43 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Che numero porta?
What shoe size do you take?
The first question any Italian shoe shop assistant asks. Know your European shoe size — Italian sizes follow the European standard.
Posso provare questi?
Can I try these on?
Pointing to shoes you'd like to try. The most common sentence in any shoe shop. Always try before buying — Italian shoes vary in fit between brands.
Mi stanno strette.
They're too tight on me.
When shoes are too narrow or small. Never persist with tight shoes — Italian leather shoes will stretch slightly with wear, but only slightly.
Mi fanno male al tallone.
They're hurting my heel.
When new shoes rub at the heel — a common problem with leather shoes. Important to flag early rather than buying shoes that will cause blisters.
Ha questi in marrone?
Do you have these in brown?
When you like a shoe style but want a different colour. Italian shoe shops often stock the same model in multiple colourways.
Sono di vera pelle?
Are they genuine leather?
Before buying, especially if you're concerned about quality or animal products. Italian shoe shops sell both leather and synthetic options.
Che tipo di tacco ha?
What type of heel does it have?
When you want to understand the heel type before trying. Italian shoe shops have a wide vocabulary for heel styles.
Ha la soletta in pelle?
Does it have a leather insole?
Asking about insole quality — a sign of craftsmanship. Leather insoles absorb moisture, mould to the foot and last much longer than synthetic ones.
Ci sono in mezza misura?
Do they come in half sizes?
When you're between sizes. Not all Italian shoe brands offer half sizes — worth asking before committing to a size that's slightly off.
Ha qualcosa con la punta quadrata?
Do you have anything with a square toe?
Asking for a specific toe shape. Toe shape vocabulary is important in Italian shoe shopping — different shapes suit different foot types and styles.
Sono impermeabili?
Are they waterproof?
Practical question for autumn/winter shoes or boots. Italian cities have wet winters — waterproof shoes are genuinely important for daily city life.
Ha qualcosa per il mare?
Do you have anything for the beach/sea?
Shopping for beach footwear — flip-flops, water shoes or sandals. Italy's long coastline makes beach footwear a major seasonal category.
Ha stivali al ginocchio?
Do you have knee-high boots?
Asking for a specific boot height. Italian boot vocabulary is precise — knowing the terms helps you find exactly what you want quickly.
Sono comode per camminare?
Are they comfortable for walking?
Especially important in Italy's historic cities with cobblestone streets. Asking before buying could save hours of pain.
Ha scarpe da ginnastica?
Do you have trainers / sneakers?
Looking for sports shoes or casual trainers. Italy has a thriving sneaker culture alongside its formal shoe tradition.
Possono essere allargati?
Can they be stretched/widened?
When shoes fit lengthwise but are too narrow. A cobbler can stretch leather shoes — worth asking if a style is perfect in every other way.
Ha mocassini?
Do you have loafers?
Asking for one of the most iconic Italian shoe styles. Loafers ('mocassini') are quintessentially Italian and come in many variants.
Ha scarpe da cerimonia?
Do you have formal / occasion shoes?
Looking for shoes for weddings, formal dinners or special events. Italy has a well-defined category of 'scarpe da cerimonia' with elegant styling.
Ha scarpe da lavoro?
Do you have work shoes?
Looking for professional, office-appropriate footwear. Italy's smart office culture demands shoes that are both professional and comfortable for long days.
Avete le Geox?
Do you have Geox shoes?
Asking for a specific Italian brand. Geox is an Italian shoe company famous for breathable, waterproof technology — worth knowing by name.
Posso riportarle se non vanno?
Can I bring them back if they don't work?
Checking the returns policy before buying — especially important for Italian shoes that may need breaking in. Best to understand the exchange policy upfront.
Ha sandali da uomo?
Do you have men's sandals?
Looking for men's sandals — a very Italian summer item. Men's sandal culture is strong in Italy, especially in southern regions and coastal areas.
Ha creme per le scarpe?
Do you have shoe polish / leather cream?
Buying shoe care products — very important in Italian shoe culture. Caring for leather shoes with proper cream prolongs their life dramatically.
Le scarpe hanno la garanzia?
Do the shoes have a warranty/guarantee?
For expensive purchases. Italian consumer law guarantees 2 years on defects for all products. Asking about brand-specific warranties is also valid.
Ha scarpe in pelle di coccodrillo?
Do you have crocodile leather shoes?
Asking about exotic leathers in luxury shoe shops. Crocodile, python and ostrich leathers are available in Italian luxury footwear.
Come si puliscono le scarpe di scamosciato?
How do you clean suede shoes?
Before buying suede shoes — they require specific care. Italian shop staff are very knowledgeable about leather care and will advise properly.
Quanto costano in totale?
How much do they cost in total?
When buying multiple items — shoes plus care products, for example. Checking the total before going to the till.
Ha anche la borsa abbinata?
Do you also have a matching bag?
Many Italian shoe shops also sell bags and accessories. Asking about a matching bag is natural and staff are usually delighted to help complete the look.
Che differenza c'è tra questi due?
What's the difference between these two?
When choosing between two similar styles. Italian shop staff know their products in detail and can give expert comparisons.
Sono prodotti in Italia?
Are they made in Italy?
When quality and origin matter to you. Italy produces some of the world's finest shoes but also sells imported brands. Being direct about this matters.
Posso vedere il numero giusto?
Can I see the right size?
When the display shoe is the wrong size and you want to see one in your size. Before trying, always ask for the right size — display shoes may be too large or small.
Ha qualcosa di classico senza logo?
Do you have something classic without a logo?
When you want understated elegance over branded status symbols. Italy produces many excellent unbranded or subtly branded shoes for those who prefer quiet luxury.
Hanno bisogno di suola antiscivolo?
Do they need an anti-slip sole?
Asking about grip on leather-soled shoes — important for Italian cobblestones. A rubber anti-slip pad can be added by a cobbler to the bottom of leather soles.
Quando arrivano i modelli primavera?
When do the spring styles arrive?
At the end of winter when you're planning ahead. Italian shoe shops receive spring collections in February-March. Asking positions you as an informed buyer.
Ha scarpe con il plateau?
Do you have platform shoes?
Looking for platform-soled shoes — a recurring trend in Italian fashion. Useful when you want height without a heel.
Ha espadrillas?
Do you have espadrilles?
Asking for the quintessential Mediterranean summer shoe. Widely popular in Italy from May to September.
Ha qualcosa di più sobrio?
Do you have something more understated?
When shown shoes that are too flashy or embellished for your taste. A sophisticated Italian way to ask for simpler, more classic styles.
Posso pagare in due rate?
Can I pay in two instalments?
For expensive shoe purchases in quality boutiques. Instalment payment ('rateizzazione') is increasingly offered, especially for luxury goods.
Mi dà il calzatoio?
Can you give me the shoehorn?
When trying on shoes, especially leather shoes with firm backs. A shoehorn protects the heel counter and makes putting on tight shoes easier.
Come si conservano meglio?
How do you best store them?
After buying quality shoes. Asking about storage shows you intend to care for them — Italian staff love this question and give detailed, useful answers.
Li consegna a domicilio?
Do you deliver to the home?
When you're interested in a style but not in your size today, or ordering something to be delivered. Italian boutiques increasingly offer this service.
Ha scarpe per piedi diabetici?
Do you have shoes for diabetic feet?
Asking about therapeutic footwear. Italy has specialist shoe shops for medical footwear — knowing the term helps you find the right shop or product.
Ha la taglia per un bambino di sei anni?
Do you have the size for a six-year-old?
Shopping for children's shoes. Italian children's shoe sizes are given by age as a rough guide, but staff will ask the actual foot measurement.