Shoe Colors That Make Your Feet Look Bigger

When the time comes to splash your cash on a new pair of shoes, the same old questions tend to arise. "Are they stylish? Are they comfortable? Are they quality?" you may ask. But there's another aspect of shoe preference that some people are very emotionally invested in while others are completely oblivious to: how big the shoes make your feet look. There are folks on both ends of this spectrum, from those who want footwear with a shrinking effect to those with smaller feet seeking the opposite. 

In an exclusive conversation with Glam, costume designer and wardrobe stylist Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby of Styled By Chloée notes that there are a few things to pay attention to if you fall into one of these areas. "While the color of shoes can play a subtle role in perception, it's actually the shape of the shoe that has the most significant impact on whether your feet appear larger or smaller," she explains. "Pointed shoes can elongate the appearance of your feet, potentially making them look bigger. Rounded or almond-shaped toes tend to give a more balanced and compact look." 

O'Hayon-Crosby adds that footwear with heavy or chunky soles — think those platform boots you love to style in the fall — will also have an enlarging effect on your tootsies, as will shoes with "a continuous, unbroken silhouette, such as in slip-ons or pumps," as these "elongate the foot." O'Hayon-Crosby emphasizes that the shape and design of your shoes will ultimately be more significant in how small or big your feet appear, but it's worth paying attention to color, too, as lighter shades can make the feet look bigger, while those seeking to minimize the area should opt for darker tones.

Whether you want your feet to look bigger or smaller, it's best to strategically think about both color and shape. "Lighter colors like pastels and brights can definitely make your feet look bigger since they draw more attention and create a sense of space," says Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby. "Patterns can affect how feet appear based on their size and contrast. Large or bold patterns, especially high-contrast ones, can make feet look bigger." 

In terms of shoe design, O'Hayon-Crosby exclusively suggests to Glam going for pointed toes and "fun details like straps or buckles are great options." All this considered, the Frank Mully Women's Pointed Toe Flats in the cute leopard print would be a great option for making your foot look bigger, as would the BEJINASH Women's Loafer Flats, particularly in one of the lighter tones.

Keep in mind that the rest of your wardrobe can also impact how your footwear is perceived. O'Hayon-Crosby specifically advises paying attention to the length of your pants, skirts, and dresses: "Cropped pants or midi skirts put more focus on your shoes, while longer styles can balance things out. It's all about playing with proportions and finding what feels right for you."

Meanwhile, if your goal is to make your feet look smaller, the opposite strategy is your best bet: Go for deeper shades and shapes that don't elongate the foot. "If you're going for a sleek look, darker or muted tones work better," Chloée O'Hayon-Crosby shares exclusively with Glam, adding that hues like black, navy, or deep brown are often ideal since they don't draw the eye groundward. "Smaller, subtle patterns in neutral or dark tones are less overwhelming and tend to minimize foot size. Shape and design, however, still have the greatest impact," she adds.

The specific shapes that O'Hayon-Crosby recommends are those without embellishment (say goodbye to large buckles, eye-catching straps, and trimmings like fur or bling) or chunky soles. Luckily, lug-sole boots are one of the outdated shoe trends we were avoiding by winter 2024. Rounded or almond-shaped toes will always be better than pointed toes, which work wonders to elongate the foot. The Bacia Chelsea Boots could work well for those who want their feet to look smaller because of their round toe. 

That said, O'Hayon-Crosby maintains, "A shoe that complements the natural shape of your foot will always look the most flattering." If you have wide feet, then squeezing them into narrow stilettos can end up not looking right (and being painful!). Choose your heels according to your unique foot shape, but also keep in mind the above tips to ensure your footwear create the look you desire.