Quote:
Originally Posted by
rebel222 
Are you certain about this. I thought the shoe was still on the last when the handstitching was completed. I did a quick search, and I couldn't confirm this. However, if the shoe is still on the last, the volume wouldn't change.
Just looking at my Aldens with a hand sewn detail, I can't imagine how it could be done with the shoe still on the last. I don't know it for sure, but I was told so by Alden in SF, and I've heard it repeated enough online that I suspect it's true.
In any case, my two NSTs on the Hampton last have a more pinched feeling in the toe box than other Hampton lasted shell shoes of the same size. Really though, who knows? Next time I mention it I'll say "I've heard..." or "I think..." just so that I'm not misrepresenting myself.