How much movement/room should a new shoe allow?

[Brigden]

I just purchased two identical pairs of leather (upper and footbed) dress shoes online for the purposes of finding my correct size. I ordered a 10 and 11 , and no half sizes were available.

The 10 is snug, almost uncomforably so. The width isn't an issue, but it is a little tight up front. I would expect the shoe to give over time.

The 11 allows about as much movement as I would consider acceptable. My heel lifts ever so slightly and there's just enough room for my foot to slide forward a tiny bit. However, I'm concerned that over time the shoe will stretch to a point where it allows too much foot movement.

Question: When sizing a shoe, how much movement/room should I consider acceptable?

I plan on returning one pair.

 

[Dragon]

The 10 is snug, almost uncomforably so

Uncomfortable is not good in my opinion

The 11: My heel lifts ever so slightly and there's just enough room for my foot to slide forward a tiny bit.

Heel lifting is not good. Foot sliding forward is not good either.

and no half sizes were available

I am no expert, but from the description you gave above of the size 10 and 11 I would say that you should return both pairs. I think you need the half size in between.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Return them both and go to a store and try on several makers looking for a last that fits you properly. You may have to go mtm or bespoke to get the fit you want.

 

[Ivan Kipling]

I don't know how old you are, but as we age, the heels below our ankles, begin to wither away. I'll be 51, next month. Ten years ago, I could still get a perfect fit, from a few brands of shoes. Charles Jourdan, was my favorite. Now, I don't care what brand I try on, the heel slips a little as I walk. Have been forced to insert those annoying little pads, at the heel site. Unless I had custom made shoes, fit exactly to my feet, I don't think I could ever find a superior fit any longer in department store brand, shoes. My old Jourdans, some of which go 25 years back, are still my favorites, and fit me best. Agree that you should begin again, on your search for a good fit.

 

[Chris "Italia"]

Originally Posted by kitonbrioni

Return them both and go to a store and try on several makers looking for a last that fits you properly. You may have to go mtm or bespoke to get the fit you want.


Yes; agree with kitonbrioni.

 

[MilanoStyle]

Originally Posted by Brigden

I just purchased two identical pairs of leather (upper and footbed) dress shoes online for the purposes of finding my correct size. I ordered a 10 and 11 , and no half sizes were available.

The 10 is snug, almost uncomforably so. The width isn't an issue, but it is a little tight up front. I would expect the shoe to give over time.

The 11 allows about as much movement as I would consider acceptable. My heel lifts ever so slightly and there's just enough room for my foot to slide forward a tiny bit. However, I'm concerned that over time the shoe will stretch to a point where it allows too much foot movement.

Question: When sizing a shoe, how much movement/room should I consider acceptable?

I plan on returning one pair.

I don't know how tight 10 fits, but vamp area can be easily stretched. I do it to all of my EGs. After 2 weeks of good streching, they fit me like glove.

 

[jmh]

Originally Posted by MilanoStyle

I don't know how tight 10 fits, but vamp area can be easily stretched. I do it to all of my EGs. After 2 weeks of good streching, they fit me like glove.


By what means do you stretch your shoes, please?

 

[j]

If you insist on keeping one of the pairs, put a thin insole (Allen Edmonds makes some good leather ones in actual sizes) in the larger pair, and it should snug up a bit. But it sounds like you need a 10.5.

 

[gamelan]

just return both. you're a 10.5 at least in that model. i think most SF shoe purchasers would agree that even if you got the shoes at 90% off, if they don't fit, they're going to gather dust in your closet.

-Jeff