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Need input from alden wearer's

JohnG

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Maybe you all can help me out please.

Where may I find size info on the different alden lasts please? Also, if one just knows the model number  will a current catalogue tell which last it is built on? ( I only briefly browsed the Alden website btw.)

At present, I am looking at 2 pair of Alden Shell cordovan shoes. I have never owned Alden before so  I am very ignorant other than what little I have read here and at Mr. Andy's forums.

One is built on the Aberdeen last.Do I understand correctly that this is one of Aldens largest lasts and many times, for a proper fit, one needs to go ONE-HALF SIZE smaller?

The second shoe is a size 10.5 E model 986. I have no idea of the last or how the fit is. ( 300 brand new ) . My concer is if it runs on the large side, as I beleive the Abordeen last does, it will be too big. No matter how good the price ... "if the shoe doesn't fit.... dont wear it"


Thanks so much for your help sirs.

Respectfully,
  John G.

I am most familar with Allen Edmonds shoes and lasts so any correlation to them would be most helpful.
 

bengal-stripe

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Alden's "Aberdeen" last runs more or less standard to American sizing; it's the "Barrie" last that runs about ½ size bigger. Style 986 is the "Leisure Handsewn Moccasin" which comes on the "Van" last. This last is also quite generous, although not as much as the "Barrie". Alden-of-Carmel recommends going down ¼ to ½ size. (This particular model can be a bit snug across the instep.) Have a look here at Alden-of-Carmels list of the Alden lasts: http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/Catalog....ing.htm
 

JohnG

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Thank you Mr. Bengal-Stripe. The web site I looked through was the  "Alden's Shoes for Men Specialists" that is : WWW.SINCE1884. Com This and your info helps a lot sir. Respectfully,  John EDIT> Is it common to be able to go down just 1/4 size? I.E> CAN one buy a 9 3/4 shoe size? Or is this accomplished by changing a normal "D" width to a "C" or a "B" width please?
 

bengal-stripe

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Of course you can't go ¼ of a size down. That's where a fitting comes in. If you take normally a size 10 D, would a 10 C or a 9 ½ D or maybe a 9 ½ E be the best fit. Only by trying the shoes, can you really can decide which is the best size for you.
 

Duveen

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I've had issues with Since1884.com. They took my CC# ages ago and have still not shipped the shoes. I have talked to several agents who told me "soon" and "Alden only makes these shoes on demand". I am worried that the whole site is a scam...

Which reminds me, I must call them again.
 

ROI

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Bengalstripe said: "Alden's "Aberdeen" last runs more or less standard to American sizing; it's the "Barrie" last that runs about ½ size bigger.

Style 986 is the "Leisure Handsewn Moccasin" which comes on the "Van" last...."

I agree with this assessment. One additional caution when dealing with shell cordovan: It stretches, particularly in loafers. If you are considering Alden's penny loafer or tassel loafer, prefer the initial fit to be snug rather than loose.
 

Bic Pentameter

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I've had issues with Since1884.com.  They took my CC# ages ago and have still not shipped the shoes.  I have talked to several agents who told me "soon" and "Alden only makes these shoes on demand".  I am worried that the whole site is a scam...

Which reminds me, I must call them again.
I have to chime in with my frustration at dealing with Since1884.com.

I placed an order. Several days later I recieved a canned e mail message saying that they would not accept my credit card because they couldn't verify my shipping address. I telephoned half a dozen times and my call was never returned. They also ignored repeated e-mails. Finally, I recieved another canned e-mail asking me to fax them a billing statement. I did, but they "lost" the billing statement.

I gave up on Since1884.com and have alwasy gone with Alden of Carmel. The prices are a little higher, but the service is first rate and shoe dispatch speedy.

Bic
 

mcarthur

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Alden shoes in cordovan leather are in my humble opinion very good and I would recommend going to either the website of alden of carmel.com or the shoemart.com.
 

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