LoveItaly

Caroll, that is interesting. Some months ago a poster who was basically going to S. Italy asked about handmade shoes. The only one I knew about in Rome was no longer in business. Do you have a website for this shop? Probably not as the shoemaker probably has more business than he can handle.

Kathryn, yes in SF I can find more Italian shoes than I can afford. LOL.
Love buying shoes! Just always dissapointed that shoes in Italy are wider than the shoes sent to the US.

LoveItaly

Hi Kathyrn, I do find too many Italian shoes that fit me perfect in SF. However it would be more fun to buy them in Italy. And now with the higher cost for goods from abroad I guess I will just wait awhile until I buy more in SF. Fortunatly good well made Italian shoes last for years. But still love to buy new ones.

Think most women really enjoy shopping for shoes, seems like something we all have in common.

carolll

LoveItaly:
Cool address! In fact, Carlo does have a website, but unfortunately, I no longer have his address. I just did a quicky Google search but wasn't successful. If you are really interested, you could try writing to one of the hotels in Panzano, such as il Barone and ask for the website for Carlo. In addition to his making shoes in his shop, he also makes leather jackets, coats, belts of course, and pants. Ummm, maybe even purses, but I am not sure about that.
His styles weren't knockouts, but I wanted flat, oxford type shoes. With a well chosen leather, I had a stunning pair of caramel colored laced oxfords made.
Good luck!
Carol L

JJ5

After reading this thread I finally realize why every shoe I have bought in Italy fits me perfectly and the shoes here (USA) seldom if ever do. I knew they were wider there, but didn't realize how universal standards were adjusted.

I can remember the first ones I tried on were in Naples years and years ago and I was so stunned that I bought 2 pair of these wonderful boots. I am not a true Wide but not a medium either. And Italian shoes are really about a D width as "normal." Just exactly me. Well, thanks Mom, you sure did give me your Sicilian feet.

My daughter and I are buying 7W in the USA but they are always just a tad bit too wide. We need to go on a shoe shopping trip to Italy. I wish when I was in Milan last year I would have bought some. Too much sight-seeing and hardly any shopping.

For the person who was disappointed- let me tell you- I often buy my shoes from good catalogs in the USA because I could go into 10 stores here and find 3 pair of shoes that I don't even like that really fit me. And 7 is a common size- so lots of times they are out, if it would fit. At least you can buy shoes at home.

AKNIC

Just a note for those ladies that have narrow feet, there is still hope!
My favorite sandals were both purchased in Italy. The first pair on Capri and the second in Positano. In both locations there are several shops that will fit the length of your feet ( I am a size 10 AAA in the US) and then make the shoes in the width that is appropriate.
I have trouble getting shoes narrow enough in the US but after several tries the shops got the sandals so perfect that I never have to worry about walking out of them. If you are a size 9 or 9.5 there are sandals to fit your feet for a most reasonable price. Plus, so many colors to choose form. My advice, buy as many pairs as you can afford, you may never be back.. Happy shopping!
Kay