pelonpelon175
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Regarding Alden's Cordovan Long Wing Blucher on the Barrie last: I've read in other threads and on vendors' websites that these run about a half-size larger than a typical shoe, including many of Alden's other lasts. But instead of ordering a half-size smaller (e.g. 12 to 11 1/2) as many suggest, do any of you have experience ordering the same length but with a narrower width (e.g. 12D to 12C)?
The reason I ask is because yesterday I went into the Alden Shop in SF to buy the LWB. I asked for size 12D, since that is what I wear in the Plaza Last, but when I tried it on, it was too large. The clerk didn't mention that the Barrie last usually fits a half-size larger (I only read that online after I got home) and instead suggested that I try the 12C. I did, and it seemed to fit okay, except that I was a little concerned since there seemed to be a long crease across the uppers when I laced them up, and the two leather flaps almost met when I laced them over the tongue. But in my enthusiasm I brushed these concerns aside and bought the shoes...
Anyway, I am beating myself up today since I think that instead of buying a narrower width I should have bought a half-size down, as has been suggested by others here. I'm actually a bit irked that the clerk didn't even bring that up as an option, considering it's apparently quite common (edit: also mad at myself for not thinking of it)
The shoes do fit "okay" (maybe slightly loose, but no major heel slippage), but my main concern is actually the deep crease, which I worry could be a sign that the shoes are a tad too big and that they will wear out faster. Hence my question: wondering if any of you have experience about sizing on the Barrie last --- and/or whether this crease might actually be typical of this shoe?
P.S. I wore the shoes to work (meaning I probably can't exchange them as I've worn them outside)... normally I'm not this OCD about a pair of shoes, but I've also never spent $600 on a pair before either...
The reason I ask is because yesterday I went into the Alden Shop in SF to buy the LWB. I asked for size 12D, since that is what I wear in the Plaza Last, but when I tried it on, it was too large. The clerk didn't mention that the Barrie last usually fits a half-size larger (I only read that online after I got home) and instead suggested that I try the 12C. I did, and it seemed to fit okay, except that I was a little concerned since there seemed to be a long crease across the uppers when I laced them up, and the two leather flaps almost met when I laced them over the tongue. But in my enthusiasm I brushed these concerns aside and bought the shoes...
Anyway, I am beating myself up today since I think that instead of buying a narrower width I should have bought a half-size down, as has been suggested by others here. I'm actually a bit irked that the clerk didn't even bring that up as an option, considering it's apparently quite common (edit: also mad at myself for not thinking of it)
The shoes do fit "okay" (maybe slightly loose, but no major heel slippage), but my main concern is actually the deep crease, which I worry could be a sign that the shoes are a tad too big and that they will wear out faster. Hence my question: wondering if any of you have experience about sizing on the Barrie last --- and/or whether this crease might actually be typical of this shoe?
P.S. I wore the shoes to work (meaning I probably can't exchange them as I've worn them outside)... normally I'm not this OCD about a pair of shoes, but I've also never spent $600 on a pair before either...