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General

Women’s shoes buying guide

Town Press
Last updated: January 5, 2016 11:35 am
By
Town Press
November 3, 2015
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6 Min Read
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When buying shoes online, it’s important to get the right size, so check our handy size charts to make sure. Sizes can vary from brand to brand, so please use the charts as a general guide only.

Contents
  • Buying tips
  • Size chart
  • Heel heights
  • The main shoe styles
  • Terminology
  • Caring for your shoes

Buying tips

  • The best time to try on shoes is after work or on a busy day when feet are at their most swollen.
  • Always try shoes on when standing as your feet spread while taking full pressure of your body weight.
  • For a wide calf fit, or wider shoe fit, Gabor will normally have a few classic styles that will be suitable for your specific needs.

Size chart

UK EU US/Can Aus China Japan Mexico Slippers
3 35.5 5 4 36 21.5 S
3.5 36 5.5 4.5 37 22 S
4 37 6 5 37.5 22.5 S
4.5 37.5 6.5 5.5 38 23 S
5 38 7 6 39 23.5 4.5 M
5.5 38.5 7.5 6.5 39.5 24 5 M
6 39 8 7 40 24.5 5.5 M
6.5 40 8.5 7.5 41 25 6 M
7 41 9 8 41.5 25.5 6.5 L
8 42 10 9 43 27 7 L
9 43 11 10 L

Heel heights

Heel heights are measured by lying the shoe on a flat surface and measuring the heel from the bottom to the top.

Heel height diagram

On the site, we’ve put our shoes into different heel height categories – Flat, Low, Mid and High. Refer to the chart to give you an idea of how high the shoe will be. Please use the chart as a general guide only as sizes do vary from brand to brand.

Block heel

Block heel

Block heels can be high or short but are generally square in shape and have a more sturdy, chunkier design. If you’re looking for a sensible higher heel to wear all day, block heels or wedge heeled shoes are recommended

Wedge heel

Wedge heel

Wedge shoes are a good alternative to high heels, if you prefer a comfy, more sturdy heel. It features a covered block and is completely flat to the ground.

Heel height chart
Flat 0 – 2.5cm
Low 2.5 – 6cm
Mid 6 – 8cm
High 8 – 10cm plus
Kitten Heel

Kitten heel

A low short slender heel; a kitten heel has a slight curved shape adding to the feminine shape of a court shoe

Stiletto heel

Stiletto heel

Stiletto heels are generally slender and high. They give the illusion of height and will make your feet look smaller while elongating your legs.. A seductive feminine shoe, they will give you a striking silhouette due to the arched foot bed

The main shoe styles

Court shoes

Court shoes

A classic court shoe is categorised as a closed toe shoe. Feminine and graceful, it usually has a round or pointed toe, with either a block, stiletto or kitten heel.

Ankle Boots

Ankle Boots

Ankle high boots originated in the Victorian era and were associated with horse riding. The Chelsea boot with its elastic sides were a classic type of riding boot. They cover and skim the ankle.

Knee Boots

Knee Boots

In a variety of heel types and styles, knee boots finish at or below the knee. They can be pull-on boots, or come with a side zip feature. They’re a good autumn winter staple, as they keep your legs warm, and look equally good with skirts or jeans tucked in.

Terminology

shoe terminology

Shoe-makers terminology for areas of the boot

Platforms

Platforms

Platform court shoes are a smart way to add extra height. They come with high stiletto heels and an extra layer to the front of the toe giving the shoe more comfort and stability.

Brogues & Loafers

Brogues & Loafers

Brogues were traditionally a man’s shoe. The word ‘brogues’ originates from Irish and Scottish Gaelic ‘brōg’, taken from Old Norse ‘brók’ meaning ‘leg covering’. It can feature perforated detailing, a lace up front and has been brought back to fashion by many celebrities.

Caring for your shoes

Leather shoes

Before wearing leather shoes, use a leather protector and wear shoes in dry conditions for the first few occasions. This gives the shoes the opportunity to get used to the way the foot flexes and to build up a protection on the surface of the sole.

Try and avoid wearing shoes on consecutive days to allow time for drying and airing between wearing.

Wet shoes

Wet shoes should be allowed to dry naturally (never by artificial heat) stuffed with newspaper or tissues to absorb moisture. Harsh drying can easily ruin leather soles and cause the uppers to stiffen and warp.

Storage

It’s always best to use shoe trees to help maintain the shape of the shoe, to reduce creasing and help keep the sole from
curling up.

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