Need help fitting in Alden shoes

[canoe]

Hi Everyone,

For a month or so, I've been trolling this forum reading up the insightful comments on shoes. Thanks!

When I got my tax rebate check, I decided to spend it on a couple of good American shoes. (Hey, just doing my part!) So, the obvious choice was to go for AE and Alden. Being in Silicon Valley, and not much in a need of a dress shoe, I decided on AE Wilbert and am now trying to figure out between Alden All Weather Walker (AWW) and Mocc Oxford with Vibram sole (Mocc).

When I got the Wilbert I got it in size 10 1/2 E, but it turned out to be a bit tight on the toes. So, we had to get it stretched a bit (the AE people where VERY helpful on this). Now it feels really comfortable, nice and snug.

I tried out an Alden AWW in 9 1/2 EE, and it also seems to be a bit tight on the left toe. Then I tried out the Alden Mocc in 9 1/2 EEE and it seems really comfortable and light although I get an uneasy feeling that my toes are not really touching any of the upper leather. So, the question is: should I get the AWW and have it stretched or go for the Mocc. (I like the look of Mocc better, and the price is $200 less.)

Will appreciate any guidance.

 

[tlmusic]

If you are near San Francisco have you visted the Alden Shop on Sutter Street? I have not been there personally, but have mail ordered shoes from them. It seems like that could be a great place to figure out your best fit for Alden. The sales staff at the Alden Shop have always been cordial. They seem to have an extensive inventory. Maybe others here can share their experiences, or recommend other options.

You must be the one to decide if a pair of shoes truly fit you. You cannot always go on the opinions of salesmen. Listen to your own feet. There have been various stories on this forum of guys buying shoes for reasons such as the salesman told them that Presidents wear that model, or maybe because their girlfriend told them the shoes look great. But sometimes those same guys moan about the shoes hurting their feet, because they really were not the right size or last.

There really is no substitute for trying on a bunch of shoes until you have the fit nailed down. Good luck!

 

[sanrensho]

Originally Posted by tlmusic

If you are near 'Frisco, have you visted the Alden Shop on Sutter Street? I have not been there personally, but have mail ordered shoes from them. It seems like that could be a great place to figure out your best fit for Alden. The sales staff at the Alden Shop have always been cordial. They seem to have an extensive inventory. Maybe others here can share their experiences, or recommend other options.

The guys at Alden Shop are great! I bought two pairs of shoes there and some belts and they are very helpful.

However, don't say "frisco" within earshot, because that could change things.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by tlmusic

You must be the one to decide if a pair of shoes truly fit you. You cannot always go on the opinions of salesmen. Listen to your own feet. There have been various stories on this forum of guys buying shoes for reasons such as the salesman told them that Presidents wear that model, or maybe because their girlfriend told them the shoes look great. But sometimes those same guys moan about the shoes hurting their feet, because they really were not the right size or last.

There really is no substitute for trying on a bunch of shoes until you have the fit nailed down. Good luck!

+1

 

[evilgeniusdan]

Yeah. Never ever say Frisco in San Francisco.

 

[Tarmac]

have you ever been sized on the Brannock (the metal size guage)? Do that first. Aldens either run true or 1/2 larger in length in my experience.

 

[tlmusic]

Originally Posted by evilgeniusdan

Yeah. Never ever say Frisco in San Francisco.

Not even sure why I wrote "Frisco"! Years ago I lived in the Upper Haight.

 

[mimile]

'although I get an uneasy feeling that my toes are not really touching any of the upper leather'

Now please tell us, why is feeling important for you?

 

[canoe]

Originally Posted by mimile

'although I get an uneasy feeling that my toes are not really touching any of the upper leather'

Now please tell us, why is feeling important for you?

The toes feel a bit 'abandoned' being all by themselves out there. Sort of what someone else described on this forum as the feet feeling they are 'swimming' in the shoes.

Wasn't sure if this would be a problem in the long run, that's why I am seeking guidance from the forum members.

 

[canoe]

Originally Posted by Tarmac

have you ever been sized on the Brannock (the metal size guage)? Do that first. Aldens either run true or 1/2 larger in length in my experience.

Yes, the AE folks measured and they suggested 10 1/2 E.

The 9 1/2 in Aldens feel quite good length wise. The issue is just with the width.

 

[canoe]

Originally Posted by tlmusic

...

There really is no substitute for trying on a bunch of shoes until you have the fit nailed down. Good luck!

Thanks. I think the modus operandi will now be: "If they don't feel good, don't buy 'em".

 

[JimInSoCalif]

I have the Alden AWW. It is built on the Barrie last which runs very large. I find it a very comfortable shoe, although I had to put inner soles in mine. I like argyle socks and they are thicker than most of my other socks. As the shoe is plainer than most of my other shoes, it works out well for me.

For a plain shoe, I think the pebble grain and the plantation rubber soles add some interest.

Good luck, Jim.

 

[canoe]

Originally Posted by JimInSoCalif

I have the Alden AWW. It is built on the Barrie last which runs very large. I find it a very comfortable shoe, although I had to put inner soles in mine. I like argyle socks and they are thicker than most of my other socks. As the shoe is plainer than most of my other shoes, it works out well for me.

For a plain shoe, I think the pebble grain and the plantation rubber soles add some interest.

Good luck, Jim.

Thanks, Jim.

That's probably why, based on the recommendation of the sales person, I had to come down 1 size for the AWW. Now the only issue is the width. I do see that TheShoeMart has the WelterWeight in size EEE (not available for the AWW), so I'll consider trying one. The alternative would be to go with the EE and stretch the left shoe.