Budget friendly? A variety of styles for everyday casual? Check and check! I visited a Vans discount store with the goal of figuring out what size I was. It's so easy to try on to my heart's delight when there are racks of sale styles, and I am happy to report, after a bit of trial and error, I found a size that fits!
My first stop was at the women's size 5. I expected that this mainstream brand would run true to size, meaning the 5's would be slightly too big on me, but I gave it a go as it's the smallest women's size Vans makes. I picked a shoe with a fun butterfly print for my try on.
These Vans were definitely cute and comfy, but as expected, a thumb's width too long and very slippy when I walked. I could make them work if I was desperate, but it's not an ideal fit. Luckily, there's still another option for women with smaller than 5 feet..
Hello, kids section! Items made for kids aren't my first choice as typically the quality is not as good as the adult versions, and the styling can run the risk of looking too kiddish. Fortunately, Vans makes several of their kids shoes in their distinct signature look of a solid colour shoe with white accents such as stitching, laces, and soles.
These green Vans in kids size 3.0 were a great fit! I had about half a thumb's width of extra length, which was just right for me. My foot did not move around when I walked. I also tried on a kids 2.5 - I could fit into them with my usual socks on, but it was quite tight. I'm sticking with the kids 3. This size is also labeled as euro size 34, which typically equates to women's US size 4.
Both the kids and the women's shoes are made in a large variety of styles (though the base structure remains very similar). Glow in the dark dinosaurs, Mario, Donkey Kong, and Toy Story Bo Peep shoes are definitely tempting, but I'd recommend sticking with the solid colours unless you are a die-hard fan of one of the prints or don't mind a more childlike style.
Lots more available online. Try your usual size if you are a 5 or above, or give the kids a go if you've got smaller feet. Vans are a great resource for casual, affordable shoes catering to many sizes of feet!