Alden Experts - Fit Question

[stanford88]

Is there a significant change moving from a Barrie-last Cordovan Chukka boot to a Barrie-last Cordovan Longwing? For example, I'm an 8EE in a Chukka. Should I stay as an 8EE for the Longwing?

Thanks!

 

[Michigan Planner]

I have Barrie lasted cordovan chukkas and Barrie lasted cordovan longwings all in 7.5E and all fit the same.

The only time I've noticed a difference among my Barrie lasted footwear is in a pair of boots I have that have the "Norwegian Split Toe" stitching on them and they feel a tad narrower in the toe box. I don't know if this is just a mental thing when I look at the stitching or if the stitching is actually making the toe box a bit smaller, but I notice it.

 

[Joenobody0]



I have Barrie lasted cordovan chukkas and Barrie lasted cordovan longwings all in 7.5E and all fit the same.
The only time I've noticed a difference among my Barrie lasted footwear is in a pair of boots I have that have the "Norwegian Split Toe" stitching on them and they feel a tad narrower in the toe box. I don't know if this is just a mental thing when I look at the stitching or if the stitching is actually making the toe box a bit smaller, but I notice it.

The NST is built as a plain toe, then the stitching is done. That lowers the volume of the toe box.

 

[rebel222]



The NST is built as a plain toe, then the stitching is done. That lowers the volume of the toe box.

Are you certain about this. I thought the shoe was still on the last when the handstitching was completed. I did a quick search, and I couldn't confirm this. However, if the shoe is still on the last, the volume wouldn't change.

 

[Joenobody0]



Are you certain about this. I thought the shoe was still on the last when the handstitching was completed. I did a quick search, and I couldn't confirm this. However, if the shoe is still on the last, the volume wouldn't change.

Just looking at my Aldens with a hand sewn detail, I can't imagine how it could be done with the shoe still on the last. I don't know it for sure, but I was told so by Alden in SF, and I've heard it repeated enough online that I suspect it's true.

In any case, my two NSTs on the Hampton last have a more pinched feeling in the toe box than other Hampton lasted shell shoes of the same size. Really though, who knows? Next time I mention it I'll say "I've heard..." or "I think..." just so that I'm not misrepresenting myself.