They're too tight on me.
'Strette' — 'STRET-te'. Double 't', stress on first syllable. Clear and crisp.
When shoes are too narrow or small. Never persist with tight shoes — Italian leather shoes will stretch slightly with wear, but only slightly.
'Mi stanno' = they fit me (stare + indirect object pronoun). 'Strette' is feminine plural agreeing with 'scarpe'. Opposite: 'mi stanno larghe' (they're too wide/loose on me).
Mi stringono sul davanti.
They're tight at the front.
Pinching at the toe area specifically
Hanno un numero in su?
Do they have one size up?
Immediately requesting a larger size
Mi stanno larghe.
They're too wide/loose on me.
The opposite problem
Italian shoes are traditionally cut for a narrow, elegant foot ('piede affusolato'). If you have wide feet, look for 'larghezza' options or ask for models with 'forma larga' (wide last). The Veneto region produces many wider-fit shoes.