The snow and cold is showing no signs of abating and warm clothes are the order of the day. But for men with larger feet it can be a struggle finding stores who sell winter shoes size 15. And let’s face it; the bigger the foot, the more there is to get cold! But do not worry! Keep your tootsies warm by shopping for winter shoes size 15 at Walk Tall [site: www.walktall.co.uk] who have 11 size 15 winter shoes to choose from. Plus Size and Tall takes a look…..

Plus size Winter shoes: Columbia Sorel Caribou Snow Boot £165 - Hunter Argyll £45 - Dr Martens Eight Eyelet Boot £85

The warmest and most robust looking winter shoe is the Columbia Sorel Caribou Snow Boot which features waterproof leather and a wool cuff. The waterproof vulcanised rubber shell is handcrafted and is rated to -40C so I think it can handle UK winters! The boot also features a rubber lug sole for extra grip. For added warmth, this boot also has a thermoplus felt boot liner which can be removed. These tan coloured boots have large metal eyes and laces and also have the Columbia logo on the side. I defy your feet to get cold in these boots! These winter shoes are well worth the £165.00! In winter snow you can’t go wrong with the good old wellie! And they have made a return to the on trend scale! The Hunter Argyll Wellington boot in black is made from durable rubber with a thick durable sole for the worst of the winter weather. Just add thick socks for extra warmth! These wellies are a cheaper winter shoe solution at £45.00. Another classic is the Dr Martens Eight Eyelet Boot assuring tried and tested comfort and durability. This black leather boot is timeless and moulds themselves to the wearer’s feet. These winter shoes cost £85.00.

To view all of the winter shoes size 15 visit Walk Tall at www.walktall.co.uk.

How can you be assured of extra comfort for your feet throughout the day and into the evening without compromising style? After all, as Evans point out, shoes can make or break your outfit. But now, with the new Evans Flexisoles range at Evans shoes online [site: www.evans.co.uk], you can be sure of a fashionable spring in your step! The new Flexisoles ranges at Evans shoes online are designed with an ultra flexible sole and extra cushioning to give you all day and all night comfort. Plus Size and Tall take a closer look….

The great thing about the Flexisole shoes is that they will move with and fit your feet perfectly. Also, the soft, breathable linings will keep your feet comfortable and dry and the elastic panels will ensure a perfect fit. ‘These wide fit shoes will become your favourite addition to your wardrobe.’

The Ballet

The Ballet shoe in black is available in sizes 4 to 10 in an extra wide fit. They have stitched detailing across the rounded toe and a pretty cut out flower. This shoe is available for £27.00 and is great for day into the evening.

The Ballet £27

The Loafer

The Loafer is in shiny black in a traditional loafer style with a bow across the foot. These loafers are available in size 4 to 10 with extra width and are £27.00. This is a smart shoe for the day and will dress up a casual outfit.

The Loafer £27

The Pump

The Pump is a great fashion shoe with mock lace holes and an elasticated bar across the foot. I love the stud detailing that covers the front of the foot. These shoes are also available in an extra wide size 4 to 10 and are £25.00. These pumps are great for adding a bit of glam to a casual outfit.

The Pump £25

The Sandal

The Sandal is a lovely evening shoe with a jewel encrusted t bar across the foot. These sandals are available in sizes 4 to 10.

The Sandal

What do you think of the new Evans Flexisoles range at Evans shoes online? Find out more by visiting Evans at www.evans.co.uk.

Well, I am sure it does not come as any surprise that the brand Reebok were sued over claims their trainer Reetone shoes and other similar shoes could enhance bum and leg muscles. Call me skeptical, but come on, a trainer that takes the hard work out of exercise? The scientific claims made by Reebok could not be substantiated hence the court claim which has meant Reebok need to pay out $25 million. Ouch!

The American Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that the adverts for Reetone shoes and other similar shoes were misleading. However, Reebok spokesman Daniel Sarro has continued to defend his company’s toning shoes. He told MSNBC.com: “Settling does not mean we agree with the FTC’s allegations; we do not. We have received overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from thousands of EasyTone customers, and we remain committed to the further development of our EasyTone line of products.” As a result of the case, Reebok are not allowed to show ads that make unsubstantiated scientific claims such as the shoes create “28 percent more strength and tone in the buttock muscles, 11 percent more strength and tone in the hamstring muscles, and 11 percent more strength and tone in the calf muscles than regular walking shoes.” And as a result all of their ads have been removed.

