Be Careful Sizing Up
Flip-flops and flat sandals are popular in the summer but for those of us who are “height-challenged” wedges and espadrilles are a fabulous alternative.I bought a pair of Spain-based Maypol espadrilles and I was surprised the EU 37 (about a US 7) fit perfect because I’m a US 7.5 and I thought I was supposed to size up to EU 38 (about a US 8).The Maypols are so comfortable I’ve worn them every day for about a month and the EU 37 is starting to feel a little too loose. Maybe the Maypols are only meant to last a summer as they cost me $40.I went in search of a higher quality, Spanish brand so my espadrilles would last longer. I found Castañer and liked their Carina Tostado*. Based on my Maypol experience, I ordered them in EU 37. They were snug at first but the suede** top of the shoe stretched quickly and now they’re perfect.I wanted another pair in Olive and found them on Amazon. Amazon offered size US 7.5 but when the box arrived it was EU 38. They fit fine but a little bigger. Maybe that’s better since the top of this shoe is linen so not sure how much linen*** stretches.EXTRA TIPS:* This brand is popular with celebrities so if you’re wondering why the color you like is more expensive than the other colors, it’s probably an ASO shoe so shop around. Example: The Carina Tostado was $76 on Matches but after the Princess of Wales appeared in them, they sold out and other sites doubled or triple their price. Lucky for me, I found an EU 37 for $96 on Giglio.** Suede always stretches in my experience. The problem is feet swell in the summer and then your suede shoes are stretched out by winter. A hack I learned was spray them with water, put them in a linen bag, and put in the dryer for a few minutes to shrink the suede back.*** I have linen dresses and they def wrinkle but not stretch though they shrink in the dryer like cotton that’s why I hang them up to dry.