Cool Kicks for Large Feet.

Do people even call them kicks anymore? Am I showing my age?  Alright, I'd better get to the point.  Those of you who read the Blog regularly know I get much of my style inspiration from GQ.  It's a bit fashion forward so I always try to temper the advice for the "average" male.  The latest headline that caught my eye was their fall lookbook featuring "pumped up kicks" [I guess people do still call them that]!  The editors of GQ have this to say:

"Stylish guys are fetishizing sneakers like never before, and designers have stepped up big-time. There are futuristic neon running shoes you can wear with a suit. Retro-inspired sneaks in shocking new colors. And a bunch of exclusive releases you'll see here for the first time—all of them fly."

See the whole slideshow here.

I've always been a fan of cool sneakers (or tennis shoes--where you're from dictates what you call them!).  I think real "running shoes" belong in the gym and nowhere else.  But what do you wear when you want to be comfortable?  Surely not your dress shoes.  Enter a stylish sneaker not really meant to work out in.  Sneakers no longer have to be sloppy. No need to pair with a track suit.  You can easily wear sneakers with jeans, cords, or even dress slacks.  I know this flies in the face of most guys' philosophy on shoes.  Black/Dressy.  Brown/Dressy.  Sneakers.  Hopefully by the time you finish viewing these cool picks you'll add one more pair to your list.  Keep reading for cool kicks available in large sizes. Here goes:

Vans Chukka. Up to size 16.  They come in TWENTY colors and are currently on sale. 

Tweed/Texture:

Patagonia Maui Larry. Up to size 15 in two colors.

Creative Recreation Solano. Up to size 15 in two colors.

Cuttler Felt Wool Boots. Up to size 12- I know that's not very "large" for a man...but I couldn't help but include them!  

Hi-Tops

Ugg Brockman in Black Leather.  Up to size 18.  They also come in an awesome shade of rust called "grizzly leather." 

Puma Vettura Classico Mid. Up to size 14. 

Lacoste Newton Mid VY2. Up to size 14. 

Military Green

Impulse Men's 3/4 Canvas Boot. Up to size 15.

Clark's Desert Boot. Up to size 13.

Palladium Pampa Hi. Up to size 14.

Converse Men's All Star Clean Mid. Up to size 13.

Stay tuned for a few other trends including, look for less, retro runners, rock star kicks, and Chuck Taylors.

Striped Ballet Flats

Look at these adorable striped ballet flats from Soft Surroundings.
Taffeta stripes are highlighted by a matching patent leather strap and covered button, modern square toe and 1/2" patent leather heel. Choose from 4 colors choices up to size 13. I want them all!
The shoe trends section at Tall Clothing Mall has more choices in ballet flats.

Diary of a Tall Fashionista: Large Shoe Size, Great Shoe Buys

By Tiffany DeLangie - Tall Fashion Writer for Tall Clothing Mall

My only solace that summer is over is that fall has come. And with it, ubiquitous fashion magazines boasting the season’s must haves, gotta haves, wish you had. While I generally pore over such magazines, I’m especially voracious for the shoe section. If jeans are my first love, shoes are a very close second. I won’t even admit to how many pairs I own, partly because I lost count quite some time ago. Due to my collection (“collection” sound so much nicer than “obsession” doesn’t it?!) I am always eager to read what the “experts” are saying about shoe trends and how to apply them to long legs, and let’s face it- big feet. Typically I write very favorably about our good fortune in the height department. But let’s be honest. Sometimes the price we pay is looking longingly at the size 8 section while cursing our genes, or if we are freaks of the family as I am, just cursing in general. But just because we have big feet, ahem…non petite feet, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the season’s hottest trends.

I could write a novel about the many styles, designs, trends, shapes, colors, textiles, genus, species, and families of shoes. And though it would be fascinating, I’ll spare you the delightful details. I’ll just talk about a few of my favorite styles. Now this one may be disputable, but my absolute favorite fall staple is a pair of warm, cozy, and comfortable Uggs. I’m aware that every fall, some fashion columnist deems Uggs “out.” Yet, I argue that this trend has staying power. People are still splurging on the real thing, or buying every kind of knock off known to man. So apparently their appeal has yet to wane. Next is the riding boot phenomenon. Who knew equestrian wear could be so fun? Like Uggs, I suspect there will be those who label these “so last season,” but again I beg to differ. Casual boots of all styles are a staple for your fall wardrobe.

What I appreciate most about both Uggs and riding boots are that they look great on long legs and big feet. Most women might avoid cutting the line of their legs nearly in half but we have a few inches to spare. Both of these styles also typically come in flats and large sizes. Another flattering trend for tall women is ballet flats which are showing up all over the place in fall textures like tweed, patent leather, and faux animal skins. I won’t lecture those of you who do not wear heels; I understand the temptation to avoid all the unoriginal comments about already being tall enough, not “needing” heels, the air up there, yada yada yada. Regardless, I am six feet tall and I refuse to give up heels. Um, does the word “glamazon” mean anything to you?!

