this post has been updated as of Summer 2020
I started Trend-Able to empower women with invisible physical disabilities to look and feel their best in order to live their best lives. I struggled with low self esteem as a young person with invisible disabilities and have made it my mission to help others learn how to accept their perfections and focus on their strengths.
If you’re new here, I wear leg braces ( called afos) due to foot drop & muscle weakness in both of my feet due to a neuromuscular disorder I inherited called Charcot Marie Tooth Disease. You can read more about my story in my Skinny jeans and Leg Braces post.
Trend-Able is a resource to help women with disabilities look and feel their best and some of the posts focus on fashion and shoes. I research and share the latest fashionable comfort shoes that work for me and may work for other orthotic and afo wearers as well. I also post seasonal outfit inspiration consisting of fashion-forward and disability friendly clothing and accessories.
When we wear clothing and shoes that we feel confident and comfortable in, the effect is similar to wearing a smile when you feel sad. You feel better and more positive.
I’ve received several questions lately via the Trend-Able Facebook and Instagram pages from people who wear just one leg brace and thus need two different size shoes. Of course, there are many people without disabilities who also have two different size feet and share a similar shoe buying challenge.
In my research on this subject, I found the post ”Where to buy shoes when your feet are two different sizes” on a website called The Ability Hacker. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I received permission from the writer and website owner Amy to use portions of her 2016 post. You can see the original blog post and check out her very helpful website for people with disabilities here
One hack for people with two different size feet, is to use an insole to fill up the empty space in a too large shoe. There are several companies that sell insoles specifically for this purpose. One is called Sizers and you can find them on Amazon here and another one is called Shoolex which you can find here.
As you will see from the list below, it is also possible to purchase odd size shoes and/or a single shoe.
Nordstrom
- The best resource for both adults and children with extremely accommodating policies for people with disabilities, amputees and those needing irregular sizes.
- They have an unadvertised ”split shoe policy”
- There cannot be more than a 1 ½ sizes difference between each shoe
- There is no extra cost for buying two different sized shoes.
- It’s easiest to buy them in store with the help of a sales associate. In order to purchase two different sizes online, you have to purchase a pair in each size, and then return the shoe from each pair that you do not need.
- Nordstrom also has a limited selection of single shoes which you can find here
ZAPPOS
- ZAPPOS* Recently launched a one shoe experimental program
- Customers can purchase one shoe at a reduced cost on select brands.
- Currently there are about 80 choices but the company plans to expand their selection
- Shop the selection here
Healthy Feet Store
- They do have a ”special discount program” for people ordering mismatched odd size shoes.
- The exact discount amount differs for each shoe and brand.
- The website says to call Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time if you’d like to order mismatch shoes: 1.866.324.3338
Shoe Swap
- Website and marketplace for people who need two different size shoes and/or just one shoe.
- You can find a shoe buddy to share the purchase of two pairs of shoes and swap sizes.
- People buy, sell and swap unwanted and/or unneeded shoes.
Birkenstock
- They offer a one size only increase or decrease on their classic cork footbed styles.
- You get 40% off of the second pair of closed toe shoes or waterproof sandals. You have to order two pairs and then the company will donate the unused shoes.
- They will discount some shoes 40% if you need a single shoe.
- You can call Birkenstock at 1-800-451-1459.
THE NATIONAL ODD SHOE EXCHANGE (N.O.S.E)
- A non-profit organization that helps people needing two different sizes and or amputees needing one shoe
- They ship brand new shoes to people in the US and Canada.
- In order to participate, send your name and address along with a short letter stating your needs and restrictions to:
The National Shoe Exchange
P.O. Box 1120
Chandler, AZ 85244-1120
MY LEFT SHOE
- An online shoe exchange for people needing just one shoe/ Its a perfect odd shoe finder!
- The website provides resources for amputees. Shoe Swap
ODD SHOE FINDER
- An online shoe marketplace for buying and selling odd size shoes.
- Like an Ebay just for odd size shoes
- Website also links to a custom shoe store. http://www.oddshoefinder.com
TARGET
- There is no official policy but they do have some mismatched pairs of shoes in their warehouses.
- What is done with the odd shoes is left up to each individual store manager.
- People should inquire with the store manager directly.
Do you have any odd size shoe hacks or know of other great resources not mentioned in this post? We’d love to hear your solution for how to buy one single shoe! Please share the love in the comments below.
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Met a young lady (here in Ontario Canada) whose left foot had stopped growing d/t spina bifida.
