Alden Modified Last: If You Wear, or are Interested, Please Read

[Shrewboy]

I'll apologize up front, as this may run long. I have been on Styleforum for a bit but just found this forum today. And I only found out about the modified last earlier this year after testing a cheap pickup on ebay. I'd never realized that dressy shoes could actually be that comfortable! I bought a pair that were a bit too big, thinking I'd use them as a starting point. After popping in an insole, I now have one of my favorite pairs of dress shoes that actually has room for my big toes to push to the inside. Amazing!

I completely agree about a shell cordovan wingtip boot in a modified last. That would be amazing! I really wanted a pair of Allen Edmonds Daltons for a long time. I played with a few sizes on the same last using cheap ebay pickups. Those all led me to the conclusion that me and that last just don't play well together. In fact, now that I've found the modified last, I'm going to say that me and AE don't work. I'll make an exception for the Higgins Mill last (1757), which has room for my toes to spread out. But otherwise? I have about 6 or 8 pairs of AEs that I thought fit before I got a pair of MLs. Now they're headed to ebay.

Before I consider jumping on the wingtip boot pre-order, I'm curious if folks that have been able to try on multiple pairs have a view on how fit changes as width changes. I have a pair of longwings on the modified last that I bought in 10.5E. I tried them on at home, thought they were pretty darn good, and kept them. The length is fine but I've come to the conclusion that they are a little roomy through the midfoot. I would consider dropping to a 10.5D if the toe box didn't narrow noticeably. I don't mind a loss in volume overall, just let my toes spread out!

On a related note, how have folks found the transition from the modified last to the Trubalance last? I'd like a pair of Indy boots, but I'm back to the question of toe box room. I'm inclined to size the same as the modified last unless have other suggestions.

Thanks all!
Kurt

Moulded Shoe is potentially going to order a modified lasted color 8 cordovan wingtip boot with a leather sole. Sharing here in case anyone else might be interested in this style without having to fly to France for a visit to Anatomica. I am an 11.5 B and can only order shoes as an add-to-run, so I’m hoping this makeup gets enough interest to be made!! It’s one of my grail boots. call the shop if you’re interested https://www.mouldedshoeny.com/open-orders

 

[DG123]

I would consider dropping to a 10.5D if the toe box didn't narrow noticeably. I don't mind a loss in volume overall, just let my toes spread out!

On a related note, how have folks found the transition from the modified last to the Trubalance last? I'd like a pair of Indy boots, but I'm back to the question of toe box room. I'm inclined to size the same as the modified last unless have other suggestions.

Thanks all!
Kurt

Comparing 10.5E and 10.5D toe box shape is essentially the same.
Your Truebalance Indy Boot proper size almost definitely be the same length/width as your Modified last size.

 

[sipang]

Might be of interest to someone here, I'm selling a pair of V-tip on Modified last, black calf 11D.

$300 shipped CONUS/EU

 

[BoydsShoes]

see next post

 

[BoydsShoes]

Comparing 10.5E and 10.5D toe box shape is essentially the same.
Your Truebalance Indy Boot proper size almost definitely be the same length/width as your Modified last size.

I can only speak from experience using ML rubber soles, which come with an insert that I replace with a custom orthotic. My current cycle is to wear ML 2 days a week, Truebalance shoes 2-3 days a week and Plaza 1-2 a week. I do 9.5B rubber sole with orthotic (that is more like a 9.5D in leather sole or perhaps a 10B in leather sole). I wear a 10D in Truebalance shoes with the orthotic. I find the Truebalance shoe really comfortable. I also have a variety of Truebalance boots, as well, but there is a lot of boot to boot variation in fit.

In general, if you get Truebalance with a 270 degree welt, you get a trim heel, and at least for this longtime ML wearer, a really comfortable shoe. Almost more comfortable.

I think Truebalance might be the easiest last to fit.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I have two boots on the Modified, and they are by far the best fitting, most supportive boots I've ever owned. I feel like the last was designed 99% for my feet. If Alden's were cheaper, I would own a lot more on the Modified.

 

[ac106]

I have two boots on the Modified, and they are by far the best fitting, most supportive boots I've ever owned. I feel like the last was designed 99% for my feet. If Alden's were cheaper, I would own a lot more on the Modified.

Buy factory seconds

 

[sipang]

Might be of interest to someone here, I'm selling a pair of V-tip on Modified last, black calf 11D.

$300 shipped CONUS/EU

View attachment 1840364

Now 275 OBO

[DROP] ALDEN V-tip Modified last - 11B/D - black calf

Alden V-tip derby Modified last 11 B/D Black calf In good used condition and well cared for. The topy half soles have come unglued in the middle and will need replacement.

www.styleforum.net

 

[Empty Set]

Question on fit. I just purchased my first pair, Indy boots in 8.5, the same size as my trubalance size. They are very comfortable, but the arch support feels a little... forward? More towards the ball than sitting back in the arch.

It's not painful or uncomfortable, just different. Is this just the way the modified hugs and supports the arch? I can't imagine sizing down as the rest of the fit is good. Is this just the way the modified fits, or are my feet not a good match?

 

[BoydsShoes]

Question on fit. I just purchased my first pair, Indy boots in 8.5, the same size as my trubalance size. They are very comfortable, but the arch support feels a little... forward? More towards the ball than sitting back in the arch.

It's not painful or uncomfortable, just different. Is this just the way the modified hugs and supports the arch? I can't imagine sizing down as the rest of the fit is good. Is this just the way the modified fits, or are my feet not a good match?

I can believe it. I have orthotics that fit perfectly when placed in Modified Last, with support hugging my arch. If I put the same orthotics in Trubalance, they bang up against my heel. Therefore, the arch in TB seems further back relative to ML.

 

[mdjd]

Moulded Shoe is potentially going to order a modified lasted color 8 cordovan wingtip boot with a leather sole. Sharing here in case anyone else might be interested in this style without having to fly to France for a visit to Anatomica. I am an 11.5 B and can only order shoes as an add-to-run, so I’m hoping this makeup gets enough interest to be made!! It’s one of my grail boots. call the shop if you’re interested https://www.mouldedshoeny.com/open-orders

I'm down. I called but no answer. I wear a 9.5C Modified last and sent them a contact form message. Let me know if anything is doing!

 

[philosophe]

I'm down. I called but no answer. I wear a 9.5C Modified last and sent them a contact form message. Let me know if anything is doing!

Be patient. I'm sure they'll return a voicemail.

 

[mdjd]

Be patient. I'm sure they'll return a voicemail.

Fyi I called them today and he said the order closed on Jan 3 =\
Even though the website still lists it as a future order.

I asked him to see if they could add my size to it, wish me luck.

 

[mdjd]

Does Alden make loafers on the modified last? Anyone have experience with them?

 

[sargeinaz]

Does Alden make loafers on the modified last? Anyone have experience with them?

They do not. I wish they did. Anatomica in Paris told me they tried and couldn’t make it work.