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Creating Comfortable Shoes for Women, Pt. 1

2-minute read

Developing the Poppy Barley Flats Collection

The big day is drawing near: our flats collection will be launching in just two months, but it’s been a months-long process that’s taken a lot of team meetings and research. Before we even hit the sketchbooks, we began to think about what kinds of problems we wanted to solve.

Problem 1

Flats that only take into account one measurement (foot length) often lead to scenarios like this:

Comfortable Shoes for Women - Pointed toe leather ballet flats - Poppy Barley

This is my slightly wide foot crammed into a flat with a standard width. It doesn’t look very nice (creates toe cleavage and makes me feel like one of Cinderella’s stepsisters) and it certainly isn’t comfortable. Conversely, some women have narrow feet and the opposite problem – their foot slides around and out of a flat that’s too wide.


Problem 2

Comfortable flats exist and pretty, fashionable flats exist but it is very hard to find a fashionable, comfortable shoe.

We don’t want to have to sacrifice fashion or comfort in the shoes we wear. Unfortunately, right now you can either emulate your granny's comfortable shoes or wear a cute little leather slipper and have feet that are killing you by the end of the day. In particular, our new Product Development Manager and mother of two, Cara, emphasized a need for flats that offer arch support and grip, and will hold up to a full day of running errands (and after children). Many of you echoed this sentiment.

Problem 3

Almost all flats feature standard design with no choices or input available to you, the buyer.

We want to be able to create shoes that reflect our personalities and wardrobes and can give us a unique, personalized product. We want options in colour and design choice so that every woman can be her own stylist. It was with these three objectives in mind, that the Poppy Barley team created our debut Spring 2013 Flats Collection. Over the next two weeks, we’ll share how we launch a product line, from initial inspiration to final product. Jump to Part II

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The Harley Heeled Sandal Ankle Size Guide

How To Measure:
The Harley Heeled Sandal: Take a tape measure and wrap it around your foot, right below your ankle bone as that is where the strap will sit (see product imagery and fit video for a visual demonstration). This measurement is based on the last adjustment point on the strap.

Size Strap length will accommodate an ankle measurement up to the size below
5 26 cm
5.5 26.5 cm
6 27 cm
6.5 27 cm
7 27.5 cm
7.5 27.5 cm
8 28 cm
8.5 28 cm
9 28 cm
9.5 28.5 cm
10 28.5 cm
10.5 29 cm
11 29 cm
11.5 30 cm
12 30 cm

The Esther Heeled Sandal Ankle Size Guide

How to Measure:
The Esther Heeled Sandal: take a tape measure and wrap it around your ankle, above the ankle bone, as that is where the strap will sit (see product imagery and fit video for a visual demonstration). This measurement is based on the last adjustment point on the strap.

Size Strap length will accommodate an ankle measurement up to the size below
5 23 cm
5.5 23 cm
6 23 cm
6.5 23 cm
7 24 cm
7.5 24 cm
8 24.5 cm
8.5 24.5 cm
9 24.5 cm
9.5 25 cm
10 25 cm
10.5 25.5 cm
11 26 cm
11.5 26 cm
12 26 cm

Belt Sizes

Natural Waist Measurement Typical Jean Size Belt Size for High‑rise Pant Belt Size for Mid‑rise Pant Infinite Belt Size
23-25" 23/24 26" 28" 1
25-26" 25 28" 30" 1
26-27" 26 30" 32" 1
27-28" 27 30" 32" 1
28-29" 28 32" 34" 2
29-30" 29 32" 34" 2
30-31" 30 34" 36" 2
31-32" 31 34" 36" 2
32-33" 32 36" 38" 3
33-34" 33 36" 38" 3
34-35" 34 38” 40" 3
36-37" 36 38" 40" 3
38-39" 38 40" 42" 4
40-41" 40 40" 42" 4
42-43" 42 44" 46" 4
43-44" 43 44" 46" 5
44-45" 44 46" - 5

Sizing Note: For the most accurate fit, measure around your body where you plan to wear the belt. Choose the closest belt size to that measurement.

Belt Diagram Accent Belt and Complement BeltThe Accent Belt, The Polished Belt and The Complement Belt size measurements start from the beginning of the leather to the middle hole.

Belt Diagram Infinite BeltThe Infinite Belt size measurements cover the entire length of the leather.



Belt Measuring Guide

Belt Measuring Guide

A - High-rise style:

If you plan to wear your belt around your natural waistline, wrap a measuring tape around the narrowest part of your midsection. Then, add 3” to determine your high-rise belt size.

B - Mid-rise style:

If you plan to wear your belt lower than your natural waistline, you will require a dierent size. If you have a particular pair of bottoms you intend to wear your belt with, wrap a measuring tape through the belt loops while in a relaxed position.

When wearing your belt in your preferred style, it should fasten in the middle hole. The belt will relax with wear allowing you to cinch it tighter, as needed.

If you plan to wear the belt in both the high and mid-rise styles, you have two options:

  1. Select your high-rise style and fasten it more loosely when worn in the mid-rise style.
  2. Select your mid-rise style and fasten it more tightly when worn in the high-rise style.