YOUR FEET • FOOT CARE • LOOK INSIDE SHOES

Available Sizes
We make sizes 6 to 12, with half sizes up to size 9½. We use a European numbering system in hopes of getting you to think more about how a shoe feels on your foot than whether it is the normal number you wear. To translate, just add 30: if you want 7½, think 37½ for Nota Bene.

Nota Bene shoes are all medium width (B), but are designed to be slightly wider in the toe box than many shoes on the market. If you have a thin or slightly narrow foot, you should consider ordering a half or a whole size smaller than you normally buy.

Please call us if you would like assistance with sizes; we would be happy to help!

Shoe Fit
A good fitting dress shoe holds your foot closely without squeezing it. If the shoe doesn't feel good when you first put it on, it isn't likely to feel better in 30 minutes or an hour. Don't buy it!

A dress shoe is never going to feel like your running shoes, or your slippers, or a clodhopper comfort shoe. None of our customers have told us they plan to wear Nota Bene for a marathon or a trek through the Pyrenees. But customers do tell us Nota Bene shoes are light-years more comfortable than other dress shoes — and that on marathon days at the office, they are very glad to have Nota Bene shoes on their feet.

When purchasing shoes, remember that your two feet are most likely different sizes. Buy for the larger foot. Also, have your feet measured from time to time, as they do expand and lengthen with age. Measurements should always be done while you are standing because this pressure changes the shape of your feet. The numbers are not about vanity; they are to help you achieve a comfortable and healthy fit. Gorgeous shoes that don't fit will either hurt you or live in the back of your closet. Judge the shoe by how it fits YOUR foot. Try on both shoes and walk around to see how they feel.

A few fit hints. . . Try on at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

Before you put the shoe on, and while sitting, hold the sole up to the sole of your foot. Check that the ball pocket (widest) part of the shoe is at least as wide as the ball of your foot. Also notice whether/how much your toes spill beyond the outsole of the shoe. A shoe that is a good geometric match to your natural foot has much better odds of fitting well.

Allow a half inch of space from the end of the longest toe to the tip of the shoe.

Be sure that you can extend and wiggle ALL your toes. Even in high heels with pointed toes, your toes should not be cramped, just snug.

While you want to ensure your heel doesn't slip out of the shoe, you DO want just the slightest bit of slip at the heel — otherwise the shoe is holding your foot too tightly and you will be uncomfortable within 30 minutes.

When shoes are on, they should not cut across any joints or hit your ankle bones — this includes buckles and ornaments.

Check to see whether anything on the shoe is adjustable. Adjust it. (We prefer to make shoes that are adjustable in one form or another.)

If you have narrow heels, look for sling backs you can tighten. Mary Jane's arch strap will also help hold in those heels.