Do Italian Shoes Run Big or Small?

Understanding Italian Shoe Sizing

You're considering your first pair of handmade Italian shoes - great choice. The classic look and quality materials used in handmade Italian footwear are why many highly regard them. But you should ask an important question before you pull the trigger: Do Italian shoes run big or small?

The last thing you want to do is get the sizing wrong and end up disappointed in how your new shoes fit. Dealing with returns or exchanges is a hassle nobody wants to deal with. Fortunately, you can take a deep breath and enjoy peace of mind - we're going to cover everything you need to know about how Italian shoes are typically sized.

Now, with all that said, we want to let you in on a little secret before going any further. We've taken a different approach to sizing our handmade Italian footwear at Del Toro Shoes.

Explore Del Toro's collection of Italian handmade loafers for men and women. You can find size charts on each product's page, but our shoes feature standard American sizing. This keeps things simple, so you don't have to stress or play the guessing game when shopping.

With that said, we are still going to help you determine whether typical Italian footwear runs big or small. Let's take a look.

Do Italian Shoes Run Big or Small?

So, do Italian shoes run big or small? Or do they fall somewhere in the middle? Keep in mind - this answer is not one-size-fits-all. However, Italian shoes do tend to run small, but the degree of difference varies. Generally, you can expect Italian shoes to be smaller than their American counterparts. If you typically wear a size US 11 shoe, you would likely need to purchase an Italian size 45.

However, it's essential to remember that Italian shoes have no industry-wide sizing standard. So, while one brand might be true to size, another might run slightly larger or smaller. That's why finding a brand-specific size chart is essential when shopping online.

After all, you aren't exactly able to try on your shoes before buying like you would in an in-person boutique. And if you're unsure whether the specific brand runs bigger or smaller than your American size, you can always reach out and ask! And, in the worst-case scenario, we'll help make it right. We offer free 30-day returns/exchanges.

Key Characteristics of Italian Shoes

Design Principles of Italian Footwear

Handmade Italian footwear is known for its unique designs, like the H-strap and sleek minimalist styles, merging aesthetics with functionality. A key feature is the focus on comfort, utilizing soft elastic materials and padded insoles. These shoes showcase traditional craftsmanship, reflecting rich heritage and quality. With high-quality materials like breathable knits and elastic uppers, they offer a luxurious feel and flexible fit. This combination of modern elegance and practicality makes handmade Italian shoes versatile for any occasion.

Comfort Factors in Italian Shoe Construction

Italian shoes often have a narrower and shorter fit than American footwear, which may cause discomfort for those accustomed to wider options. Many Italian exports to the U.S. are specifically made narrower than domestic styles. However, some individuals with broader feet might find Italian designs more comfortable.

Consumers should consider sizing carefully, usually opting to size up, as Italian shoes can run smaller than other European brands. The focus on comfort is also evident in features like padded synthetic insoles, particularly in sandals, appealing to comfort-seekers.

Quality of Materials Used in Italian Shoes

Italian footwear is celebrated for its high quality, thanks to durable leather and premium materials that differentiate it from competitors. The craftsmanship justifies the higher price, as artisans ensure each pair meets rigorous standards. Italian shoes display meticulous detail, using techniques like Blake stitching for durability and aesthetic appeal.

Handcrafted in Italy, they blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, resulting in luxurious footwear. The lightweight, strong materials also contribute to their popularity and reputation for quality among discerning consumers.

Del Toro Italian Shoes Typically Run True to Size

In saying that Italian shoes run smaller than their US counterparts, we want to reiterate that we've broken the European sizing mold here at Del Toro Shoes. While we love everything about traditional Italian footwear - the materials, the canvas, the craftsmanship - we wanted to make things easier for our customers.

So, we won't make you play the guessing game about how your new shoes are going to fit. You can stick with your traditional size. You should always decide based on the information provided on the product page, as we recommend sizing down in some instances. For example, going a half size down from your most common sneaker size is typically the recommendation on our handmade Italian loafers.

You'll find Italian shoes handmade to perfection when you shop with us.

Explore our Italian loafers men's collection or our velvet slippers men's collection if you're unsure where to start - these are two of our most popular offerings. Or, if you're interested in women's styles, explore our Italian loafers women's collection or our Italian sneakers women's collection! For more inspiration, we've written a year-end review of the best Italian shoes at Del Toro.

Additional Advice When Shopping for Italian Shoes

Our guide on Italian shoe sizing will help you understand everything you need to know about picking the right size - no matter where you're shopping.

With all this said, we want to provide additional advice when shopping for Italian shoes to ensure you get a pair you love. Here are a few extra tips to help you shop in confidence:

• Pay attention to the width and length of your feet. Italian shoes tend to be narrower than their American counterparts, so you might need to size up if you have wide feet.

• If you're in between sizes, always err on the side of going down rather than up. Our loafers tend to stretch a bit over time.

• Factor in socks. If you're going to be wearing socks with your loafers or other Italian shoes, make sure to consider that when picking a size. Otherwise, you might find yourself with a pair of shoes that are too small.

• Be sure you're shopping somewhere that has a hassle-free exchange process. While our guide should help you find the perfect size, you don't have to be out a few hundred dollars if you don't get the right size. Make sure you can return the shoes for a larger or smaller size if necessary. At Del Toro, you'll never have to stress over exchanges. We make them easy.

• When in doubt, reach out! The customer service team at Del Toro Shoes is more than happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have about sizing - before or after purchase. We want you to love your new shoes and do everything we can to make that happen.

Do Italian Shoes Run Big or Small? Wrapping Things Up

We hope this article has helped to answer the question - do Italian shoes run big or small? In summary, Italian shoes - and European shoes, in general - run smaller than their American counterparts. But, this guessing game does create some issues for online shoppers.

That's why we've decided to do something about the problem and have created a unique sizing solution for our handmade Italian shoes. When you shop with us, you can enjoy peace of mind and confidence, knowing that finding your perfect pair is easier than ever.

Do you have a question about Italian shoe sizing that we didn't answer in this blog post? Just contact our support team, and we'll be happy to help! And if you want to learn more about how Italian shoes fit, check out our complete guide. Thanks for reading.

Why Choose Del Toro? Fit and Sizing Insights:

1. Del Toro provides a straightforward sizing system, eliminating confusion between Italian and American shoe sizes, making it easier for customers to choose the right fit.

2. The brand specializes in luxury handmade Italian shoes for both men and women, offering a range of stylish options suitable for various occasions.

3. Del Toro’s shoe collection features diverse styles, including Italian loafers, sneakers, slippers, and more, catering to different tastes and preferences.

4. By choosing Del Toro for footwear, customers can simplify their shopping experience and bypass size conversion difficulties typically associated with European size charts.

5. Del Toro prioritizes accurate sizing and fit, which instills confidence in customers as they shop for authentic Italian shoes, ensuring they receive a product that meets their expectations.

6. The luxury quality of Del Toro’s shoes enhances the overall value, making them a worthwhile investment for customers seeking elegant and timeless footwear.

7. For 15 years, we’ve had a focus on handmade craftsmanship, and Del Toro delivers unique, high-quality shoes that stand out from mass-produced alternatives, appealing to discerning buyers.

8. Del Toro’s attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction ensure a premium shopping experience, aligning with the expectations of luxury footwear consumers.

9. The brand’s established reputation in the luxury market allows customers to confidently invest in their products, knowing they are purchasing from a reputable source.

10. By streamlining size selection and offering a variety of styles, Del Toro effectively caters to the needs of customers looking for fashionable and comfortable footwear.