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Welcome to Shoe Week: a five-day celebration of all things footwear, from the best new arrivals to our favorite places to shop for heels, flats, and everything in between.
French Sole on Lexington Avenue. Photo via thebespokeny
New York is fun city to shop in. It is not, however, a fun city to wear above a size 10 or below a size 5 shoe, as most designers famously max out at those very sizes. And if you find yourself the owner of a pair of feet that fall out of bounds, well, no shoes for you—instead, orthopedic shoes for you. Or bulky men's shoes for you. Or Lucite stripper heels for you. Basically, any kind of shoe to make you hate shopping for your over or under sized tootsies.
If you've had it with the limited options and want to know how Carrie felt about her Blahniks, we've got a guide you. Follow along for our list of where to find the best extended sizes in New York City.—Cambrey Thomas
Nordstrom Rack
Address: 60 E 14th Steet, New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-220-2080
There's nothing like getting a basement bargain in an actual bargain basement. And it's even better when said bargain is on shoes in your obscure size. If you wear a five and under or 10 and over, Nordstrom Rack has a wall of choices for you to fawn over and annual sales in your honor. Good finds will need a little digging to uncover, but it will be well worth it for name brand shoes that are on sale, not embarrassingly orthopedic looking, and, again, in your size!
Marmi
Address: 519 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-751-3100
Classic styles by sensible brands like VANELi and Sesto Meucci rule at Marmi. The shoes, between size 4 and 13, are wearable, multi-season, and will round out any collection with sturdy basics. This place is your best bet when you just want normal, which can be pretty difficult to come by in an extended size.
Nine West Outlet
Address: 282 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-665-1022
Take the A-Train up to Harlem and stop by this perma-sale Uptown for cute, trendy shoes up to a size 12. On any given day you'll happen upon neon flats, BOGO deals, and the satisfaction of knowing that you'll be able to fit in pretty much everything in the store.
Bentley's
Address: 144 Montague Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-330-0275
Venture to this BK outpost for fashionable kicks up to a size 13. This spot actually specializes in larger sizes, so you won't feel like an afterthought. Have your pick from brands you've actually heard of, like Sam Edelman and J.Renee'.
Christian Louboutin
Address: 965 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-396-1884
"Go big or go home" is the perfect mantra for this posh shop. Peruse extended sizes up to a 12/42 at outsized prices in a plethora of luxe finishes. Designer shoes usually either run small to size or assume people over a size 10 don't exist, but CL steps in where the others falter and gives the large-footed among us a welcomed chance to indulge in rich leather, metal spikes, and lacquered soles.
French Sole
Address: 985 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-737-285
Simple, chic flats and wedges that don't look like Frankenstein was the cobbler are a rare find if you're above a 10 or under a 5. French Sole makes it easy with their signature breezy styles going from a size 4 to a 13. Even better, they're available at three locations throughout the city.
Aerosoles
Address: 310 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY, 10023
Phone: 212-579-8659
With a location in nearly every neighborhood and sizes up to a 12, Aerosoles has you covered for very sensible shoes. This place is perfect for you if you're looking for comfort, no-frills, or evergreen styles.
Harry's Shoes
Address: 2299 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Phone: 866-442-7797
This UWS institution generously goes up to a 13 in some sizes, and up to 12 in most. While not necessarily home to the trendiest of styles, this place is your best bet if you need a basic shoe in your size and don't want to worry about ordering online. Many of their extended sizes are imported from Europe, so they can run expensive.
· All Shoe Wee 2013 Coverage [Racked NY]