Buying Shoes
Here are the essential phrases you need to ask for your size, try on shoes, and talk about the fit in an Italian shoe store.
Key Phrases
Posso provare queste scarpe?
neutralCan I try these shoes on?
Scusi, posso provare queste?
politeExcuse me, can I try these on?
Add 'Scusi' to politely get a shop assistant's attention.
Hai il numero trentotto?
casualDo you have size thirty-eight?
Use the informal 'hai' only in very casual stores or with young staff.
Avete il numero trentotto?
neutralDo you have size thirty-eight?
Using the plural 'avete' (do you all have) is the standard way to address shop staff.
Sono troppo strette.
neutralThey are too tight.
Sono un po' larghe.
neutralThey are a bit loose.
Avete un numero più grande?
neutralDo you have a bigger size?
Avete un numero più piccolo?
neutralDo you have a smaller size?
Avete queste scarpe in nero?
neutralDo you have these shoes in black?
Vanno benissimo, le prendo.
casualThey fit perfectly, I'll take them.
Saying 'le prendo' (I'll take them) is the most natural way to finalize a purchase.
Sono comode, prendo queste.
neutralThey are comfortable, I'll take these.