Rithrin
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2019
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Making the masks is what keeps the workers employed! It doesn’t say they are donating them, right? In many cases, the factories are not essential, and all workers would have to be laid off. If they instead make masks and sell them at cost, they can keep the workers employed and the factory open for your calls and online orders.
You know, it never even crossed my mind that they might be selling them rather than donating, but you're absolutely correct if so.
However, this article about furlough seemed to imply that they are donating masks to hospitals in Wisconsin, which is significantly more generous. Either way, hopefully the layoffs and furloughs have been reduced due to the mask making efforts.
In case anyone was wondering about the 64 Last vs the 78 Last, here are some comparison photos of my Navy Wooster St vs newly acquired Olive Mercer St:
On AE's website, the 64 and 78 are both described as being based on the 65, but "slightly roomier across the ball and forepart of the foot". The term "relaxed fit" is used in each case. The 64 is "slightly longer" while the 78 is "slighter (sic) elongated with a tapered toe".
It was not too surprising to find they were the same length, and they actually look quite similar in shape beyond the strap beginning a bit further fore and the accompanying larger opening. However, in terms of fit they feel immensely different.
On the Wooster I do feel a bit of pressure on the corners of my big and pinky toes, and to slide into these I absolutely require a horn - even then, it's a squeeze to get in there! On the Mercer, toes and ball of foot feel great, no pressure, but I literally walk out of the shoe. No horn needed, and the heel has a real gap with no grip. See below for example.
Comparing the profiles, only thing I can think of is that the slightly forward strap is making all the difference. On the Wooster, the strap is likely preventing my foot from sliding forward further into the shoe. And as the strap starts closer to the rear (aft??) of the shoe, the vamp tapers down to the toes more quickly, which may be more fitting to my foot. Additionally, I believe the Wooster has a more aggressive waist than the Mercer, which grips better.
For the first time, I'm thinking that sizing down may be in order! Got half size down in same width on the way to compare. Hopefully the reduction in width from sizing down doesn't kill the comfy toe box fit. This experience is further pushing me towards the 79, with its wider ball, low fit, and narrower heel.
The loafer fit journey continues. If any of you vets think I'm approaching this the wrong way, I'm open to any and all advice!
(Edited to correct a typo!)
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