Around Twelve

Large size women's shoes in up to AUS size 14

Around Twelve Limited was established in 2005 by sisters, Kimberley Cody (nee Smyth) and Naomi Hughes (nee Smyth) of Piopio, in response to a need for a variety of shoes for both men and women with large feet. The business name ‘Around Twelve’ was inspired by the need to source and supply shoes that were ‘around size 12’.

Company director, Kimberley Cody, had struggled to find shoes since she was twelve years old at which time her feet had grown to a US size 12. Whilst a number of shoes are made to her size, retail shops rarely stock shoes beyond a size 11. Visits to shoe shops often involved shoe assistants searching out in the back for the one pair of large shoes that the shop had on hand. At other times, Kimberley was encouraged to hear that “yes, we do stock your size”, only to be disappointed to find that the sizing of the shoe was too small - not a true size 12. This limited selection meant Kimberley’s wardrobe consisted of a few pairs of shoes which didn’t quite fit right or didn’t really match the rest of her wardrobe.

In 2004, Kimberley and her husband, Hayden, moved from Matamata back to her home town of Piopio to set up a small trucking company. She enrolled in the Certificate in Small Business Management with Te Wânanga o Aotearoa to assist with in her venture. Through this programme, Kimberley not only developed the skills she needed to run her business, but was also inspired to establish another business to meet the needs of people with large feet. In 2005, Kimberley therefore approached her sister, Naomi, with a proposal to set up an online shoe shop catering to both men and women with large feet. Naomi, who has a background in small business education and is a director of Aotahi Ltd (www.aotahi.com) recognised the need for the concept and therefore accepted the offer.

In August 2006, Kimberley and Naomi, accompanied by their father, Bill Smyth, went on their first overseas trip to source suppliers of large footwear. Encouraged by the success of their trip and by the market response for the concept, Kimberley and Naomi proceeded with their family-based business. Around Twelve was subsequently launched online in January 2007, with the vision of being known as the large shoe specialists throughout Australasia and the world.

Visit the Around Twelve Shoes website

Here is a - sadly - very short list of New Zealandian companies that cater to tall(er) ladies. I know that there are quite a few of you out there (in Australia and New Zealand), but I guess the number is not big enough after all. Hopefully there will be more choice in the future. Having said that, it's not all bad (see below). Please remember that a lot of American companies ship globally these days.

Here is a small selection of companies in New Zealand that cater to women with larger feet. If you know of other companies please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tall by Design New Zealand

Tall Womens Clothing

Searching for extra long pants and extra long jeans, then Tall by Design is a specialist tall women's clothing store for you. Our Tall womens clothes are created long in length - whether you are a size 8 or 20. Our Tall Clothes for women are carefully proportioned and styled to flatter your tall silhouette. Manufactured by Tall by Design and a mix of local and international designers, we have created a fashionable range of long tall garments for tall women in New Zealand, including long jeans and long pants, longer length skirts, dresses, tops and many more tall essential pieces.

If you are visiting our site from Australia, check out www.tallbydesign.com.au.

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Willow Shoes

They have shoes for long feet in New Zealand up to size 14 - great website and stores in NZ. They also cater to customers in Australia.

Willow Shoes is New Zealand's #1 store specialising in Shoes for Long Feet with a fantastic easy to use website and four absolutely gorgeous retail stores – Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

All the women at Willow Shoes are tall and have long feet – they make you feel totally at ease and will do anything at all to help. Their range is huge and they have scoured the globe to get the best selection to suit down under customers and have something for everyone.

You feel fabulous every time you shop at Willow Shoes and the gorgeous ribbons they use on your online order is really cool. All their shoes are great quality (almost always leather) and Willow Shoes are great at standing by their products and helping if you ever have a problem or need some help.

You can join up online and receive emails about sales, new season arrivals or special offers or you can be left alone and just shop!

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