Top ten: Big- and small-shoe resources

Whether you’re a size 3 or 13, you can find stylish footwear for men and women at these local and online shops.

By Elizabeth Denton

  • Cinderella of Boston Ballet flats, size 2 to 5.5, $46 each

  • Cinderella of Boston Nile pumps, size 2 to 5.5, $70 each

  • Cinderella of Boston Weston platform sandals, size 2 to 5.5, $70 each

  • The Odd Slipper Elsie satin flats, size 4 to 5.5, $34, at the Little Shoe Store

  • The Odd Slipper Grace flats, size 4 to 5.5, $30, at the Little Shoe Store

  • S.t.e.f.a.n.i leather booties, size 4 to 5.5, $70, at the Little Shoe Store

  • The Odd Slipper Kaja booties, size 3 to 6, $114

  • The Odd Slipper Faith patent-leather pumps, size 3 to 5.5, $124

  • The Odd Slipper Annabel platform pumps, size 3 to 6, $124

  • Barefoot Tess Napa flats, size 11 to 15, $59

  • Barefoot Tess Austria oxfords, size 11 to 15, $69

  • Barefoot Tess Ireland wedges, size 11 to 15, $59 each

  • Dr. Martens Original 3-Eye oxfords, size 9 to 13, $90, at Casual Male XL

  • Dingo Harness boots, size 10 to 16, $155, at Casual Male XL

  • Vans La Cripta Dos skate shoes, size 12 to 16, $62, at Casual Male XL

  • Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original women’s boat shoes, size 5 to 12, $90, at Harry’s Shoes

  • Wolverine men’s Addison boots, size 7 to 14, $350, at Harry’s Shoes

  • Clarks leather desert boots, size 7 to 14, $125, at Harry’s Shoes

  • OTW by Vans Alomar sneakers, size 13 to 16, $95, at oddball.com

  • PF Flyers Windjammer sneakers, size 13 to 17, $60, at oddball.com

  • Sperry Top-Sider Alomar sneakers, size 13 to 16, $75, at oddball.com

  • Tory Burch bicolor espadrille flats, size 5 to 11, $95, at jildorshoes.com

  • Vaneli for Jildor Kaffle wedge sandals, size 4 to 12, $125, at jildorshoes.com

  • Marc by Marc Jacobs leather ballet flats, size 5 to 11, $250, at jildorshoes.com

  • Michael Pasinkoff women’s driving moccasin, size 4 to 12, $175, at Little Eric

  • Michael Pasinkoff men’s two-tone sneakers, size 7 to 11, $250, at Little Eric

  • Michael Pasinkoff women’s riding boots, size 5 to 11, $380, at Little Eric

  • Sesto Meucci 838 espadrilles, size 4 to 12, $80, at Marmi

  • Eric Javits Powwow sandals, size 4 to 12, $190, at Marmi

  • Vaneli Dena sandals, size 4 to 12, $145, at Marmi

Cinderella of Boston Ballet flats, size 2 to 5.5, $46 each

For petite feet

Cinderella of Boston

Since 1939, this family-run California store and e-tailer has been producing feminine footwear for ladies size 2 to 5.5. It offers its own dressy styles, including snakeskin-print platforms ($70) and strappy satin sandals ($65), as well as more casual looks, such as ballet flats ($46). To ensure the proper fit, Cinderella of Boston encourages you to trace an outline of your tootsies and fax it in, so staffers can help you determine your correct size. Shipping runs $12, and just $1 more for each subsequent pair. You’ll have your shoes in six to ten days, and if you’re not satisfied, simply slap on the enclosed prepaid label to take advantage of the company’s free returns. • (cinderellaofboston.com)

The Little Shoe Store

Thanks to its growing popularity, this temporary shop for women’s footwear in sizes 3 to 5.5 is getting a permanent storefront in July (the address has yet to be determined). Until then, this tiny space operates on the weekends or during the week by appointment only (e-mail sydney@thelittleshoestore.com), but it’s well worth the extra effort. Owner Sydney Pringle curates the selection of both new and vintage styles, including Restricted platform wedges ($70), All Black woven newspaper flats ($110) and a pair of ’90s Michael Kors slouchy suede boots ($150). The shop is the exclusive NYC retailer of trendy small-size shoe brand the Odd Slipper, allowing you to scoop up its pointed-toe pumps ($130) and caged booties ($114). • (800-718-6184, thelittleshoestore.com). Through June 30.

  1. 95 E 7th St between First Ave and Ave A

The Odd Slipper

This girly brand allows small-footed ladies (sizes 3 to 6) to vote on their favorite shoes from a rotation of preselected styles. Once the shoe gets enough love, it goes into production. The New Jersey company collaborates with many NYC designers, such as newcomers Maura Marie Hogan and Jessica Zyla. The site stocks a weekly rotation of about 36 varieties, such as studded ballet flats ($34) and open-toe booties ($152). Check out the in-production section (we have our eyes on colorful hidden-platform pumps, $124) and sign up for an e-mail reminder to let you know when the items will be available for purchase. We especially dig that shipping and returns are always free. • (theoddslipper.com)

For larger dogs

Barefoot Tess

Maryland resident and shoe addict Karen Williamson was tired of searching for fashionable shoes for her daughter, Tess, who wears a size 11. In 2005, she opened a brick-and-mortar store in Baltimore, as well as an online shop (lucky us!) catering to women with shoe sizes 10 to 15. You’ll find trendy styles from popular brands, such as Irregular Choice ballet flats ($49), Esprit espadrilles ($39) and Kelsi Dagger wedges ($129). Many labels, including Steve Madden and Blowfish, create larger shoes exclusively for Barefoot Tess. The store also manufactures its own eponymous label that features studded pumps ($59), floral-print flats ($49) and cutout oxfords ($69). Expect normal FedEx shipping costs. • (barefoottess.com)

