Shoe Width Question

[contactdo]

I bought a pair of AE 5th Aves, but i'm wondering if I needed to size up on the width. I got them in a size 10.5 D, but I noticed that they don't look as sleek when I actually wear them bc there is a slight bulge from my pinky toe and the inner side of my foot. I have included pics to show you what I mean. The 10.5 D doesn't feel uncomfortable or tight, but my feet look like sausages in them. I have a high instep also. I tried on a size 11 D, but my feet moved back and forth inside of the shoe. Should I have gone with a 10.5 E? When I'm wearing the shoes, should they look more like how they look in the pictures with the shoe trees? Any advice on sizing would be appreciated.

 

[dragon8]

If they're not tight or uncomfortable then I'd stick with the size you have now. If your toes were pinching then I 'd go wider.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Owning and wearing it all is only half the fun so get used to the fact that the other half of the fun is for others to enjoy in seeing a well dressed man. No need to change anything, and congratulations on the shoes.

 

[tgt465]

I'm not sure what's going on, but those shoes look nothing like Fifth Avenues. The Fifth Avenue in the current AE catalog is a Balmoral, while the shoes in your picture are Bluchers. The Fifth Avenue looks much more elegant than the shoes in your pictures.

 

[kellgy]

Those are Bentons if I'm not mistaken. I try to go for the smallest size and opt for a wider width. The overall fit seems to snug my feet better. You don't really want to swim in your shoes, especially when walking some distance. Also my right is wider than my left, so I usually have to get the right widened a bit if I can't find a balance between both feet and available sizes.

BTW, I like the socks. They have nice color and texture.

 

[Claus]

Brilliant idea with the perspective of the last two photos!

To test whether (US) 10.5 is the correct length, measure the lenght of your feet while standing upright. It should be within 10 5/6 to 11 inch. Deviations up to 1/6 inch (half a size) seem acceptable, but more is problematic.

To test the instep: If it doesn't hurt, and the lacing is about 4/10 inch wide, it should be OK.

To test width: Try to move your toes (like one moves his finger on a table when he's impatient). If you can do that, the width should be OK, too. Some people can also spread their toes sideways, but there doesn't seem to be any recommendation what this implies.

Generally speaking, a better fit is attainable, only, when you test various lasts and widths in your true size to find a combination that comes close to your foot shape. The disadvantage is you'd need ignore price and style, first.

Hope this helps.

 

[contactdo]

Thanks guys for the responses. They were very helpful. I guess my feet would be swimming if I got it wider. Tgt465, you're right, my shoes are AE Cliftons, not the 5th Aves, I got them confused. Socks are Uniqlo wool socks that have been through the washer and dryer.

 

[LanceW]

You have some good looking shoes sir!

 

[Redwoood]

Since you tried the 11D, it should tell you what a 10.5E would fit like width-wise as their widths should be roughly the same.