Kada:Kudu: Shopping For Shoes In Korea Just Got Easier

Shopping in Korea can be so so fun, if you can fit into the clothes. While the streets of Hongdae and the roads of Myeongdong are lined with store after store of chic, fun, and quirky items, they’re often only available in a select (read: small) size and that just doesn’t cut it for many people. Fashionable clothing is one thing, but when it comes to shoes, it’s an even more difficult endeavor to find shoes in Korea for anyone with a size 9 or higher. Actually, I should say, a size 250 or higher.

I remember the first time I went shopping for shoes in Korea, I wondered what is my shoe size in Korea? I didn’t see the ‘normal’ 7, 8, 9, etc. Anyway, if you’re looking to go shopping in Seoul but want to guarantee yourself some flattering and comfortable heels, look no further than Kada:Kudu.

A new Korean startup, Kadu:Kudu, has stepped in, pun intended, with a women’s shoe line perfect for any size, and that’s not an exaggeration. If you’ve had trouble finding nice heels in your size in the past, look no further. Even better, they do virtual fittings so you don’t even have to leave your house. Read on to find out more:

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

What is my shoe size in Korea?

Just to get this out of the way because it’s a good question whenever you’re going shopping. Here is a shoe size chart to help you. Do note though, a great thing about Kada:Kudu is that you don’t even have to put your own size in as they can figure it out for you… without even seeing you! I’ll go into that more below, but here is a shoe size chart if you’re wondering what Korean size your foreign feet will fit into.

Who is Kada:Kudu

The name is made up of two Korean words: kada (가다) meaning ‘to go’ and kudu (구두) meaning ‘shoes’. Kada:Kudu specializes in shoes that you can take from the workplace to the bar, shoes that are ready whether you want to jump, jive, dance, or just stroll down the uneven streets of Korea.

Joanna Lam and Somang Yang are two women that know what it’s like to walk the streets of Seoul with uncomfortable shoes. They teamed up to not only create great shoes for women, but they wanted to make it easier than ever to get them in the proper sizes, and do it with local artisans.

I’m a fan of supporting local businesses and, honestly, when they’re female owned, even better, especially when it’s a product that is meant for women. Since they know first hand what it’s like to stumble around in ill fitting shoes, who better to design something women will love?

Why You Need Shoes That Fit

We’ve all worn uncomfortable shoes before. Maybe they gave you blisters in the heel or were too small and hurt your toes. Maybe they scratched, or were too tight. Whatever it was, uncomfortable shoes can ruin a day, an event, or just any occasion. More than that, wearing shoes that are uncomfortable long term can cause some serious issues. Long term, we can suffer health issues like bunions, deformities, and back pain. Getting the right shoes for our feet can literally change our lives. What are you waiting for?

According to an international survey done by Long Tall Sally, a global retailer of fashion and footwear, in 2016, more than 60% of women around the world have not had their feet measured in at least 5 years and more than 40% haven’t in the last 10 years. This is interesting to note since our feet change over time so we need to be consistent about measuring.

For me, I noticed that my feet widened after having a baby and that’s normal. Pregnancy, aging, weight gain and loss can all effect the size of our feet so it’s super important to measure. The survey went on to note that 32% of women are wearing the wrong shoe size which affects both posture and gait.

Handmade In Seoul & Vegan Friendly

A great aspect of the company is that they are keeping it all local. They are utilizing the artisans in Seongsu-dong, a district renowned for their shoe artisans with a rich heritage in shoe production. The designs are kept classic to stay inline with their goal to promote buying less and buying better.

More is not always better. Just the right one is really the best. The women have chosen to work with cruelty-free vegan leather, too.

These shoes are not your street shopping cheap pair, but that’s because they’re built for comfort and to be long lasting. I’ve found in my switch to be more sustainable that though products may cost a bit more, it’s because they are higher quality and are meant to last so I don’t have to buy another one and another… and maybe another one. In the end, those cheap products add up and not only in damage to the wallet, but also damage to our planet.

Are The Shoes Comfortable?

I’m someone who doesn’t wear heels unless I have to. I’ve always found them uncomfortable. The only style taller shoe I don’t mind on my foot are wedges, but that style doesn’t exactly suit every occasion. The first line of Kada:Kudu is the “Perfect Pump” line and they are 7cm heels that feature a contoured memory foam insole lined with 360 Air Cushion. The cushion is for all-day support and the soles are anti-slip rubber soles for shock absorption.

Basically, you won’t go slipping and sliding, and if you’ll have to hoist up a kid now and again like me, you’ll still be good to go. They’ve even worked out that annoying heel spot that always gives me blisters. I wore these and didn’t get one blister! That has NEVER happened on a first wear. I was shocked.

Are They Worth It?

I walk a lot and being on the go constantly whether it’s for touring, guiding, meetings, or chasing around my 6 year old, means I’m all about that foot comfort. If my shoes hurt, nothing will get done in the day except pondering why I put ill-fitting shoes on. At $150.00, these are not the cheapest shoes in the lot, but they are definitely worth it in my opinion.

The comfort level is next level and the virtual fitting option makes it so fast and easy to purchase. Add in that they’re locally made, vegan, and a female-owned business and honestly, they had me at “hello”. Do I want a pair in every color now? Absolutely. Do I hope Kada:Kudu comes out with a couple more chic sophisticated shoes to just complete my closet? Yes yes yes!

How Can I Buy The Shoes

First visit their website at Kada:Kudu and choose the color that speaks to you. It’s a pretty easy and effortless system. I’ve often wondered if my two feet were in fact the same size and Kada:Kudu takes the guesswork out of it with their ‘virtual fitting’. Yes, even shoe fitting has gone virtual. How amazing is that?

The whole process was easy to understand and as long as you have a white sheet of paper and a phone, you’ll be able to give it a try. Kada:Kudu’s solution to sizing in person is called “Size Me!” and uses image recognition and measurement software to size a customer’s foot. You just let them know which standard size sheet of paper you’ve got beneath your foot, stand on the paper with your heel against a wall, take a picture, and bada boom, they’ve got your size.

Actually, do that twice because they want to know the exact measurement of EACH foot not just one. I tested this for my own shoes and it indeed worked like a charm! It’s truly amazing what technology can do these days. It’s very intuitive.

The technology is extremely useful, especially if you don’t want to go out shoe shopping in person, as it gives customers a very exclusive experience with sizing. The system notes length and width and makes sure that everyone gets shoes perfectly suited for their feet, each foot.

Did you know that 60% of people have a left foot and a right foot that differ in size? It’s true. While we might, mistakenly, assume our bodies are symmetrical, having two different sized feet is more common than not. It’s a wonder more shoe companies aren’t catering to their audience then, isn’t it?

Whether you have wide feet or long feet, or even if you have those “standard” sizes but are looking for comfortable heels to help you on the go, then definitely seek out this amazing and easy company to get you on the right foot… yes, all of my foot stepping puns are intended. With each foot measured separately, this also ensures that you get shoes that fit specifically for your feet.

Do you need some heels to get on the right step this new year? These are the ones for you. Trust me.

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