We’re starting from the ground up. Petite women with small feet are often excluded from mainstream shoe sizing—and it’s more than just an inconvenience. Here’s why it matters.

The Problem Beneath the Ankles

If you wear a women’s shoe size 6 or smaller, you already know: finding shoes that fit is like hunting for a unicorn. Retailers either don’t stock your size at all—or only carry one dusty pair buried at the back of the warehouse. It feels personal—but it’s actually systemic.

And let’s be real: having small feet isn’t the problem. In fact, shoes often look better on smaller feet. They’re proportionate, cute, and can elevate a whole outfit. But access is where we’re hitting a wall.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

👟 Average Shoe Sizes

• The average adult woman in the U.S. wears a size 8.5–9. Globally, women tend to average between sizes 7–8.
• For petite women (typically 4’9”–5’3”), the range is closer to 5–8.5.

👠 Size 6 & Under: A Shrinking Slice

• Over 94.5% of women’s shoe sales fall between sizes 6–11. That leaves just 5.5% for everyone else—including those of us under size 6.
• A specialty petite shoe brand estimates that fewer than 5% of women wear a size 6 or smaller—with those under size 5 making up just 1% of the market.
• Most mainstream brands begin women’s sizing at 6. Which means anyone smaller? Doesn’t even get to play.

Market Shifts… Sort Of

Some brands are catching on. Sam Edelman now offers sizes 4–13 and uses it as a selling point. Boutique brands like Pretty Small Shoes and Cinderella of Boston exist purely for women with small feet—proving the demand is there.

But compared to what we’re seeing in the clothing space (where petite-specific collections are expanding), the shoe industry is still moving at a snail’s pace.

And honestly? We get it.

If the numbers just aren’t there, mass retailers aren’t going to overhaul their inventory models for less than 6% of the population. But that doesn’t mean our needs should be ignored altogether—or treated like a novelty.

Why This Isn’t Just a “Cute Problem”

Petite women are often expected to “make it work.” Shop in kids’ sections. Double up on socks. Stuff tissue into the toe box. Settle for styles that are “close enough.”

But shoes matter. They shape your presence. They affect how you walk, how you lead, how you show up.

And when they don’t fit, it’s not just annoying—it’s exhausting.

In fact:

• 32% of women say they’ve worn the wrong size because their size wasn’t available.
• Over 50% say they’d rather go barefoot than wear shoes that hurt.
• Poor fit leads to long-term foot pain, posture issues, and even injury.

So yes, we’re small—but the impact is big.

Real Talk from the Community

We’re opening the conversation in our Circle community and across TikTok and YouTube.

If you wear a size 6 or under:

• What brands actually carry your size?
• Have you ever resorted to the kids’ section just to find something cute?
• Have shoe size limitations ever altered how you dress professionally?

Drop your thoughts in the community or tag us on socials—we’ll be featuring your picks in next week’s Closet Chronicles and on TikTok.

My Take

I’ve worn a size 5.5/6 shoe my whole life—and I’ve been through it. Buying shoes that “almost fit,” stuffing insoles, holding my breath with every step in a heel I knew wasn’t secure. The problem isn’t us—it’s the system. One that has yet to recognize that fit, style, and confidence go hand in hand.

But let me be clear: this isn’t a rant. I love having small feet. Shoes look better. Outfits look balanced. We’re not mad—we’re just asking to be considered.

That said, after seeing the stats, I understand why we’re not the priority. The numbers don’t justify big investment—yet. Unlike the petite fashion space, where the demand is real and rising, the small-shoe segment just isn’t there… yet.

So while we’ll keep advocating for petite-friendly shoes, right now we’re focused on the bigger win: clothing that actually fits. But we’re not done. Small feet deserve big representation. And eventually, we’ll get there.