Women are to shopping as moths are to light; instinctively attracted. And although there is a certain delight, adrenaline or euphoria associated with the act of acquiring fashionable adornments for one’s self, it seems that all women have one thing that plagues their shopping excursions.

Generally, swimsuits, brassieres and jeans top the list - having the most potential to turn what should be a pleasant experience into a painful and depressing one. My heart bleeds out to my fellow female consumers when I see the distinctly recognizable look of exhaustion and defeat painted across their faces as they storm in and out of the dressing room with armloads of varying styles, cuts and sizes, desperately seeking to find just one that will cater to their unique shape. And unfortunately, I am no exception to this shopping woe. But for me, it is not denim or two-pieces, it is shoes.

I have big feet and always have. It’s not that they are freakishly abnormal, or frighteningly disproportionate to my body, they are simply large. Size 10, or 10.5 wide, to be exact. And to those blessed with average-sized feet, this may not seem worth crying over. But, in the world of designer pumps, kitten heels and strappy sandals, I have always been an outsider, and in turn, have been forced to live a life restricted to tennis shoes and flip-flops.

For some unexplainable reason, retailers seem to think that women with size 10 feet, and beyond, prefer styles that can be found in my grandmother’s closet, which they cleverly term “comfort shoes.” And so, when I visit my local department store in the hopes of finding new footwear, the scenario always plays out the same way…

I enter the shoe area, envisioning success and reciting positive affirmations. Then I start by browsing; picking out the pairs that call to my deepest desires and guiltiest pleasures, when I am approached by a cheery salesman, who asks, “Can I help you?” I wonder if he knows what he is getting himself into as I hesitantly agree and begin pointing out what I would like to try. Then comes the question I dread most, “And, what size can I get for you?” Through my experience I have come to accept the fact that once a woman reaches a size 10, half sizes cease to exist. So I say, “10.” Suddenly, the expression of the smiling salesman morphs into a look of bewilderment, and I know what will happen next. None of my choices will be in a 10, so he will optimistically suggest a 9.5, which I will politely refuse for the sake of my psyche. Next, he will suggest styles that they do have in a 10, attempting to convince me that they are similar to my selections – which they never are. I will politely humor him and try them anyway. But inevitably, after hours of disappointment, I will leave empty-handed, and pursue comfort from my dear old friends Ben and Jerry.

It is this repetitive experience that made me a self-proclaimed “shoe victim.” But I tried to look past it – “I may not have cute shoes, but I do have a winning personality,” I would tell myself. And so, I had ultimately accepted a life deprived of fashionable footwear, until the day that fate stepped in, and I was introduced to my sole-mate.
 
Big-footed sisters, take note: it is time to kick off the “comfort shoes” and step into a pair of heels, without the psychological torment of visiting the retailer, or the discomfort of forcing your toes into a smaller size.

Onlineshoes.com offers the wide-footed women of the world something that many of us desire – options. Among my favorites are Sofft, Softspots and J. Renee.

Sofft has a plethora of wide styles for any occasion and a selection that is suitable for work or an evening out.

To step into spring, Softspots collection of wide sandals combine style and comfort.

The narrow heel and flashy designs of J. Renee are perfect for those days when you want to celebrate your femininity.

Amanda J. is Onlineshoes.com's corporate receptionist extraordinaire and proud to be blessed with both style and big feet.