Lost Cause II: Shoes

[heifeng]

Searching for LADIES SIZE 41-42 DRESS SHOES!!! *

*probably 42 is better since 41 seems to run a bit small out here

But, ladies (and gentlemen) here's what makes this even more challenging: no tennis shoes, thongs, or nun-type boring black shoes and under 200 yuan please! (because after a full day near the BJ Zoo shops these were the only ugly styles I could find and am currently very depressed)

*sigh* If I get no responses I'll have to seek out some tall Chinese women and actually see what they are wearing on their feet although I have probably only seen 2 or 3 I would consider TALL in western standards. Do not suggest men's shoes, unless they are something a dragqueen would wear! i'm looking for walkable heels, ie. kitten heels or low wedges.

I know the evil, as in overpriced, Silk market might have large sizes since foreigners are plentiful but the prices are pretty rediculous. Once upon a time I found a pair of pink f-me heeled boots there but there was no way I was going to pay 500 for crappy fake leather pink boots just because my foot could fit in them grrrr....ok I am more depressed just thinking about this.

Question 2: Has anyone had shoes MADE for them out here???

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From my first segment of things nearly non-existent in BJ: Decent Salons, still looking, but thanks to those who have replied so far....

www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/9365-hair-salon-help-lost-cause

[johnd]

I know you can get the price right down in the silk market if you haggle like a crazed fiend.

...but then again, you need to keep your wits about you. When I was buying some mens' shoes they didn't have a big enough size in a style I liked, so I left. Then they chased me down saying they'd found a larger size - they'd taken the insoles out and I didn't notice! Couldn't do that with high heals though.

[doumeizhen]

Heifeng, I feel your pain. I actually spent the last weekend shopping for shoes that are both big enough and comfortable enough to wear once I get to Beijing.

For the first couple of months in China I ended up wearing men's shoes, because it was the only thing I could find. Later on, however, I did discover some places that had reasonably priced shoes in my size (although they very much tried to pull the insole trick first before actually helping me find a place)

Across from the Worker's Stadium I think there is a big mall that is frequented by foreigners, and you will have to bargain, but I got some dress shoes and winter boots in a 41 there after looking around. I found only a few dealers, but my feet thanked me for the hard work.

Then there is the wudaokou something or other market on Xue Yuan Qiao (学院桥). In the shoe floor, on the very north side, I found a dealer who had those cute Puma sneakers in my size, and they didn't cost more than 100 kuai I think, although in my excitement I bought a few pairs and got a price break. Just go, poke your head into every shop, and ask.

I hope that helps. Good luck with that!

[gougou]

those cute Puma sneakers in my size, and they didn't cost more than 100 kuai I think

Shouldn't pay more than 50 kuai.

[doumeizhen]

I couldn't remember, but that sounds right gou gou. I think they were 40 but I paid 45 or 50 because of my giant galoshes.

[Qcash3]

I would recommend getting a few good pairs of shoes before you go to China. I am going to Beijing in a few weeks and my mother is insisting that I go shoe shopping with her to find at least two more pairs of shoes:roll:. If you are already in China and you can't find shoes that you like or shoes that fit, then you can order them on the internet. Last time I was in Beijing I went looking for a pair of sneakers, and the salesmen at all the stores looked at me like I was insane when I asked for a size 12 1/2 shoe, but this past year I hosted a student from Beijing who most certainly had bigger feet than mine and seemed to have no problem finding shoes. So there must be some decent stores out there somewhere.

[mr.stinky]

if there's a brand/style of shoe you like and know fits, you can order online from

sierra trading post. usually have great prices on shoes & boots, and airmail shipping

based on cost, not weight, is not excessive.

$0.00 - $30.00 $20.00

$30.01 - $60.00 $25.00

$60.01 - $100.00 $30.00

$100.01 - $200.00 $35.00

$200.01 - $300.00 $40.00

$300.01 and up $50.00

only drawback was they shipped ups air, and for some reason the customs forms

were not adequate. held up in chengdu, i had to email ups a copy of my passport w/visa

page and a statement that the goods were for personal use. they do have an 800 number

and english speaking assistance.

i wound up with 3 pairs of jeans and 12 pairs of hiking socks, for $125 including

shipping.

[doumeizhen]

TAO BAO!

I haven't figured out if its searchable by size, but the fact that they have gucci sneakers for 186 kuai and in my size is reassuring!

[heifeng]

Thanks!

Actually I meant to mention Tao Bao since I also recently discovered it. (My coworkers informed of this site since they are sick of me wearing the same shoes everyday)

ALSO, in wudaokou, near that oxygen bookstore, 2nd floor (Korean clothing store? I forgot) is having sale on clothe beaded/sequined type of womens shoes for 50-70 yuan (casual/walkable/pretty without crossing the line over to gaudy).......I think they still have 2 pairs of 42's left and some 41's

( I think I just realized a 42 here only equals a 10, am I mistaken? a 41 here doesn't equal a European 41, right?)

[magores]

Taoran Qiao 2nd Ring there is a big shoe wholesale building.

Don't know the name. Sorry. But, it is on the south side, and has big circular parking lot ramps.

Opens early, closes at around 3pm or so.

I'm a guy that wears US size 11.5 (47 EU size). (apparently this is big by Chinese standards, most places only carry up to size 44)

In the past 6 months, I've bought a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of running shoes, and a pair of sandals there. Averaged out, I spent less than 100RMB each.

(The lady at the particular stall (5th floor?) remembers me, and seems to enjoy bargaining with me. She says 200RMB, I say 10RMB, and then we meet in the middle.)

Hope this helps.