Traintone Reeactivate £42.99 - Runtone Prime £44.99

There is no quick fix to firming up legs, thighs, tums, or any body part. When toning shoes were first launched onto the market independent specialists could not find any proof of the scientific claims made by Reebok other than the fact it encouraged wearers of the shoes to get out and about and do more exercise. This in itself is what produced any firming results. So girls, if you want firm legs and bums, get out the trainers and go for a walk! A brisk 30 to 60 minute walk a day will reap rewards. And you could even walk in reduced Reetone shoes! The Reetone shoes have been heavily reduced at Cloggs [site: www.cloggs.co.uk] in their January sale.  For example, the Reebok – Traintone Reeactivate shoe has been reduced from £75.00 to £42.99. And the Reebok – Runtone Prime has been reduced from £90.00 to £44.99. Check out the other saving you can make at Cloggs [site: www.cloggs.co.uk].

Do you own Reetone shoes?  What do you think of the actions taken by the FTC and the response from Reebok? Have toning shoes helped tone your legs and bum? Let us know.

Whether or not you call it vanity sizing, clothes sizes definitely change in measurement across the decades and brands. An example of this is a size 12 skirt I bought 15 years ago from Next is closer to a modern day size 14.  But is this vanity sizing or just manufacturers using measurement statistics to apportion sizes? Changes in sizes are not just affecting clothes. Shoes are also changing in their size, becoming wider, but again…is this vanity sizing? It appears some manufacturers and brands are increasing the width of their shoes whilst others are including wider fittings into their range.

A survey of seven major shoe retailers by the Daily Mail found that the width of a women’s size six shoe can vary by as much as half a centimetre. While it appears slight, experts said it could mean the difference between ‘comfort and agony’ with high-heeled shoes. Mrs. Winkworth founder of French Sole has been changing the widths of her shoes to meet the needs of the customer in general. She believes this is not vanity sizing because the length and overall shape had not been altered. Recently Debenhams [site: www.debenhams.com] has added wide fitting shoes to their men’s and women’s ranges. Brands include Gabor, Van Dal, Lotus, and Hush Puppy. A spokesman for Debenhams told the Daily Mail: ‘Demand for wider fit shoes has increased significantly in recent years.’ Tam Fry from the National Obesity Forum believes it to be inevitable that feet become wider as the nation puts on weight. She believes women who put on weight do not want to admit that they also need bigger shoes, hence the perceived need for vanity sizing.

Vanity Sizing

Visit Debenhams [site: www.debenhams.com] to view their selection of wide fitting shoes.

Read more: Even shoes need ‘vanity sizing’ as feet get fatter when we pile on the pounds

Every woman would rather have the opportunity to slip into a pair of comfortable shoes over squeezing their feet into heels. This is no less true for heavier woman who want comfort without fashion compromise. The good news is that at Sarenza [site: www.sarenza.co.uk] there is a whole shop dedicated to fashionable and practical comfort shoes and even better bonus is that there are comfort shoes for women on sale. Plus Size and Tall takes a look at some of the brand selection and their shoes available.

Pediconfort

Shoes from Pediconfort have been designed specifically to offer style and comfort for sensitive feet. Part of Daxon, these shoes are designed with meticulous care from leather chosen for its softness and resistance. The shoes come in several widths and styles to combine femininity with wellbeing. The Phoebe shoe in black and grey has a stylish wedge heel of 4.5cm and squared toe. The grey detailing crossing over the toe has a silver button. This shoe is available in sizes 3.5 to 7.5 in a width of 8cm. It has been reduced from £89.00 to £62.30. The Carrie is a moccasin style slip on shoe with a wedge heel that would look great with jeans or trousers. These grey shoes have a width of 8cm in sizes 3.5 to 6.5 and have been reduced from £49.00 to £34.30.

Comfort shoes: Phoebe £62.30 – Carrie £34.30

Gabor

Shoes from Gabor are designed with comfort in mind. Their shoes are designed to offer ‘absolute respect for every foot that is expressed in support and flawless suppleness, with smooth lining, cushioned soles and great quality leathers’. The Tania pump is a stylish pump in a tan brown with buckle and stud detailing across the foot. This shoe is available in 2.5 to 9.5 and has been reduced from £84.00 to £58.80. The Tachel court shoe is delightful! Perfect for day to evening wear this brown shoe has a small 6cm heel and fur with bow detailing covering the toe. This shoe has a width of 8.5cm and is available in sizes 3 to 9.5. It has been reduced from £93.50 to £74.80.

