SIZE 8 (EURO 42) WOMEN'S SHOES

 

 

Looking for Size 8 women's shoes in a genuine, bonafide 42? None of this size 41 nonsense?! You're in the right place. Our founder Laura spent years trying and failing to find shoes for her larger-than-average feet before founding Otto + Ivy, and has made it her mission to bring beautiful women's shoes in sizes 42-46. 

On this page you'll find links to our various different size 8 shoe categories, and further information about shoe shopping for a size 8.

 

Looking for stylish flats in a size 8? From classic loafers and chic ballet flats to evening-ready slip-ons that rival heels, our range of size 8 flats offers more than just the basics. Choose from standout metallics, rich animal prints and much more. 

Need size 8 sandals? We’ve got just the thing, whether you prefer strappy styles or more supportive holiday-friendly options. From laid-back beach sandals to glittering heels for festive nights out, we’ve got all your size 8 sandal needs covered.

Otto + Ivy was built on great boots, and our size 8 boots are no exception. Explore our lineup of knee-highs, cowboy boots, bold metallic styles, and chunky Chelsea boots you’ll wear on repeat.

Founder Laura is 6'1 and a firm believer that tall women should wear heels if they want to. Our size 8 heels include block heels for comfort, mid-height stilettos for style, and embellished mules that make a statement.

Discover Beautiful UK Size 8 Women's Shoes – Designed for the Perfect Fit

At Otto + Ivy, we know all too well that finding stylish, properly-fitting women’s shoes in UK size 8 (EU 42) is nowhere near as easy as it should be. While size 8 might not seem particularly large, many mainstream brands still fail to cater thoughtfully to this size, offering shoes that run small (hello rogue size 41!), or producing so few that they’re often sold out. Worse still, women with size 8 feet are often steered into styles that are poorly proportioned versions of their smaller counterparts.

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze into a size 7.5 to avoid a clunky alternative, or settled for "it'll do" rather than "I love them," then you’re exactly who we design for.

At Otto + Ivy, size 8 is not an afterthought. It’s our first size, and everything we create in an 8 is designed for a genuine UK 8 fit — no fudging the numbers, no sneaky conversions.

Why Size 8 is More Overlooked Than You’d Expect

You might think that size 8, sitting on the cusp of "standard" and "specialist sizing," would be easy to find. But actually, size 8 is often where things start to go awry for women with longer feet. That’s because many high-street brands use what’s known as graded sizing; they create patterns based on a size 4 or 5 last (the mould on which shoes are built), and then simply scale up. That might be fine for one or two size jumps, but by the time you reach an 8, the proportions have skewed — the toe shape might be off, or the shoe just feels awkward on the foot.

On top of this, sizing conversions between UK, EU, and US sizes are often inconsistent. In theory, a UK size 8 equates to an EU 42 and a US size 10. But ask around and you’ll soon find that not all size 8s are created equal. Some fit correctly, while others pinch like a 7.5.

That’s why at Otto + Ivy, we build our size 8s from scratch; on size 8 lasts, designed around the real-life shape and structure of an 8 UK / 42 EU foot.

How European Sizing Creates More Confusion

The sizing system itself doesn’t help. The European system, measured in Paris Points (each equalling 6.66mm), maps differently to the UK's Barleycorn system (8.47mm per size jump). That means that as foot length increases, so too does the inaccuracy of conversions; particularly when brands try to align the two directly without adjusting for anatomical differences.

For many women with size 8 feet, this can lead to frustration when buying online. Even familiar brands can throw up surprises when it comes to fit, because there’s no universal standardisation in how sizing is applied. That’s why at Otto + Ivy, we’ve committed to crafting a true size 8 fit, every time, based on our own meticulous design process; not a guess at the conversion chart.

Size 8 Shoes Should Never Be a Compromise

We strongly believe that your shoe size should never limit your style choices. Women with size 8 feet deserve to wear shoes that are as chic, well-made, and diverse as anything found in smaller sizes. No compromises on comfort, no apologising for your size; just gorgeous shoes that fit beautifully.

At Otto + Ivy, our UK size 8 shoes (EU 42) span:

• Elegant Flats: From classic ballet flats to sleek pointed toes, these are flats that look polished and feel heavenly; designed to support your feet without skimping on style.
• Heels That Fit and Flatter: Whether you’re after block heels, midi stilettos or kittens, our heels in size 8 are made to balance beautifully on the foot, with the right support where you need it.
• Boots for Every Season: Ankle boots, knee-highs, and western-inspired styles all made in a genuine size 8; so you can zip up or pull on with ease, without squashing or sliding.
• Sandals: Heeled or flat, strappy or minimalist, our size 8 sandals let you show off your feet in confidence, without the dread of straps cutting in or toes hanging off the end.

Designed for Size 8 from the Start

Every pair of Otto + Ivy shoes is designed in the UK, and our size 8s are tested on real size 8 feet to ensure the perfect blend of comfort, style, and fit. We don’t just add length; we think about width, shape, and the way the foot moves. So whether you’re walking into a meeting or heading out for dinner, your feet feel just as good as they look.

Proudly Serving Women with Size 8 Feet

It’s high time size 8 women’s shoes got the attention they deserve. At Otto + Ivy, we’re proud to be part of the movement making that happen. Whether you’ve always been a confident size 8 shopper, or you’ve spent years compromising with a size 41, we’re here to prove that you don’t have to settle.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our full collection of UK size 8 (EU 42) women’s shoes here — with styles that flatter your beautiful feet.