one area she will take her road show there. So if you does access the website or phone her remember to register and when she is next in your area she can let you know. To contact Cinderella shoes visit the website at www.cinderellashoes.ie or phone 0506 26696. Evans
The Evans stores are nationwide. Check your local phonebook for your nearest store.
Size Range: Up to a size 10 and most are a wider fit.
Prices: High Street prices are standard. Source:
www.rte.ie/tv/openhouse
Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 5-Aug-2004
Categories: Work Wear, Footwear, Footnote
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