Comfort shoes: Tania £58.80 – Tachel £74.80

And for today’s final selection of comfort shoes for women on sale at Sarenza…

Giesswein

Giesswein established itself as an Austrian knitwear company who began to develop slippers and patented the process of rubberizing their shoes which are comfortable and hard wearing.  The Ennepetal pump is very feminine with a faux fur covering and parent shiny toe with pretty bow. This black shoe has been reduced from £151.00 to £106.10 and is available in sizes 3.5 to 6.5. And finally, the original Berleburg. Is it a slipper or can it be worn as a shoe? Whatever, it looks great and very Austrian!  With a rubber sole and felt upper with the addition of three felt flowers, this shoe sings comfort and style! It is available in sizes and has been reduced to £42.50.

Comfort shoes: Ennepetal £106.10 – Berleburg £42.50

To view these comfort shoes for women on sale at Sarenza and more visit www.sarenza.co.uk.

Freshly fallen snow, the crisp crunching sound echoing as you walk, the shadows of the trees on the snow as the winter sun beats down….The feel of the cold snow as it begins to seep through your soles, cold wetness reaching your socks, that horrible soggy feeling and then numb toes! To really enjoy the snow or to just go about your daily business in comfort on a snowy day you need a decent pair of large size snow boots. Both Sarenza [site: www.sarenza.co.uk] and Walk Tall [site: www.walktall.co.uk] have a warming collection. Plus Size and Tall takes a look at what is on offer.

Large size snow boots at Sarenza

Sarenza [site: www.sarenza.co.uk] has an extensive collection of large size snow boots that will definitely keep your feet warm and dry. The QUIKSILVER Strider really looks the business with a large rubber sole, suede leather uppers and a fur lining. These boots are not only stylish but practical too! This brown boot has stitched detailing up the sides and over the foot and the top of the boot has the Quicksilver logo. These boots are £93.50 and available in sizes 6 to 12. Another stylish and sturdy looking snow boot is the ROCKPORT Lux Lodge which has a sturdy blue leather shoe and brown boot top finished with faux fur. The lace detailing is threaded through large metal eyes. This fantastic snow boot is £143.70 and is available in sizes 6.5 to 12.

Large size snow boots: QUIKSILVER Strider £93.50 - ROCKPORT Lux Lodge £143.70

Large size snow boots at Walk Tall

Walk Tall [site: www.walktall.co.uk] has always had a good collection of larger shoes and boots and is always worth a visit. The Timberland Earthkeepers Original 6″ Boot will not only help keep your tootsies warm but is also made from recycled materials. These dark brown boots with high quality leather uppers are made for comfort and durability. They are £135.00 and available in sizes 12, 13, and 14. The Columbia Bugaboot Plus looks like it could get you through the worst of the snow! This ultimate snow boot not only has waterproof leathers but also an articulated collar for protection from all winter conditions. What is more this boot has insulation for added warmth! This boot is £100.00 and available in a size 12.

Large size snow boots: Timberland Earthkeepers Original 6" Boot £135 - Columbia Bugaboot Plus £100

To view all of the large size snow boots available at Sarenza and Walk Tall visit their online stores at www.sarenza.co.uk and www.walktall.co.uk.

When it comes to winter many of us have to make a tough decision when it comes to our feet. Do we want to be warm or do we want to be stylish? Thanks to Amazon (website: Amazon.com) women will no longer be forced to choose one over the other. Our three picks from Sorel, a shoe brand that specializes in stylish footwear for harsh weather conditions, will keep your feet warm and dry throughout the winter while also at the same time keep you stylish.

1. Helen of Tundra ($99.93-150.00) 2. Cate the Great ($159.95-200), 3. Joan of Artic ($114.90-149.99)

Our first pick is the Helen of Tundra boot named after Helen of Troy. This boot is waterproof and is one of the few boots that Sorel offers that has a zipper closure. The boot also has a felt lining that is 3mm thick for guaranteed warmth and dryness. This boot is not just warm but fashionable as well. Pair with skinny jeans and a nice top for a pulled together look.

