Neo1
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- Jan 6, 2015
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I think trying the Hok Is key.Those were my thoughts as well, going from 12E to 11.5D sounds risky. The logic behind his recommendation is that because my feet are rather narrow I should stick to D width, and he thinks 11.5 D could fit well because of the fuller toe box of the Leo last. Anyways, I'll try the Hok last on to see how it fits and I'll order accordingly I guess.
Yeah I've only heard good things about Grant Stone, I usually wouldn't purchase them because they're a bit over my budget, but I got a nice bonus and wanted to treat myself. I just want don't want to do back and forth shipping
I have no experience with Meermin but I've read a ton about the Hok compared to Alden's Barrie being narrower but higher cone. I would point out the following -
1. The pure UK sizing would mean 11 UK = 12. The biggest issue is half size down vs TTS vs other, etc, but the Hok plus 1 should be damn close.
2. The Hok, like most European lasts, is going to have a higher cone than an American last. That means if you have a low instep, you will necessarily have more negative vertical space than in the Leo (or Barrie) which are way more flat. For a high instep person, upping the width may compensate for the flatness but for a low instep with a narrow width, that may be totally unnecessary.
3. If memory serves Meermin E is like a D anyway.
I would do the Hok minus 1, D width. One word of caution though - I own 9 pairs of GS now. My foot is long, narrow & high-instep. I'm going from 7.5C to 6.5D on the Leo - the width increase to compensate for the flatness, but otherwise the last runs short & wide. Its a compromise - it may "work" but bear in mind it's far from long/narrow/high cone like European lasts usually use.
Good luck - GS makes some incredible products.