Grant Stone - Official Affiliate Thread

[FatTuesday]

Does anyone size up for the shell loafers vs suede/CXL loafers?

I do not. If anything, I'll downsize a width for CXL since it will stretch.

 

[kevintk]

I've noticed this on shoes/boots and even minimalist sneakers that had cork from at least 5 different brands. It usually gets better over time. Only time it didn't was on an AE pair.. Not sure if it's due to too much cork in that particular area or what.

Normal from what I have seen. I was just looking at this today in a pair of Crockett & Jones Coniston boots I have. Very pronounced but I don't notice when I walk around.

Excellent– thank you for the reassurance. Looking forward to breaking these in.

 

[anonymouz]

I do not. If anything, I'll downsize a width for CXL since it will stretch.

Hmm okay so, if anything, size up a width for shell compared to CXL

 

[austinpigalle]

Back with another question for you all, this time about the chelsea boots...

First, I'm curious about sizing: I've read a few reviews, and I can't quite tell how these fit compared to the Leo last. I currently have a pair of cap-toe's in a 9E, and they fit really well. Unfortunately, the closest size that's currently available is an 8.5D (looks like E widths aren't available). Is there any chance these would fit? It's tough to tell exactly how much room I have in the 9E's, but I'd guess ~1.5cm, possibly a little more.

Also, for those who have worn these chelseas, is the height ever an issue? It looks like they're quite a bit shorter than RM Williams, Meermin's, etc.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[FatTuesday]

Hmm okay so, if anything, size up a width for shell compared to CXL

Interpret how you wish. I wear shell in my normal brannock size. I wear cxl in a width smaller than my standard size.

 

[BrandonF]

Hmm okay so, if anything, size up a width for shell compared to CXL

Id think it would depend if the CXL was a bit snug when you got them and you relied on them stretching out. If the CXL fit fine out of the box, I’d think you’d wear the same size.

 

[audog]

CXL will stretch out a bit, I prefer a snug fit to start, as I know it will "expand" over the course of break-in.

 

[anonymouz]

Id think it would depend if the CXL was a bit snug when you got them and you relied on them stretching out. If the CXL fit fine out of the box, I’d think you’d wear the same size.

CXL will stretch out a bit, I prefer a snug fit to start, as I know it will "expand" over the course of break-in.

Yes, I'm asking because the suede/CXL versions are tight, especially in the insteps..sized down 0.5 from Brannock.

 

[audog]

Yes, I'm asking because the suede/CXL versions are tight, especially in the insteps..sized down 0.5 from Brannock.

I go down 1/2 from Brannock as a matter of course. Suede(loafers) are tight across vamp to begin with, but loosen up nicely. CXL boots seem to be fine from day 1.

 

[anonymouz]

Right but shell doesn't loosen like suede or CXL hence my question.

 

[audog]

Right but shell doesn't loosen like suede or CXL hence my question.

Shell does not stretch, CXL will, but shell is a no stretch item.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

Shell does not stretch, CXL will, but shell is a no stretch item.

And the reason almost all makers last shell a bit looser than other leathers knowing it will not give.

 

[BrandonF]

Right but shell doesn't loosen like suede or CXL hence my question.

Probably should email @GrantStone. If it’s the exact same fit, I’d assume you’d need to go up a size or width, but as @NYCTechNerd mentioned they may already factor that in. I don’t own any shell so I don’t know firsthand.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

Right but shell doesn't loosen like suede or CXL hence my question.

Probably should email @GrantStone. If it’s the exact same fit, I’d assume you’d need to go up a size or width, but as @NYCTechNerd mentioned they may already factor that in. I don’t own any shell so I don’t know firsthand.

Search by my user name in this thread as I posted about how each type of leather gives (or does not give) and @GrantStone "Liked It". I basically stated that shell gives the least, then suede, then calfskin, and then CXL but the difference is rarely ever enough to change sizing based on material in a structured/lined shoe.

In an unstructured shoe such as an unlined loafer, it comes down to personal preference and if the user will wear them with socks or not. Simply, there are too many variables to determine by asking on an internet forum so at best we can give you guidelines based on our individual experiences which you will then have to extrapolate for your own personal fit needs based on the shape and size of your individual foot.

As an example, if I plan to wear a CXL loafer with no socks, I might choose 1/2 size smaller than a suede loafer I plan to wear with socks all the time but then what if I change my mind and want to wear no socks with the suede loafer and socks with the CXL loafer? This is not an exact science. As-in what if we start to think about manufacturing tolerances and the fact that no two hides will be tanned the same way, stretch the same way, be lasted the same way even if made into the exact same shoe on the exact same day by the exact same person (which statistically will never happen). My point is shoes are hand-made items and no two pairs even in the same size and on the same last will ever be the exact same to ISO9001 standards so vive la différence.

And, I purchase the same size loafer assuming it was made on the same last (even if with a different material).

 

[anonymouz]

Yep, not asking for exact science here. Just whether people who own the loafers in suede or CXL wear a larger size in the shell versions.

So, TLDR of all of that is, no, you take the same size.