Affordable Shoes that Run Small - Aldo

Several readers have been asking about small shoes, but I don't really have small feet for my size (usually wear anything from 5 to 6 depending on the brand). I wanted to share this post because I've noticed that a size 35 at Aldo has been getting smaller over the past year. Point in hand...


The inspiration: Christian Louboutin Zebra Prive Pumps with 4.25" heels - hundreds $$$?

(random pic from Google images ... these could very well not be auth.)

The affordable rendition: Aldo "Seavers" peep-toe pump with 4.25" heel and .5" platform - $110 currently $49.98 (but were on sale for $34.95 when I ordered them last week).

Click for more info

I own a handful of Aldo shoes in size 35, so I didn't even think twice before ordering them in that size. I was pretty excited when they arrived, as plain pumps have not been doing it for my going-out outfits. Zebra print is fun yet not too wild, and therefore has the potential to still be classy when styled appropriately.

Oh yea, I also like how Aldo shoes come with an extra pair of heel tips, although I have no idea how I would "install" them:

So did I end up going out that night looking zebra-chic? Click "Read More" to find out.


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Umm... a big fat NO! Upon trying these on, I felt like one of Cinderella's ugly stepsisters. My huge foot could not even squeeze into this little sz 35 shoe.

I ordered these in taupe in a sz 35 too, and also could not get them on at all. Not really a loss because the platforms were SKY HIGH (much more so than I expected from the pic) and I would surely break both ankles if I wore them out. Very sad about the little zebras, though - these are quite pretty in person with a "pony hair" texture:

So what's going on, Aldo? Here are two pairs of shoes that I wear quite often both at work and at night, both in size 35:

Cream pointy patent pump (sold here), and black leather peep toe pump (sold here).

Here's a pair that I purchased a year ago in size 36, which is so big I have to use not one but two insoles (half on top of full):

Black Satin Arnoldoa Pumps (sold here in several colors and materials)

Since both 35's I ordered ran small, I'm thinking maybe Aldo is just making their shoes smaller in general. The problem for me is that they only make whole sizes, and I'm probably a 35.5 now in their sizing. That is too bad since I'm a big fan of Aldo shoes for going-out. They have a ton of choices in their "sale" selection online and usually have a free shipping promo going on. I've been pretty pleased with the quality and durability of their shoes given the prices that I paid, and am tempted to exchange the zebras for a size 36.

Some of my work-appropriate picks available in size 35 and 36 ... everything under 40 bucks (plus get 10% off when you sign-up for their emails):

1. Guritz mid-heel suede almond-toe pumps - $80 on sale for $39.98. Pretty and soft silhouette in a comfy, walkable height. Taupe shoes do wonders for elongating the leg when worn with shorts and skirts. I LOVE my mid-heel taupe almond-toes from Aldo! 
2. Walchak mid-heel suede open pumps - $80 on sale for $39.98. Another pair!
3. Bobino gray patent pump - $70 on sale for $34.95. Just try to ignore the tacky lining.
4. Zanni heels in black or bronze leather - $80 on sale for $29.98 to $39.98. A nice and sleek basic heel for work.