In the book, the dog Maggie steals was originally a purebred pug. However, director Curtis Hanson opted to change it, as he cited that movies tend to inspire people to adopt the same dog breed featured in a film. Hanson opted for a mixed breed, hoping that it would inspire people to adopt a shelter pet instead.
The film was originally planned to have Toni Collette as Maggie Feller and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Rose Feller. After Gellar dropped out, Collette agreed to play Rose and the role of Maggie was given to Cameron Diaz.
Director Curtis Hanson approached Toni Collette before filming and asked the actress about gaining weight for the part. Collette had complied and proceeded to gain 25 pounds for the part, which she subsequently lost during the film's shooting, which is to reflect her character.
In the scene where Maggie is auditioning for MTV, the teleprompter says they are going to premiere a new Eminem music video. This was a nod to director Curtis Hanson's previous film, 8 Mile (2002), which starred and was inspired by the life of the rapper.
In Her Shoes (2005) was never released on VHS, making it one of the first movies to be released only on DVD.
Jennifer Weiner: the author and her agent appear walking behind Rose and her friend Amy in the Italian Market scene. Weiner's sister and the grandmother are also in the movie.