Building trousers from the shoe up

[TheDarkKnight]

I do have slight problems in shoe shopping - in that I need to wear a slight orthotic insole in both shoes, to correct a modestly flat foot.

This throws shoe sizes out a bit, perhaps half a size up, and I am on the wide side of a medium fit.

I am new to quality shoes, but I think this may preclude me from wearing very sleek shoes, and therefore in turn prevent me from wearing pants with a 15 or 16 inch leg opening.

I am looking to get some light grey and also charcoal flannel pants, and I wondered if the best starting point would be finding some good fitting quality shoes, in as sleek a profile that my feet allow!

I would then use this proper fit to see what kind of fit trouser and leg opening is in good proportion. The theory being a range of trouser fits are easy, but there is a much more finite range of shoe shapes and widths for a person's foot.

This cropped up as I just got some light grey worsted flannel pants from Suit Supply. They fit great, but the 16" leg opening looks too narrow with my UK 10 (US 10.5) shoe.

All thoughts appreciated

 

[Metlin]

I have a similar problem -- my advice would be to stay away from regular AEs since they are the worst offenders and exacerbate the problem. Alden boots are slightly better (you can buy half a size up and insert the orthotics -- and since they are boots, they seem to work fine). However, AE recently introduced an Orthotic Collection. I ordered a pair to see how they work. From what I've seen, they come with a rubber sole (that looks like a leather sole) and removable insoles so that you can insert your custom orthotics.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Hi Metlin, thanks for the reply, and is that Cambridge in England? If so, good to see another rare UK poster!

I had a look at the AE Orthotic link, I don't think my insoles need larger measures like those shoes, it seems they are for very large orthotics?

I will post up a photo of my insoles against some shoes for scale, as they're only about an inch high at the highest point under the arch of my foot.

I've worn them for 5 years now and have only wore ordinary shoes in that time, albeit never quality shoes until the last 6 months really.

 

[Miles Gloriosus]

Have you considered having your trousers flared right at the ankle?

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Originally Posted by Miles Gloriosus

Have you considered having your trousers flared right at the ankle?

Do you mean boot cut like Tom Ford?

I quite like the TF look as something to wear occasionally, but not as a staple style. In general I don't like boot cut as I think it makes you look shorter. I will post up pics tomorrow!

 

[Miles Gloriosus]

Not bootcut. A normal taper to above the ankle and a flare right at the ankle.

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Originally Posted by Miles Gloriosus

Not bootcut. A normal taper to above the ankle and a flare right at the ankle.

I have never read about this, do you have any links at all?

In the meantime, here are some pics of the insole I've worn in both shoes for 5 years now. The shoe is a UK 9, US 9.5, Loake (they are a little too snug around my outer toe however)

As you can see, the insole is not very deep, about an inch and a quarter.