AE MacNeil fitment opinion

[gsgleason]

I had previously tried some MacNeils from ebay that ended up being corrected grain that they call 'polished cobbler.' The fit was great, though, so I shelled out some dough for the same shoe, new, in burgundy shell cordovan in 11.5D, same as the failed ebay attempt. They feel good, but I'm concerned that the fitment isn't quite the same. See the pics below. I have to pull the laces tight to the point that the two flaps are actually touching. I'm worried that if they stretch out, I won't be able to get them snug any more. Thoughts? Mine. Notice the two flaps with the lace holes are nearly touching.

Some random picture on the interwebs of the same shoe. This is how I would have preferred them to fit. Notice there is plenty of space between the two flaps with the lace holes.

 

[Grayland]

Maybe you are actually a 11.5 C or even B?

 

[pebblegrain]

I would think the other way.

If the shoes pictured are 11.5D and the forefoot fits correctly, I would try an 11 E

 

[gsgleason]

This is a roomier last than my other AE shoes, which are all #5. This is #7.

I am D according to the brannok device, and the width where the upper meets the insole feels really good. I suppose I should have tested in a store before buying online.

Any other opinions?

 

[KObalto]

I find the shell McNeils fit a little large. I put tongue pads in mine, but should have got a C even though I'm normally a D width.

 

[utexas]

I had a similar problem with a different shoe. AE suggested purchasing one of their Superfeet insoles. As for the lacing issue, they really improved the fit. They can be pretty comfortable, but I would recommend trying on their different models. They sell a full length and 3/4-length I believe.