Do these look like clown shoes? Shoe fit critique

[eluther]

Long time lurker -- first time poster (a tale as old as time).

I just acquired these bucks from Brooks Brothers. I think they're half a size too big, though they don't move when tied. So it's not so much of a comfort thing, but I think they look a bit like clown shoes with slim chinos. However, I don't trust my own judgment.

There's also a fear that the half-size down will be too small.

So, styleforum, I am hoping I can reach a consensus if it's worth it to return and possibly doubly-exchange these shoes to get the "right" size.

 

[Klobber]

I think anything that goes on your feet has to be comfortable - bottom line. If the shoes fit, they fit and thats the be all and end all of it.

However, if the shoes are brand new just tried on - they should feel a little tight. Break them in and then find out if you have room to spare in them. If so, they are indeed too big. Right now it is probably too early to say.

Also the chinos do not flatter the shoes.

 

[eluther]

Thanks for the perspective. I guess my fear is them being too big and finding out only when I can no longer return them.

Also, what kind of shoes would you say flatter slim-fitting chinos like these?

 

[Grenadier]

I think their color (or, technically, their absence of color) makes them appear larger. Try wearing a less slim-fitting chino though.

 

[deem]

I think they look fine, but if you are still uneasy about it, try Grenadier's recommendation of trying less tapered pants.

 

[Trifon]

There's also a fear that the half-size down will be too small.

Try them on wearing two socks or just with thick socks. If they become unwearable then I think half-size down would be too small. And if they are still wearable then half-size down might fit your feet.

It's quite hard to tell from those photos if they are clownish, however half-size down would probably look better. But nice shoes they are nonetheless.

 

[lasbar]

Originally Posted by deem

I think they look fine, but if you are still uneasy about it, try Grenadier's recommendation of trying less tapered pants.

The whiter they are the larger they look...

The trousers are not helping either...

If you like them ,wear them..

 

[pgd3]

Fit is Fit with shoes,

regardless of how big or not they look.

Style and design have a lot to do with chunky look, white bucks aren't a slim looking shoe compared to say a black balmoral plain toe with a close trimmed welt. White bucks usually have a thick gumlite kickball red rubber sole, and the color isn't slimming, and the blucher closure isn't slimming.

I would be critiquing two things with fit. One, when you tie them an average firmness (not cranking down the laces) will your foot stay in the heel, or is it sliding forwards. At the same time, if you reach down and pinch across the ball of the foot how does the shoe feel? I like my shoes to be intimate to my foot, no "room" for the ball to slide around side to side, but not crammed into the shoe.

With suede being so soft I usually go narrow with it over wide since it does conform to the foot easily, but mind you I am not saying to get a AA if you wear a D, more if you are borderline between a C and D I would go C with suede, personal preference.

Anyhow, if length feels good, I would consider trying narrower widths, which some shoe companies and stores won't stock certain things, for instance if those were Alden bucks, you'd probably have found them in a B/D width, which is a boat for someone with a narrow foot, so I cannot usually buy aldens in stores.

 

[Lord Asquith]

Originally Posted by eluther

Long time lurker -- first time poster (a tale as old as time).

I just acquired these bucks from Brooks Brothers. I think they're half a size too big, though they don't move when tied. So it's not so much of a comfort thing, but I think they look a bit like clown shoes with slim chinos. However, I don't trust my own judgment.

There's also a fear that the half-size down will be too small.

So, styleforum, I am hoping I can reach a consensus if it's worth it to return and possibly doubly-exchange these shoes to get the "right" size.

It's more the fact that the slim jeans look stupid because any shoe is going to look too big with those narrow bottoms. It's like wearing tights.

 

[Lord Asquith]

Originally Posted by eluther

Thanks for the perspective. I guess my fear is them being too big and finding out only when I can no longer return them.

Also, what kind of shoes would you say flatter slim-fitting chinos like these?

If you have to wear peg leg pants then you want a very light slim elegant looking shoe so it doesn't look like a gunboat sticking out.
http://www.zellishoes.com/display.asp?id=3&sra=4

 

[xccx]

wow those are bright. it's the contrast that's causing the proportional imbalance. take that image into photoshop and make the shoes brown and you'll have your answer.