Brooks Brothers Alden Cordovan Unlined Penny Loafer - Size down or not?

[nurktwin]

Brooks Brothers has rebadged the Alden 986 in an unlined version on their web site. I've seen various posts here that suggest one should NOT size down a 1/2 size for the Brooks version, unlike the regular lined Alden 986 version. Does anyone have both the Brooks and the Alden badged versions and can they comment on sizing? Is the Brooks version labeled true to size or not? Does it require sizing down?

I'm normally a 10.5 C. But I take a 10C in the Barrie last. So what size do I need in the "Brooks" version of the Alden penny?

 

[phoenixrecon]

the BB is on the plaza last so size accordingly

 

[nurktwin]



the BB is on the plaza last so size accordingly

The Shoe Mart website shows the Alden (non BB version) is on the Van last. So the Alden-made-for-Brooks version is on the Plaza last? If so, does the Plaza last run true to size or does one need to size down a 1/2 size? Thanks.

http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-me...86_ald_m_leisure_handsewn_shell_cordovan.html

 

[REguy]

The BB is on the Van last, not the Plaza. Many people seem to size the Van the same as the Barrie.

 

[nurktwin]



The BB is on the Van last, not the Plaza. Many people seem to size the Van the same as the Barrie.

Is there any variance in how Brooks has Alden label or size the Brooks badged models? For example, is given size and width in an regular Alden version the same exact size in a Brooks rebadged version? Or does Brooks try to minimize the amount of shoe returns for incorrect sizes and instead have Alden label their rebadged models "true to size" (i.e. labeling them a half size larger than their regular Alden counterparts)?

 

[Joenobody0]

Go to a store and try a shoe on. You're not an unusual size so it shouldn't be impossible.

 

[KJT]



Go to a store and try a shoe on. You're not an unusual size so it shouldn't be impossible.

Yup.

 

[nurktwin]

Folks, please don't try to halt the thread. I went to a store. They didn't have my size, hence the reason I'm soliciting feedback here from folks who may have gone through this exercise previously. Thanks.

 

[Joenobody0]



Folks, please don't try to halt the thread. I went to a store. They didn't have my size, hence the reason I'm soliciting feedback here from folks who may have gone through this exercise previously. Thanks.

Order from the website in a couple of sizes and send back the ones that don't fit. I'm not sure what you really want. All feet are different and it makes "sizing by consensus" difficult.

The BB shoes are unlined and made on the Van last. Many people, including me, wear the same length on the Van and Barrie lasts. The Van last has a low instep and not everyone can wear it. The fact that it's unlined leads some people to size down a width as well. I hope that helps.