Shoes: Chanel & Manolo Blahnik Sizing & Buying Guide

Even though I touched on Chanel sizing in this previous post, I get asked this question so often, I figured it was easier to have a clear and concise go-to reference for Manolo Blahnik and Chanel shoes.

For starters, if you’re able to try on your style of choice in a store, I highly recommend it. I realize that not everyone has access to boutiques or department stores, but if you do or are traveling to a bigger city, make a fun little afternoon out of it. This way you have knowledge of what size you wear without running into the risk of the shoe not fitting. This also gives you the ability to find incredible deals online, especially if you’re not able to return. I’ve purchased several shoes for 30-50% off of retail because I was familiar with my size.

Okay, now on to sizing. I typically wear a US 8.5 which in my experience, translates to a European 39. I’ve never been a size 38.5 in any brand, so personally speaking, 8.5 has always translated to a 39 for me.

Shoes: Chanel & Manolo Blahnik Sizing & Buying Guide

CHANEL SHOES:

Chanel Ballet Flats: As classic as it gets and a style that will always be “in.” I used to have Chanel ballet flats years ago and went through a period where I stopped wearing them. Lately, I’m so into them again and recently got another pair from the RealReal. I find them immediately comfortable with little break-in required. The more you wear, the more comfortable they get.

Sizing: These run small; I’d recommend sizing up 1/2 a size from your typical European size. I get them in a 39.5 and as a reminder, I typically wear a US 8.5 and a European 39.  Also, in my experience, the patent and quilted styles run a bit more narrow than regular leather styles.

Chanel Slingbacks: Maybe not as comfortable as the ballet flats, but still very comfortable and a classic in their own right. I own two pairs (the grey worn here) and while I really love them, I don’t wear them as often as the flats, which is probably not too surprising. The one slightly annoying thing to note is that the strap does slide off the heel every once in awhile. I don’t have any special tricks for this, but it’s just something I deal. Despite that, I love them.

Sizing: These run small; I’d recommend sizing up 1/2 a size from your typical European size. I wear them in a 39.5.

Chanel Combat Boots: These have been all the rage this past fall and winter. I’ve been wanting them for years and finally bit the bullet and I’m so glad that I did. I tried on the combat boot pair from this year and they murdered my feet. Thankfully, this style was comfortable off the bat. No break-in period required, yet more comfortable with each wear. They’re pricey as hell, but the good news is that they’ve been around for years and remain a brand staple.

Sizing: These run small; I’d recommend sizing up 1/2 a size from your typical European size. I wear them in a 39.5.

MANOLO BLAHNIK SHOES:

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi: One of my favorite pairs of heels out there. The other day, I had someone ask me if they’re too trendy or going out of style soon. My answer was a quick “absolutely not!” I mean, Carrie Bradshaw wore them 20 years ago and they’re still equally as relevant. These beauties are here to stay and a worthy investment if you’re eyeing them. As far as comfort, the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi style comes in a close second after the BB style, which I talk about below. These also come in two different heel heights and if you opt for the shorter ones, then you’ll find them to be very comfortable (again, as far as heels go). Personally, I’m partial to the higher heel height. They also come in a flat version.

One thing to note: because most colors are satin, they’re a slightly more delicate shoe. I have blush and yellow and they do have some marks on them, but nothing too bad. I’m the type of person that does not get bothered by this and realize that no one sees these marks unless they’re studying my shoes up close. Obviously, don’t wear them in bad weather and in the event that they’re in terrible shape, consider taking them to a professional shoe repair place to see if there’s anything they can do. Another option: if you own a light color and they’re in bad shape, consider getting them dyed darker? My friend wore white on her wedding day and after a few years, decided to dye them black. They look beautiful!  Otherwise, enjoy your shoes! Life is short to save them for special occasions!

Sizing: These run small; I’d recommend sizing up 1/2 a size from your typical European size. I got them in a 39.5.

Manolo Blahnik BB: Whenever I get the following question: “I want to invest in a pair of classic pumps, which do you recommend?” My answer is always the Manolo Blahnik BB style. They’re incredibly classic, come in many colors and when it comes to heels, I find them comfortable. Now keep in mind, when I say “when it comes to heels…” please realize that if you’re not someone who can walk in heels, they’re not necessarily “comfortable.” Otherwise, they’re way more comfortable than so many other styles and brands out there. I get the higher of the two heels, but there’s also a lower heeled option.

Sizing: These are the only shoe from Manolo Blahnik that I find run true to my typical European size. I wear a US 8.5 and in the BB style, I take a 39.

Manolo Blahnik Lurum: Possibly my favorite shoes that I currently own. They’re wildly expensive, but I just love them so much. I own the black and they look incredible with dresses, leather pants and denim. Really, they look good with everything. I also find them pretty comfortable for heels. I’d say they’re a bit less comfortable than the Hangisi style, but I’m still able to wear them for the night without being in any pain (as long as I’m taking a car or an Uber).

Sizing: These run very small. I sized up one full size to a 40.

Manolo Blahnik Maysale Mules: Another brand favorite. They kind of remind me of something that Carolyn Bessett Kennedy would wear. I especially love them with a simple tee, jacket and a pair of jeans. To be completely honest, they’re not the most comfortable. They don’t hurt my feet, but they’re not particularly comfortable to walk NYC streets in, despite the short heel height. Even still, I love them and am happy I own them.

Sizing: These run very small. I sized up one full size to a 40.

CARING FOR YOUR SHOES:

As far as care goes, I’m guilty (which is really not a big deal) of not always getting a bottom protective sole prior to wearing. These days, more often than not, I’ll wear them for a while and when I see the bottom start to get “thinner,” I’ll bring them to my shoe repair guy and have him put a rubber sole. This vastly improves the integrity of the shoe and quite frankly, makes them more comfortable since there’s more of a grip. Again, I don’t think it’s crucial you bring them in prior to wearing, but try to get them in before they’re in terrible shape. I’ve done that before and while they’re usually fixable, my  guy is never too thrilled when I wait that long. If you are able to get them in prior to wearing, even better.

Here’s a full list of recommended shoe repair places in Manhattan and Brooklyn and a detailed post on how to care for your designer shoes.

Another post you may find helpful: How to shop for designer shoes on The RealReal.