Alden - True to Size?

[AboveBeyond]

I fit in a 7D in AE but haven't tried any Alden but would a 7D work as well? Thanks.

 

[rebel222]

Depends on the last.

 

[AboveBeyond]

Originally Posted by rebel222

Depends on the last.

Its a Hampton last and after a quick search, it appears to be true to size.

 

[Joenobody0]

I have one pair of AEs and I took the same size as all my Hampton shoes. I'm fairly happy with the fit.

 

[Kurt N]

This was linked to on AAAC. It may have been linked to here, as well, but anyway this is apparently what Shoemart and Epaulet have to say about sizing. http://youhavebrokentheinternet.blog...lden-help.html

 

[TheWGP]

This is what you need to look at... YMMV of course, but it's a helpful place to start.

 

[A.L.Z.]

Originally Posted by TheWGP

This is what you need to look at... YMMV of course, but it's a helpful place to start.

Before you read any further, I would like to say I have nothing but admiration and respect for the poster who created the sizing chart above. Having said that-- I think that chart, while looking really beautiful and tasteful, is absolutely useless at best, and misleading at worst! For starts, those different shoes--for a given fixed size--are all different sizes, because of the different lasts....not the same size like that pic suggests. Everyone's feet is different--hence different lasts! I am really frustrated right about now--I am dress shoe US 11.5E, I listened to peoples' advice on this board, and ordered ALden Indys 11D. (1)--this shoe felt a little loose in the toe, tight in the mid-foot region (widest part of the foot), loose in the ankles (so much so that I had to really really tighten up the boot laces and tie really tight so boot didn't feel lose, but now my feet felt strangled), and rubbed against the back of my foot (area above heel), causing a bleeding blister! Obviously I sized wrong! I'd like to say that I have pretty "normal" shaped feet (compared to classical sculptures, at least), and almost all shoes fit me very well at size 11.5.... So now I've ordered 11.5EE I'm waiting to see if with insoles, these will fit! (2) there is no cushioning or in sole support to this shoe, and being orthopedic shoes, I think they expect you to use your own insoles....is that why the sizes are so bizarre? (3) I went so far as to e-mail Alden---they said they cannot determine my size in this last without me being "properly fitted"..whatever that means. If buying online, they repeated Make sure store has a good return policy!

 

[Kurt N]

Originally Posted by A.L.Z.

Before you read any further, I would like to say I have nothing but admiration and respect for the poster who created the sizing chart above.

See lower left corner of graphic. Those are two Alden vendors, FWIW.

 

[AboveBeyond]

Thank for the reference picture!

 

[A.L.Z.]

Originally Posted by Kurt N

See lower left corner of graphic. Those are two Alden vendors, FWIW.
I understand that the photos of the shoes were taken from Epaulet and Shoemart. the chart however was not created by them, nor is it endorsed by them, if i understand correctly. Also, this is my opinion of course---but while Epaulet is a great friend of this forum, I wouldn't take epaulet's word on how to size Alden lasts. Alden themselves will say nothing but "get yourself properly fitted". alden are old school, epaulet is an online business. The shoe business is one where, by definition, they are incompatible...

 

[Kurt N]

Ah--photo "creditS," plural. Thanks; my error.

 

[rebel222]

Originally Posted by A.L.Z.

. . .
You are missing the point of the picture. It is not there to determine with 100% certainty what size you wear. If you honestly believe that you can predict someone's shoe size with a picture a general statement like "grant last fits larger than aberdeen," then I have a bridge to sell you. The picture is designed to act as a reference and a guide. It assists you in predicting what size you wear in a particular last. Any other use is just plain naive.

 

[TheWGP]

Originally Posted by A.L.Z.

those different shoes--for a given fixed size--are all different sizes, because of the different lasts...

That's kind of the point of the chart... it is useful as a beginning reference or a shorthand, but there are oddities to some lasts, and foot peculiarities that result in disregarding commonly held precepts. For example, to cite one common exception, if you have a high instep, do NOT size down 1/2 in the Van last. This kind of thing is what further reading is required for. That picture, on the other hand, merely gives you more of an idea where to start looking. If you need more volume, you probably want to start on the right section last-wise, and if you want a narrower design, you may be happy with the Aberdeen or Hampton.

I do think it's hilarious the chart itself refuses to speculate on the Grant last sizing. Wise decision!

 

[A.L.Z.]

for what it's worth, the 2 posiitive reviews for Alden 405 on Shoemart both give it 5 stars and say it fits True To Size!

If anyone can help me determine my Trubalance size....hell, I'm willing to pay for it!

 

[rebel222]

Originally Posted by A.L.Z.

for what it's worth, the 2 posiitive reviews for Alden 405 on Shoemart both give it 5 stars and say it fits True To Size!

If anyone can help me determine my Trubalance size....hell, I'm willing to pay for it!

If you really wear an 11.5E in most dress shoes, then try an 11E. PLEASE REALIZE THAT THERE IS NO WAY, OVER THE INTERNET, TO TELL YOU WITH 100% CERTAINTY WHAT SIZE YOU NEED.