Breaking the Glass Slipper: A Shoe Sizing Fact That Has Changed My Life

This past Friday afternoon, my husband and I went to Nordstrom Rack. Whether or not we find anything, it’s always fun to get a little inspiration and see what’s new!


Well, this trip to Nordstrom Rack was a HUGE game changer  in my footwear department!


As we were strolling through the Men’s Department looking for some fun sneakers for Brice, he spotted these retro New Balance shoes… In the Kids’ Department. They were so cute. (I’m sure they wouldn’t have been available in women’s sizes because how cool would that be?!) 


I really liked these sneaks. So I took a better look at them and thought, “Hmm, those might actually FIT me.” I was afraid of feeling a little too optimistic but I tried them anyway and… to my amazement… THEY FIT!


Now, was this a Cinderella moment or is something else going on?


So I kept trying on more and more New Balances in kids’ shoes –  in a size 5.5 (I’m normally a 7.5 or 8 in women’s) – and they were ALL fitting. 


It was the cutest selection so I just figured that the factory had made a mistake in labeling some of the shoes.


Well… upon further research I learned that kids’ sizing in shoes doesn’t necessarily mean smaller sizing! It actually correlates to WOMEN’S sizes! Now, I knew this for clothing (it’s a great way to snag designer jeans for less money) because a Girl’s Size 14 translates to pretty much a Women’s Small. 


But I was today years old when I learned this also worked for shoes. 


Not that we want to be wearing “little girls’ shoes,” but for something like simple flats or sneakers, why not grab a deal and take a look at the Girls Department? Especially in stores like Last Call Neiman Marcus, Off 5th Saks, Nordstrom Rack…. You can walk out with some really fabulous deals.


Before you think I’m completely bonkers, let me show you some shoes from Girls Departments that may change your mind! 

Not that we want to be wearing “little girls’ shoes,” but for something like simple flats or sneakers, why not grab a deal and take a look at the Girls Department? Especially in stores like Last Call Neiman Marcus, Off 5th Saks, Nordstrom Rack…. You can walk out with some really fabulous deals.


Before you think I’m completely bonkers, let me show you some shoes from Girls Departments that may change your mind! 

Tretorn (great brand - super comfy!)


Question: What’s the most surprising shoe you’ve ever bought?