Size 23 shoes are extremely rare. They are not sold in normal retail stores. You will not find them at Foot Locker, DSW, or most online marketplaces. These are custom-made shoes for people with very large feet, typically measuring around 15.5 to 16 inches in length. If you need this size, you are in a very small group of people, and your buying process will be completely different from someone wearing a size 10.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s get specific about the numbers. A US men’s size 23 shoe is not the same as a women’s size 23. In the US system, a men’s size 23 corresponds to a foot length of roughly 15.5 inches (about 39.4 cm). For women, a size 23 would be even longer, around 17 inches, because the women’s sizing scale starts at a different base point. Most of the time, when people ask about size 23, they mean men’s sizing.<\/p>\n
To put that in perspective, the average American man wears a size 10.5, which is about 11 inches long. A size 23 shoe is over 4 inches longer than average. It is closer to the size of a small snowboard boot or a very large ski boot. If you are trying to visualize it, place a standard sheet of printer paper (11 inches) on the floor. A size 23 shoe will stick out past both the top and bottom edges.<\/p>\n
The simple reason is economics. Shoe manufacturers produce sizes based on demand. The demand for size 23 is incredibly low. It costs the same to make a mold for a size 23 as it does for a size 11, but they will sell thousands of size 11s and maybe a handful of size 23s. It is not a profitable business model for mass-market brands like Nike or Adidas.<\/p>\n
This means you are looking at the “big and tall” specialty market, but even those stores rarely go past size 20 or 21. For a true size 23, you are almost certainly looking at a bespoke (custom-made) product. This is a completely different world. You are not buying a shoe off a shelf. You are commissioning a piece of footwear from a specialist craftsman or a niche company that focuses on extreme sizes.<\/p>\n
Your first stop should be specialized online retailers that cater to big feet. Companies like Oddball Shoes or 2BigFeet sometimes carry sizes up to 23, but their stock is inconsistent. You have to check frequently and be ready to buy when they appear. These are often past-season models or overruns from factories that made them for a specific athlete.<\/p>\n
Your second option is custom makers. This is the most reliable path, but it is expensive. Expect to pay $400 to $800 or more for a single pair of custom shoes. You will need to provide a detailed tracing of your foot, including width, arch height, and instep. Brands like Drew Shoes or some European orthopedic makers can do this, but you must contact them directly. Do not expect a quick turnaround. Custom shoes can take 6 to 10 weeks to arrive.<\/p>\n
When you are buying at this extreme size, fit is everything. You cannot just order a 23 and hope it works. Width is a huge factor. A size 23 in a standard D width is different from a 23 in a 4E width. Many people with feet this large also have wide feet, so you need to look for brands that offer multiple width options.<\/p>\n
Here are the key features to prioritize:<\/p>\n
Having size 23 feet is not just about buying shoes. It affects your daily life. You need to be strategic. First, always buy shoes with a wide toe box. Your toes need room to splay. Cramped toes can lead to bunions and hammertoes, which are painful and hard to treat at your size.<\/p>\n
Second, buy multiple pairs at once when you find them. If you find a size 23 that fits well, buy two or three pairs. You may not see that model again. Many people with extreme sizes buy the same shoe in different colors just to have a backup. Third, learn basic shoe repair. You will need to know how to glue soles back on and condition leather. You cannot just walk into a local cobbler and expect them to have a size 23 last in stock.<\/p>\n
Finally, consider your footwear for different activities. You will need a dedicated athletic shoe, a work boot, and a casual sneaker. You cannot use one pair for everything. The wear and tear on a size 23 shoe is immense because of the leverage and weight involved. Rotate your shoes to let them dry out and recover their shape.<\/p>\n
If you cannot find or afford a custom pair, you have a few alternatives. Some people with very large feet wear custom-made sandals or open-toe footwear year-round, even in winter, because they are easier to construct. A good leather sandal with a thick sole can be made to fit almost any foot length.<\/p>\n
Another option is to look at orthopedic or diabetic footwear lines. These are often made in larger sizes because the target demographic has foot swelling. Brands like Propet or Apis sometimes go up to size 22 or 23 in their extra-depth lines. They are not stylish, but they are functional and often have adjustable closures.<\/p>\n
Do not waste time looking at mainstream athletic brands. They cap out around size 18 or 19. You will only be disappointed. Focus your energy on the specialty retailers and custom makers. It is a smaller market, but the people in it are serious about what they do.<\/p>\n
No, they are completely different. A US men’s size 23 is roughly a European size 57 or 58. A European size 23 is a toddler’s shoe, about 5.5 inches long. Always clarify which sizing system you are using when talking to a seller.<\/p>\n
For US men’s sizing, a size 23 fits a foot that is approximately 15.5 inches long. This is about 39.4 centimeters. You should always measure your foot in centimeters when ordering custom shoes, as this is the most accurate measurement.<\/p>\n
No, you should not try to squeeze into a size 22. The difference between sizes is about one-third of an inch. That may not sound like much, but it is enough to cause blisters, calluses, and long-term foot damage. It is better to wait and find the correct size.<\/p>\n
Yes, significantly. Mass-produced shoes in standard sizes cost less because they are made in huge quantities. A size 23 is either a rare factory overrun or a custom order. Custom orders involve handwork, special lasts, and more material. You should expect to pay at least double what you would for a standard size.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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