What to do - Alden Dilemma

I picked up a pair of Alden cordovan chukka boots this past weekend.

I suppose I was wearing thick socks and maybe I was retaining water or something, because the next day I wore the shoes the whole day, and my heel was sliding around so much, I should have had a blister.

I admit, I am new to this whole "nice shoe" thing and I should have:
- worn the typical socks I would wear the shoe with
- tried sizes below and above my apparent size
- walked around more inside and put the shoes through their paces

Next day I go back, while wearing the shoes and ask to try on the 8.5s and they fit really well

The dilemma:
- The manager told me he could send it in and have the shoe modified to fit and it will take 2 weeks. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between it and the 8.5E I tried on.
- Just sell it at a loss and buy some new 8.5Es

In any case, I did learn a lesson. Just hoping it won't be a too expensive lesson!

What should I do?

It is perfectly reasonable that the store wouldn't return. I'm not sure how they would "mould" the shoes. I'm assuming that the company would merely use the larger last to act as a stretcher, but I'm not sure how well that would work. What size are the boots you bought? It would seem like it is probably easiest to simply sell and then re-buy. This forum should have a pretty good market for slightly used Aldens.

The shoe is a size 9E. I need a 8.5E, so they would be shrinking it. Which sounds easier I guess. I just need to find out how expensive. I listed them over in the sales forum, but no messages yet. I figure if I don't hear anything by the end of the weekend, I'll just take them in.

If the boots are just slightly too large, inserts/heel pads might take care of the problem. Also, you might try wearing a different pair of socks -- some of my socks tear my feet up in boots, for some reason.

If I wear 2 pairs of thick socks, then it seems fine, if a little tight on the sides.

I'm starting to think the best way to go is asking them to modify them. Keep the same width, but just shorten them a half size, so my heel doesnt slide around. (If that's possible)

These are the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever owned, so I really want this to come out just right.

I just read this at sierra trading post. I think this is what's happening. Now I have to find these heel shims somewhere.

"Tip: If you are experiencing heel lift in a mid-duty boot, low duty boot or a regular shoe, you may find a heel shim will assist with filling the heel space and hold your heel in place. If you have purchased a heavy-duty leather hiking boot and find your heel lifts slightly, this is likely to stop after some wear. Leather boots typically contour to the heel as the boot breaks in."