AE Fit Issues

[Zach R]

Hi guys-

New to the forum and just caught up on @Neo1 AE last thread- great read! I've been struggling to find a last that works for my bizarre feet as I try to dive into AE. I have a super high arch, normal forefoot, and narrow heel.

I picked up a pair of black Cliftons (108 last) in a 9.5D and the results have been as follows:

Forefoot and length- pretty good, slight pressure (no pain) on the sides but I assume it will go away with normal break in

Arch- could stand to be a bit higher right at the lowest eyelet in the instep but tolerable (and better than most shoes I've worn historically)

Heel- Waaay too wide.

Any thoughts on a similarly higher instep model that might have more of a V fit from forefoot to heel? I was looking at either the 201 or 222 as a starting point but would be curious to get everyone's take on my specific case.

Cheers!

 

[mkmk]

It sounds like your foot shape is similar to mine -- high arch and instep, fairly narrow heel, and normal width in the forefoot. I really like the 201 -- it's just about perfect for me (Neumok 2.0, Rogue, First Avenue, etc.).

 

[jdp234]

Don't suppose you have an AE storefront near you? Always the best bet in my experience. No amount of internet theorizing can match feet in shoes.

 

[Zach R]

I do- I'm in Boston.

Unfortunately they don't stock the 201 in any shoes I'd be interested in. I may give the Rogues a shot off shoebank.

 

[mkmk]

I do- I'm in Boston.

Unfortunately they don't stock the 201 in any shoes I'd be interested in. I may give the Rogues a shot off shoebank.

Even if you're not interested in a particular shoe, if it's in the same last, it will likely tell you a lot. Unlined shoes will generally fit a hair looser than calf, and boots fit a bit differently from shoes, but if you try anything in a 201 you should know pretty quickly if the last works for you.

 

[GBR]

Bricks and mortar shop to assess your feet and the suitable of AE lasts. Don't disappointed if none are suitable for you, manufacturers produce products for Mr Average and not Mr Everybody.

 

[ThomGault]

I do- I'm in Boston.

Unfortunately they don't stock the 201 in any shoes I'd be interested in. I may give the Rogues a shot off shoebank.

If you call the store and give them a week advance notice of some models and sizes you like, they will ship them to your local store for free so you can try them on.