Experience with Alden Cordovan?

[Dan G]

Hey guys,

Thinking about ordering a pair of alden leisure handsewn loafers. I usually wear a 11.5, but have heard that the cordovan will stretch over time. Would I be safe ordering an 11? Does this model run relatively true to size? I am an 11.5 in other aldens, most AE, grensons, polo made crocketts, etc.

Thanks

 

[johnny_flapjack]

I'm a fairly standard 11D, and I picked up a pair of Alden LHS in an odd color of cordovan at a good price in a 10.5D. I was hoping that the "size down when you get cordovan" advice would work for me. It did not. I didn't even bother trying to get one of them on b/c it was so tight. That being said, I have not tried them in an 11D - maybe they'd be too big and my best option really would be to jam myself into the 10.5 until they worked themselves out a bit.

 

[Dan G]

that's too bad. anyone else try this?

 

[JLibourel]

Can't speak for Alden, but my stepson's half-brother had to go down a full size when he bought a pair of A-E MacNeils in shell to get a good fit when we were out at the Cabazon outlet a couple of years ago.

 

[Tarmac]

I think you will have to try them on. I have seen some Alden loafers run absolutely massive, others more normal.

I would not take cordovan stretch into consideration though, they should fit correctly out of the box. Buy the one that fits - not 1/2 size smaller than the one that fits.

 

[Teacher]

Two pieces of advice:

1. As others have said, don't rely on size numbers; rely on fit. It doesn't matter if it's shell.

2. If it's a slip-on (shell OR calf), buy it a little smaller. That's because you can't compensate for stretching later on like you can with a laced shoe.

 

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by Teacher

don't rely on size numbers; rely on fit.
Alden's "Leisure Handsewn Moccasin" comes on the "˜Van' last. This is actually a quite big last.

Alden-of-Carmel advises to take the shoe somewhat smaller:

Van last - 1/4 to 1/2 size larger than regular U.S. size

But..........and that's a very big but: the shoe is rather shallow in the instep. If you have in any way a high-ish instep, you are in trouble.

You really have to try them on.

 

[The Deacon]

I'm generally a size 12D. I took a chance and bid on a pair of 12.5C Alden Shell LHS and the fit is good for me. No slippage and the strap is comfortably snug with a normal amount of space in the toe box. There is no way I could size down to 11.5D LHS.

I also picked up a used pair of Alden for Brooks Brothers shell cordovan LHS in size 12D and they fit like a glove with toe wriggle room. They are a more form fitting moccasin than the LHS which feels more like a shoe.

 

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

..........and that's a very big but

It's generally not polite to point such things out.

 

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by Teacher

It's generally not polite to point such things out.