Brannock Size Useless

[DrapeCut]

I just replaced a batch of shoes and noticed that my proper brannock size seems wildly different from the actual shoe size that best fits.
My left foot measures to be a 10D and my right foot is a slightly shorter and wider at 9.5D.
However, the shoes that fir me best (at least from Allen Edmonds, Cole Haan, and Joseph Cheaney) is a US 8.5D.
In each shoe of that latter size, I have toe room and a slug tight heel with no slippage.
Is something wrong with my feet? What's the disconnect here?

 

[breakaway01]

First question I would have is who measured you on the Brannock, and did they measure both the heel-toe and the heel-ball measurements?

If so, was the measurement you were given based on the heel-toe or the heel-ball measurement? It is possible that you have a longer heel-ball measurement (i.e. 9.5D in the right foot) but a shorter heel-toe measurement (8.5D). Thus you may fit in an 8.5D shoe even though the ball of your foot is sitting farther forward in the shoe than is ideal. Alternatively, maybe the person who took your Brannock measurements did not know how to use the device correctly.

I think @DWFII may have more to say on this topic.

 

[madhat]

I just replaced a batch of shoes and noticed that my proper brannock size seems wildly different from the actual shoe size that best fits.
My left foot measures to be a 10D and my right foot is a slightly shorter and wider at 9.5D.
However, the shoes that fir me best (at least from Allen Edmonds, Cole Haan, and Joseph Cheaney) is a US 8.5D.
In each shoe of that latter size, I have toe room and a slug tight heel with no slippage.
Is something wrong with my feet? What's the disconnect here?

In addition to the above, most sales staff are just that. They likely haven't had proper training in brannock sizing.

Not all lasts are true to brannock size. Some are half down, or even full down. Allen Edmonds typically aren't more than half down, unless you are on the narrow side or your heel/toe differs greatly from heel/ball.

When you say toe room, you mean width wise or that your toes have plenty of length in front so they aren't squished? If you're saying your toes don't touch the front of the shoes, well, they shouldn't plus some.

 

[DrapeCut]

In addition to the above, most sales staff are just that. They likely haven't had proper training in brannock sizing.

Not all lasts are true to brannock size. Some are half down, or even full down. Allen Edmonds typically aren't more than half down, unless you are on the narrow side or your heel/toe differs greatly from heel/ball.

When you say toe room, you mean width wise or that your toes have plenty of length in front so they aren't squished? If you're saying your toes don't touch the front of the shoes, well, they shouldn't plus some.

I have 1/2 inch from big toe to tip of shoe and don’t experience any pinching or discomfort width-wise. This size fits snug with no heel slippage at all. I’ve only ever had foot length measired on brannock