Casual Male XL

Aside from carrying men’s clothing in sizes XL to 7XL, this big-and-tall chain also stocks more than 100 styles of shoes in size 10 to 16 from beloved brands such as Sperry Top-Sider, Unlisted by Kenneth Cole and Polo Ralph Lauren. The stock changes weekly, but we recently spotted Vans checkered canvas slip-ons ($47), Bass tassel loafers ($109) and Clarks leather boots with buckles ($125). Comfy options include Aetrex orthotics ($45), Sketchers running sneakers ( $74), and a wide range of slippers from Ugg ($70–$90), Minnetonka ($50) and Deer Stags ($30). • (212-532-1415, casual-male-big-and-tall.destinationxl.com)

  1. 291 Third Ave between 22nd and 23rd Sts

Harry’s Shoes

Ladies and gents looking for comfortable footwear up to size 13 women’s and 18 men’s should hit up this family-owned store—nearly half of its stock comes in large sizes. Although you won’t encounter the latest trendy styles, you can expect to find everyday staples from reliable brands such as Arche, Clarks and Dansko. Women’s shoes, including Børn leather sandals ($85) and Pas de Rouge open-toe wedges ($380–$450), are located on one side, while the guys’ selection is on the other, and ranges from Wolverine lace-up boots ($340) to Ecco slip-on dress shoes ($140). Protect your purchase with Collonil water-repellent sprays ($9) and Ugg stain-repellent sprays ($10). • (212-874-2035, harrys-shoes.com)

  1. 2299 Broadway at 83rd St

Oddball

After being teased for their size-16 feet while growing up, brothers Seth and Zac Longaker opened a Portland, Oregon, men’s store and e-commerce site for dress shoes and kicks up to size 18. Find casual styles such as classic New Balance athletics ($69), Adidas shell-toe sneakers ($60) and Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes ($85). For a more dapper look, go for Johnston & Murphy leather dress shoes ($145) or Steve Madden leather slip-ons ($89). Oddball also has its own line of large sport socks ($5, six for $30), hoodies ($65–$75) and beanies ($5). Follow the guys’ blog (oddblog.oddball.com) to check out new releases and vote on the apparel you’d like them to start making. • (oddball.com)

For both ends of the spectrum

Jildor

This Long Island chainlet’s four brick-and-mortar locations carry nearly 100 trendy labels, including 80%20, B Brian Atwood and Marc by Marc Jacobs, in sizes 4 to 12 for both narrow and wide widths. Thankfully, its exhaustive e-commerce site—which offers even more stock than the boutiques—will save both petite- and larger-footed ladies the trek. The site allows you to narrow down selections by designer, style, color, heel height and size, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. We’re lusting over Tory Burch two-tone flat espadrilles ($95), Dolce Vita leather platform wedge sandals ($179) and Sperry Top-Sider striped slip-ons ($60). Shipping is just $5, regardless of how many shoes you buy. • (jildorshoes.com)

Little Eric

Don’t let the small child riding a mechanical horse in the middle of this 30-year-old Upper East Side staple deter you: You’ll find plenty of stylish men’s shoes in sizes 8 to 18, and women’s footwear in sizes 3 to 13, here (half the stock is for adults). Toys strewn about the carpeted floors make the space feel a bit like a jungle gym, but the adult endorsements on the wall from celebrities such as Christopher Noth, thanking Little Eric for his size 13s, encourage you to stick around. The store manufactures two made-in-Italy brands: Michael Pasinkoff and Little Eric. Standouts from the former include fringed sandals ($165) and men’s cap-toe leather-and-suede sneakers ($245). The namesake line includes supersoft riding loafers ($175–$180) for both sexes, ballet flats ($150–$160) and women’s suede oxfords ($160–$175). If you love a pair that isn’t the right color, ask the knowledgeable sales staff for Little Eric’s swatch book, which contains more than 30 shades. In just four weeks, you’ll have your custom shoes at no extra charge. • (212-717-1513)

  1. 1118 Madison Ave between 83rd and 84th Sts

Marmi

Although this women’s footwear chain has more than 20 stores nationwide, we’re lucky the Manhattan spot boasts one of the largest selections. With 25,000-plus shoes available in sizes 4 to 13 (both in wide and slim widths), you’ll easily find a pair that actually fits. The neutral, mostly wood decor serves as a backdrop for the boutique’s fashion-for-beginners setup—most shoes are displayed next to complementary accessories, such as Eric Javits beaded cork wedges ($190) matched with chain-link fabric clutches ($450) and raffia sun hats ($95) from the same brand. Marmi manufactures three labels—Eric Javits, Vaneli and Sesto Meucci—but also carries select footwear from other companies, including Janet & Janet suede pumps ($325) and Angela Falconi lace boots ($765). Warm-weather standouts include Vaneli leopard-print wedges and Sesto Meucci espadrilles ($80–$250). Bonus: You’ll be instantly ready for rainy days with complimentary waterproofing on any shoes. • (212-751-3100, marmishoes.com)

  1. 519 Madison Ave between 53rd and 54th St


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Rated as: 2/5 (1 rating)

  • Thanks for helping me find an unbelivable store in Little Eric . I bought gorgeous loafers and my husband bought some as well. What a find . Thanks so much Carol

    Carol Wed Jan 30
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    Poitieple Tue Nov 13 2012
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