For those of you who are a slightly bolder and like not only a high heel, but unexpected details, you will be pleased to find that of bows, jewels, peep-toes, updated oxfords, and retro shapes. To make your foot appear smaller try round toes, the recent “cap toe” trend, with the toe in a different color than the rest of the shoe (the caveat is these heels are typically higher), color blocks, and banded flats or Mary Jane’s. These styles break the foot into smaller parts and trick the eye. No ladies, there are no Spanx for feet. I googled it.

All advice aside, if you are obsessively self conscious about your feet…they will appear bigger (terribly silly pun intended). So the balance is to wear trends that flatter, but not focus on the negative. While I have a weakness for fashionable trends, I refuse to be enslaved by them. there are a variety of options in terms of large sizes, styles and trends, so shop around until you find the perfect pair (ok, let’s be realistic- the perfect pairs) for fall.

Visit Tall Clothing Mall. to see our women's large size shoe trends.

Gladiator Shoes

I am always on the lookout for new shoe trends and especially for ones that fit my big feet. A current shoe trend is gladiator shoes. These were made popular by Hollywood supermodels Elle MacPherson and Kate Moss. These shoes have a warrior-look about them. They might display great metallic hardware, are chunky or are a bit aggressive. Stylist Rachel Zoe says they are best worn with cool summer dresses such as a mini dress, with shorts and a flowy top, or with a blousy sweater or belted cardigan. Check out our shoe trends page to see the gladiator shoes I love. The larger sizes seem to be selling out quickly.

Women's Large Rain Boots

I have looked for months to find rain boots that come in sizes larger than size 10. I have had many readers that want them. Today the search is over. Barefoot Tess has come through again with several pairs of large sized rain boots. They come in women's sizes 11-14. Make sure you enter coupon code: TALLWOMEN15 to get a 15% discount available to readers of my blog and website.


Visit Tall Clothing Mall for more large size shoe trends.

Top 10 Women's Shoe Trends for Fall 2007

As the cool air starts to bring an end to summer, it’s time to update your shoe wardrobe. I spend lots of time searching for the top shoe trends and here is my list of the season’s top 10 women’s shoe trends for fall 2007.
·Ballet Flats - are simple shoes with great style. Many have rounded toes and are easy to slip on and go.
·Patent Leather- shoes are sleek and sophisticated. You can wear patent leather shoes as an all over solid, or choose a shoe with a strip of patent. Either way they are a hot shoe trend for fall.
·Peep Toe Shoes – are a flirty and fun style for fall. Most often found as dress shoes, they are dressy enough for the office and playful enough for a hot date night.
·Ankle Boots- are the must have shoe trend of the season. Often called shoe boots, they are a short boot that covers your ankle but not much higher. Ankle boots look terrific with opaque tights or skinny pants.
·Mary Jane Shoes – are a trendy shoe style for fall as they have been updated with more grown up style including a thicker strap, double straps or great hardware. Choose Mary Jane style shoes in casual or dressy styles from flats to heels.
·Metallic Shoes - add an element of sophistication to your outfit. You can find metallic shoes in great colors such as gold, bronze and silver in dressy or casual styles. This trend has been hot this summer and continues into fall.
·Quilted Shoes- add great texture to an outfit. You can find shoes with allover quilting, or a touch of quilting such as on the toe.
·Animal Print Shoes – are fun and fashionable this autumn season. Animal prints are also hot as clothing items, but shoes are a great way to add this trend without overdoing it. Choose animal prints such as zebra prints, leopard prints, cheetah prints or giraffe prints.
·Casual sneakers- in slip on styles or easy lace ups are a great shoe trend for fall. These are perfect to wear with jeans or a classy sweat suit when running around town. Available in many great fabrics, such as denim or velvet these are sure to be your most comfortable shoe this season.
·Bright Shoes round out the last of our top shoe trends for fall. Bright shoes are fun and playful. The top colors are red or blue, but any color is fine as long as it doesn’t compete with your outfit. Try bright colors in sleek, shiny leathers such as patent leather.
As you can see there are many great shoe trends this fall. You are sure to find a pair of hot shoes that fits your taste and budget.
Visit Tall Clothing Mall at http://www.tallclothingmall.com/ - a great resource for tall men and tall women looking for tall clothing, plus size clothing, big and tall clothing, tall maternity, and large size shoes. This website was created by Krista Mayne, after she became frustrated by the amount of time she spent trying to find tall clothing. To see examples of these shoe trends for fall view http://www.tallclothingmall.com/womensshoetrends.html