After a particularly difficult shopping session at a budget-friendly shoe retailer when I was 13 years old, my mom told me that Paris Hilton had to custom-make some of her shoes because of her size 11 feet—the same size that I detested having.
I was just starting my last year of middle school, and unlike the rest of my friends who could waltz into any beloved tween retailer at the mall, my only option was sneaking to the back of a Payless to stare at the rack of “size 10 and over” options. Usually, none of them enticed me. Every limited option was too big, too small, or too grandma-like for a temperamental eighth-grader. While I’d usually find something to make work (or squeeze into), my somewhat hilarious shoe-shopping trauma has taken me years to unpack. Although I’m a fashion editor who lives for my clothes, my shoes are another story—often bought from the same retailers over and over in different colors. If only we could all be like Hilton and have shoes custom-made to the size of our honkers. As she’d say, that’s hot.
Over the years, I’ve compiled a long list of shoe brands I trust to deliver the perfect fit without making me look 10 times my age. At 24, I don’t think anyone would be shocked to learn that I, in fact, am not interested in size 11 shoes that consist of clunky orthopedic-esque silhouettes. Thankfully, after more than a decade of trial and error, I’ve come to find the perfect pairs for anyone who wears size 11 or size 42 EU shoes. Who knows—maybe Hilton even has some of these.
Below, shop trendy size 11 shoes I’ve worn and loved over the years as well as a few styles I have my eye on.
Lookie Atelier has to be one of my favorite footwear brands of all time at this point. After I first discovered the Ukrainian women-founded, small-batch footwear brand on Instagram, I haven’t looked back. Not only are its shoes incredibly chic, but they’re also made-to-order, meaning that you can send over your exact measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
Vince Camuto’s new extra-wide-calf boot options go up to a size 12!
Chic.
I like to think I’m the mastermind behind getting the mesh-flats trend running and off the ground.
Dolce Vita’s adorable options are often offered in extended sizes, with some silhouettes coming in up to a size 15. Plus, select classic styles are on sale now for up to 50% off.
French girl approved.
These are en route to me as we speak.
Madewell’s size 11–friendly shoe options are some of the chicest on the market.
Adorable.
These freshwater pearls on this pair of tropical Maile heels have been living in my head rent-free since I first saw them.
These jaw-dropping Tory Burch slingback flats are available in an 11 now, with larger sizes coming soon.
Can I take one of these in every color?
Jimmy Choo is one the best luxury designers to offer extended sizing on heels, with most options coming in up to a 43 (US 12).
I think I need these in my life.
Coming in just at $50, these cute Zara mules are practically a steal.
One word: yesssss.
My jaw is on the floor.
Nicole Saldana’s viral Fabiana leather shoes have just been expanded in size, now going up to a EU 43.
Oh, these look rich.
The perfect everyday shoes for work.
Carrie Bradshaw would 100% own these if she could.
These are the most comfortable heels I own, hands down.
An absolute fall must-have.
Miu Miu would like a word!
Minnie Mouse heels, but make them extra chic.
These remind me so much of Gucci’s nostalgic F/W 23 runway show.
I’ll never say no to pretty wedges.
Charles & Keith can do no wrong in my eyes.
Zara has really been stepping up its footwear game as of late.
I’ll leave you with one of the prettiest finds of all.
