So Many Feet, So Little Shoes
[Note: Veteran PRD writer -- and shopper -- Susan Buchanan takes you shopping, because in Shenzhen, when you're shopping, you’re "Doing Your Civic Duty."]
Foreigners living in China find that there are a lot of everyday tasks that should be simple that really, really aren’t. Hopefully this article will cut that number down by one, by introducing some simple tips for shoe shopping in this grand country of tiny feet and non-standard measuring systems.
What’s my size?
It all seemed so easy back home, didn’t it? You ask for a size, you try it on, and that’s that. For the most part, mainland China stores use two size systems. Nicer shops that stock foreign brands, or those with stock geared towards foreigners generally use the European system. Chinese brands of all quality levels will often use a version of the Japanese system, but the size will be multiplied by 100. So for example, in the US I’m a women’s size 7. In China I’m either a 37.5 or a 235. To find out what sizes you are, check this chart.
After you figure out what size you need, you’ll have to ask someone for it. If you pick up the sample and look around forlornly, someone who works there will probably come up to you and ask something along the lines of “ji3ma3?” literally meaning “how many/much size?” Then you can answer with the number plus "ma3." With any luck, you’ll wait a few minutes and then be presented with exactly the pair of basic black round-toe patent pumps you’ve been searching for. Or not; to each his/her own.
They don’t have my size!
There may be a point in time in which you ask for your size, and they don’t have it, whether it’s because it’s sold out or because they don’t normally stock what to them may be gigantic, boat-like shoes. It’s not uncommon for 37 or 38 to be the largest size for women, or around 43 for men. In that case, you’ll have to ask them to “diao4huo4” for you, or check the other branches. But before you proceed, keep in mind you should probably only do this if you really want the shoe, or if you don’t mind making a few enemies of the sales staff serving you. [Note to Men: Alas, even if you follow all the suggestions in this article, including special ordering etc., it will be difficult to find anything above a 43 or 44.]
Start by making yourself look friendly, but sad about the shoe. Then in a kind voice, ask the sales staff, “Ni ke bu ke yi wei wo diao huo?” If they react positively, they may tell you to wait 15 or 20 minutes while someone bikes the shoes over. If their reaction is negative, they either don’t have another store, don’t have your size, or don’t care to go to the trouble because they think you probably won’t buy it anyway. If you think the latter is the problem, try telling them how much you like the shoes. Use a reassuring voice.
I’m ready. Where should I start?
There are many shoe stores of many price ranges, and I could recommend an endless number of places. But personally, I’ve had good experiences at Westlink and Hotwind when it comes to ordering shoes in sizes not currently in stock. They may need to bring them in from “wai4di4”, or outside Shenzhen, and in that case they’ll take your phone number and call you in a couple days when they arrive. The best part about my Hotwind order: they really did order the shoes, they really did call, they didn’t sell them to someone else before I got there, and they didn’t make me feel bad when I ended up not buying them. What more could you ask?
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