Our second pick is the Cate the Great boot, name after the Russian Empress. This boot like all the rest is waterproof. It has a removable felt innerboot and will keep feet dry and warm even in freezing temperatures as low as -25° F/-32° C.  This boot will go nicely with leggings and a tunic sweater, keeping you warm and snuggly throughout the season.

Who doesn’t love boots? They look great with jeans, dresses, and skirts and quickly become a wardrobe fave this time of year! Sarenza [site: www.sarenza.co.uk] has a great selection of boots and shoes in many sizes and fittings. And now they have introduced a selection of wide calf boots from Castuluna.  Castaluna create fantastic urban styled boots in good quality leather to offer both style and comfort. Plus Size and Tall takes a look…

I LOVE the Finley boot. This boot is in a tan brown with lace up detailing and a corduroy top. The sole is flat and reminiscent of dessert boots which I loved so much in the early 80’s! They are great wide calf boots with a calf circumference of 50cm. They are £186.00 and available in sizes 4 to 9.5. They are also in grey. They would look great with leggings or skinny jeans AND with skirts and dresses. A similar boot is the Mildred which is an ankle length boot in the same style but with wedge heels of 6cm. These boots are available in the same colours and sizes for £126.70.

The Kingsbery boot is very simple yet stylish with a chunky heel of 9cm, stitched detailing across the foot, a side zip, and shaped boot top. These boots are ideal wide calf boots with a calf circumference of 52cm. They are available in sizes 5 to 9.5 and cost £186.00. This boot is available in black or camel.

The final boot available from Castaluna at Sarenza is the Fierce ankle boot which has a 70’s look with a 9cm heel and buckle detailing around the ankle. The leather is style to have a slightly worn look. These boots would look fantastic with jeans and are available in grey, black, and tan. They are in sizes 4 to 9.5 at £126.70.

To view these Castaluna wide calf boots and ankle boots visit the Sarenza site at www.sarenza.co.uk.

With winter practically here, cooler temperatures and the weather that comes with it can put a damper on a lot of things. Fortunately the winter weather doesn’t have to put a damper on your footwear. We have chosen three pairs of snow boots from Zalando (website: Zalando.co.uk) that will keep your feet warm and happy throughout the winter.

Our first pick is the Heather Canyon Boots by Columbia. These boots are actually pretty stylish for snow boots. Pair them with a pair of leggings, a mini skirt and a sweat and you’re good to go. Made with genuine leather and the warm interior will keep you warm when you have to go out in bad weather.

Columbia Heather Canyon Boots (£110.00)

Next, we have the Snow Boots by Mustang. These are definitely not your grandmother’s snow boots. These boots give an edgy feel to the snow boot while keeping you warm and cozy.

Mustang Snow Boots (now £60.00)

Finally, for those who want warm feet without the high boot look, we suggest the Jimmy Boot by Native. It comes in several different colors and are waterproof and washable. Your feet will stay warm and with all the different color choices they will stay stylish too.

Native The Jimmy Boots (£75.00)

These three looks are just a few of the many looks that Zalando has to offer. Check out the website for more snow boots and other shoes and fashions.

Buying shoes can be very difficult if you have large feet. Shopping for shoes doesn’t have to be a trying experience if you remember these few things:

Know your size

Most places that sell shoes have a way to measure you for your size. It is very important that during measurement you keep your foot relaxed and if one foot is slightly bigger than the other go with the larger size instead of the smaller. Make sure to account for how wide or narrow your feet are because this will impact the fitting of your shoe.

Never go shoe shopping in the morning

The best time to go shopping for shoes is always in the afternoon because your feet will have reached their swelling peek at this time. If you go shoe shopping in the morning and buy shoes they may fit pretty well at first but when you wear them out your feet will be begging for mercy.

Make sure to do a test run before wearing out.

If you’re in a store make sure to try on both shoes and walk around the store for about 1-2 minutes so you can get a feel for the shoe. What you put on your feet is a serious thing, so do not allow any salesperson to rush you. If you ordered shoes online try walking around your house even walk into the kitchen if the rest of your house it carpeted. Carpet absorbs a lot of the shock your feet would feel if on the street, that’s why so many shoe stores have carpet. If the shoes don’t fit exchange them for something that does, your feet and back will thank you in the long run.