PUTTING BEST FOOT FORWARD
Finding cool shoes in large sizes
Q: Do you know anywhere in Calgary that sells fashionable women’s dress and casual shoes in size 12? I’m tired of wearing Van’s and Converse all the time. - BB
A: According to the British College of Podiatry, everyone’s feet are getting larger — two sizes larger than what was average in the 1970s. I have anecdotal evidence of this, because I wear a size 10, and back in the day, there was always a size 10 in the shoe I wanted. Today the 10s are often sold out.
While some manufacturers haven’t yet caught up to our growing feet — most shoes are still only available up to size 10 — it’s getting easier to find shoes in larger sizes.
The store in Calgary with the best selection of shoes in larger sizes is Long Tall Sally at the Sunridge Power Centre ( 3221 Sunridge Way N. E.). They carry shoes in sizes 10- 15 with styles that run the gamut, from classic brogues and loafers to ankle boots and even very trendy over the knee styles.
They also have a line of pumps that come in five heel heights and five toe shapes.
To give you and idea of prices, heels range in price from $ 99$ 145 dollars; ankle boots cost $ 109-$ 199. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the selection. Be sure to check out the sale section in the back.
Another store to check out, if your style is a bit funkier, is John Fluevog ( 207 8th Ave SW). All of their new fall shoes are available up to size 12.
Online you’ve got more options. Nordstrom’s has an Extended Sizes section on its website that includes extra- extra wide sizes, super slim widths, and women’s sizes up to 15. Brands include TOMS, Sam Edelman, BCB Generation and Aquatalia.
Shoeme. com also has a good selection of size 12s and it’s Canadian, so unlike Nordstrom’s, there’s no duty ( and shipping and returns are free).
Q: Have you heard about knitted knockers? – GM
A: Such was the subject heading of an email I recently received — and almost didn’t open — erroneously believing it was spam. I didn’t know about knitted knockers, but now I do, and it’s a great idea.
Knitted Knockers are handknitted, 100 per cent cotton breast prosthesis made for women who have had mastectomies. Ultra lightweight, the breathable inserts can be put into a regular bra — the yarn used is Cascade Ultra Pima DK and they come in a range of colours — alleviating the weight and discomfort of jelled inserts and mastectomy bras.
Best of all, they’re free to anyone who has had a mastectomy.
Knitted Knockers is a volunteer organization. If you are interested in making a donation of money or yarn, knitting some knockers, or know of someone who could use a pair, go to knittedknockersab.com.