The Official Alden Thread for 2023 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[DG123]

I have been saving up for a while to purchase a pair of LHS Color 8 in shell cordovan. They will be my first "nice" shoe.

A few questions:
1) I plan to head into AoM to purchase a pair. Can I rely on them to size me correctly?

Try on shoes because nobody is going to know what is a proper fit better than you.

 

[DG123]

. I'm experiencing pain on instep and was curious if this would get better over time with shell cordovan. I've attached an illustration to show where exactly I feel the pain. Thanks in advance!

View attachment 1932513

I expect one width wider will provide you a better fit. In other words, if your pair is a D width sell that and buy a pair of E width.

 

[closetoyou]

I expect one width wider will provide you a better fit. In other words, if your pair is a D width sell that and buy a pair of E width.

Thanks. I have a lot of heel slippage with this one that I was hoping I would get used to. A little worried an E might make that worse, or would it make it better?

Also, I've had 6.5D in these and they were all around too small, for reference.

 

[DG123]

Thanks. I have a lot of heel slippage with this one that I was hoping I would get used to. A little worried an E might make that worse, or would it make it better?

Also, I've had 6.5D in these and they were all around too small, for reference.

If your current (tight instep) pair is 7D a 7E will relieve the instep pressure but also increase the amount of heel area volume. If you really like the shoe model, then try the 7E . As long as a loafer stays on the foot reasonably well, I don't mind heel slippage.

 

[closetoyou]

If your current (tight instep) pair is 7D a 7E will relieve the instep pressure but also increase the amount of heel area volume. If you really like the shoe model, then try the 7E . As long as a loafer stays on the foot reasonably well, I don't mind heel slippage.

Thank you!

 

[Ancestral Star]

AoM should be fine...but be very, very confident that you get the right size. Loafers are the toughest shoe to fit correctly, initial heel slippage will likely improve a bit but not completely if they aren't a perfect fit, and wearing thinner/thicker socks isn't really an optimal solution. Go into the fitting with the realization that not everyone can wear loafers comfortably. Good luck!

I second this opinion. I too bought a pair of color 8 LHS loafers from AoM after being sized by their guys, but unfortunately ended up selling them. I found that the Van last in particular does not work for my feet, even in a C width. Something of course I did not realize till weeks after making the purchase. I had more luck with the shape of the Aberdeen last. So to reiterate, not all lasts work on all feet, regardless of being properly sized on a Brannock device.

 

[qtip.416]

Colour 8 U Tip Chukka.

 

[smfdoc]

Happy PTB Tuesday forum pals.

 

[James1051]

Kicking off loafer season with a new pair of tassel loafers from our friends at Ealdwine!

 

[grooveK]

Giving some love to my Alpine grain wingtip boots today. alden calf skin gets a bit overshadowed by shell, but I think their calf skin is pretty phenomenal.

 

[Don L]

Plaza split monks

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Thanks. I have a lot of heel slippage with this one that I was hoping I would get used to. A little worried an E might make that worse, or would it make it better?

Also, I've had 6.5D in these and they were all around too small, for reference.

Not every last fits every foot. I don't think I could live with a little heel slippage, especially if it came with pain on the top of the foot too.

 

[closetoyou]

Not every last fits every foot. I don't think I could live with a little heel slippage, especially if it came with pain on the top of the foot too.

I'm sadly learning the Van last might not for me. I really do like how these loafers look though.

Since everywhere else fits fine (minus that one boney part on top), would there be any ways make this pair work?

 

[DJYello]

I'm sadly learning the Van last might not for me. I really do like how these loafers look though.

Since everywhere else fits fine (minus that one boney part on top), would there be any ways make this pair work?

I usually wear 8.5E in Barrie last, and ended up getting a 9D for the loafers. Like you, I felt the a little pain at the top of the foot but it went away after an hour and also a little heel slip. Mine were suede though. Also check to see your sock is not bunching up in that area an causing a pressure point.
I'm looking to pick up the black shell loafers and will see how the 8.5E feel.

 

[Hisheirness23]

UPS just dropped off these Color 8 beauties from Ealdwine! Love the mahogany edges and flat 270 welt which really ties in the sleek Plaza last. The blind eyelets complete the look and make for a stunning boot! Some Renovateur and GG laces will be next, but I may opt to keep the round laces that @Misterg12 included.