She’s an adult with a left shoe size of 7 and a right foot sized 10.5 and a bit wide.
Hoping we are able to find a reverse-issue twin!
Thank you,
Dina
Leather can be streched a small amount by squirting or rubbing alcohol on the leather shoe then walking. this can be done more than one time. Also a pin punch they look like a funny pair of pliers they stretch leather in a small circle but the circles can be connected. Also can get shoe and boot stretchers.
Thanks for the helpful info!
Thanks so much for the info! I will update.
I have a bunch of brand new left foot Dr Scholls shoe cushion/inserts. I only need the rights was wondering if anyone needs the left? I don’t want money just don’t want to throw away!
What size are they?
I have a bunch of shoes but only one in the pair. I’m trying to figure out how to best get rid of them . I found a bunch if sites selling one shoe in the pair but not many on how to get rid of one in the pair
Hello, I have an odd situation. My left foot is a size 5 and my right foot is a 7 1/2 or an 8 depending on the style. I have to buy 2 pairs of shoes each time. Do you know where I could give the other pair to? I hate throwing away my shoes. I have sooo many odd sized pairs.
Hi Elizabeth,
I have seen some giveaway groups on Facebook and also people selling one shoe on Ebay. Hope this helps! Thanks for reading. Lainie
Elizabeth, I don’t know if you will see this- but my daughter is the opposite of you and we have been looking for someone to swap shoes with. She is 7.5 to 8 left and 5 right.
Hello. My right foot is size 5 and my left foot is 7 1\2. I do need deep shoe bed for Afo and oxford type shoe.
Hello I wear a kafo and have to purchase 2 pair of shoes to get one pair that fits. I don’t want to throw the other new shoes away but I can’t find a place to sell them. I went on one site but it has shut down do you know where I can find a place to sell them?
Hi Susan,
I have seen some Facebook groups for amputees etc offering one shoe. Also, you could sell on EBay as I’ve also seen one shoe sold there. Hope this helps!
UK based people – try Jo’s Odd Shoes on Facebook. Free shoe swap, just pay postage.
I have heard that there is a community on Facebook as well that sells/donates among others that have prosthetic or AFO needs. I do not do Facebook but I have talked to other AFO users and they say it is quite large.
I personally reached out to The National Shoe Exchange but have not heard back from them yet.
Hello, I live in Canada
I have two brand new size 13 men’s shoes by Toms for sale at $30
Thanks Travis! That’s a great resource for people.
I am thrilled to learn about Nordstrom’s policy. I also have a lot of never worn size 8.5 woman’s right sneakers if you know where I can donate them.
Hi Paula,
I am glad you found me!! I would try that one shoe group mentioned. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any other online swaps. You could always try offering to people on a patient support group or Facebook marketplace?
ANY ONE who need one size left 9 and right 10, I will donate.
Hi! Wow, we’re odd shoe size partners. I wear a women’s wide or 2x wide 8.5 – 9 on the left and 9.5 – 10 on the right.
If your shoes are still available, please let me know. I’d love to chat with you. Nlnndrw@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Ann
Zappos is planning to roll out a single shoe option sometime in 2020. https://www.zappos.com/e/adaptive/singleshoes
Hi Lisa,
I have heard this & I’m excited for people who need it to have more options. Thanks so much!
Von Maur Will mismatch sizes for free, similar to The Nordstrom policy.
Thanks so much! That’s great info.
I have two left slippers New. Men’s size 12. Eddie Bower. Will give if someone can pay postage. They belonged to my son.
I was at the Vans store recently and they said they also offer split shoe sizes.
That’s such great info! Gonna have to do a major update here. Thanks
FYI Birkenstock no longer had a single shoe program
Thanks for letting me know !!!
Great post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired!
Extremely useful information specially the ultimate section 🙂 I deal with such information a lot.
I was looking for this particular info for a long time.
Thanks and best of luck.
Regards
Ross Alisha
Hi Alisha,
I’m so sorry I never saw your comment. Thanks so much for following & for commenting. Lainie
I’ m happy to see this post.I will be checking this out.Im a amputee and I need just one shoe because I can’t use a prosthetic.Thank you
Thank you so much for reading & taking the time to comment! I
My grandson needs sneakers that fit with braces on that are not way to long to fit the with..like 2sizes to long to get the brace into the sneak .can you do anything to help
Hi Linda,
Have you tried Billy’s Shoes? Here’s a link https://shopstyle.it/l/bmbho
I have been searching for this information for awhle but didn’t know I could get 2 sizes of shoes at Nordstroms, thank you so much!