Alden 986 v. Alden for Brooks Brothers loafer

[Morgan]

I've searched and found plenty of discussions of Alden vs. Alden for Brooks Brothers, but I haven't been able to find an answer to one specific question regarding sizing. As you may know, certain Alden lasts run a half size big, including the Van last on which Alden makes its Leisure Handsewn Moccasin (model 986). I am a pretty standard-shape size 9D, and I take an 8.5B/D in the Alden LHS. Would I be an 8.5D in the analogous unlined BB loafer, or does BB label its sizes "truer" so that I would take a 9D? Does anyone own both the Alden 986 and the BB loafer who can help me out here?

 

[rebel222]

Originally Posted by Morgan

I've searched and found plenty of discussions of Alden vs. Alden for Brooks Brothers, but I haven't been able to find an answer to one specific question regarding sizing. As you may know, certain Alden lasts run a half size big, including the Van last on which Alden makes its Leisure Handsewn Moccasin (model 986). I am a pretty standard-shape size 9D, and I take an 8.5B/D in the Alden LHS. Would I be an 8.5D in the analogous unlined BB loafer, or does BB label its sizes "truer" so that I would take a 9D? Does anyone own both the Alden 986 and the BB loafer who can help me out here?


I too have been wondering about this. I have owned the 986s and I am getting a pair of BB unlined in the mail over the next few days. Although I will not have the two side-by-side to compare, I may be able to recall the fit of the Alden and compare it to the BB unlined.

 

[LeatherSOUL]

Although I haven't tried a pair I would assume the BB LHS should fit the same but maybe slightly larger since it's unlined?

 

[rebel222]

I know that sometimes BB has the shoes designed on a different last. IIRC the BB Longwings are on the Grant last whereas the Alden Longwings are on the Barrie last.

 

[lee_44106]

I have both and there is no difference.

I was always under the impression that the "unlined" refer to lack of a second layer, but was told by the salesperson at San Francisco Alden that it refers to lack of "structure" at the toe/vamp area.

 

[Tano]

digging up an old thread...

Can anyone else confirm that Alden and "Alden for BB" run the same size for all loafers?

I know the full strap cordovan loafer is on the Aberdeen last at Alden, would it be the exact same last/size for BB?

 

[89826]

For the full-strap loafer, the two are identical.

I go down half a size in that shoe because it is a loafer and I don't want it slipping around on my foot. I take my regular size in Aberdeen tie shoes.

The LHS at Brooks is unlined. The Alden version is lined. That can cause differences in fit.

 

[mr chorizo]

this is my first pair of Alden's and I just ordered up a pair of 986 in 11c, but am now experiencing the cordovan jitters and am unsure if i have the right size and if I should exchange before wearing outside. where should one's toe hit in relation to the stitching? right now, the end of my big toe hits right at the stitch coming across the toe vamp. for reference, my socked foot measures about 11 1/2 inches long and 4 1/4 inches wide.

as i gingerly walk around on my carpet, there is a little heel slipping but i know that changes as they break in. I guess the heart of my question is about the width, do you fine gentlemen think the above measurements justify a C in this case?

 

[mjphillips]

Not sure if this helps, but I recently bought a pair of the cognac Brooks Bros tassel loafers (made by Alden) at the recent sale - they fit roughly the same as my other pair of Aldens, a black cap toe.