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Made in Spain Footwear, including TLB Mallorca, Cobbler Union, Yanko, Norman Vilalta, etc

thuhoan

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TLB's Artista range features a narrow waist and I have flat feet which leave big gaping at the mouth of the shoes when I wear them. It's sad to say they look gorgeous but they don't look good on me.

View attachment 1626028

On the other hand, for their main line, it's interesting that for the same Alan last, same size, same model and merely different color/ leather, there's still gaping on the black one (left) but not the brown one (right).

View attachment 1626030

I have the same problem and I went for an E-width. A much better fit for my flat feet.
 

Roen

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TLB's Artista range features a narrow waist and I have flat feet which leave big gaping at the mouth of the shoes when I wear them. It's sad to say they look gorgeous but they don't look good on me.

View attachment 1626028

On the other hand, for their main line, it's interesting that for the same Alan last, same size, same model and merely different color/ leather, there's still gaping on the black one (left) but not the brown one (right).

View attachment 1626030
Good to know!

i have flat feet as well and might end up ordering main line because of this!
 

Kivi D

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TLB's Artista range features a narrow waist and I have flat feet which leave big gaping at the mouth of the shoes when I wear them. It's sad to say they look gorgeous but they don't look good on me.

View attachment 1626028

On the other hand, for their main line, it's interesting that for the same Alan last, same size, same model and merely different color/ leather, there's still gaping on the black one (left) but not the brown one (right).

View attachment 1626030

I had the same problem, flat feet=low instep (at least for me). Found that either tongue pads or 4-5mm heel pads do the trick.
 

thuhoan

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What’s your width in other brands and lasts?

All UK 7 in regular widths:
- carmina simpson: of all carminas this is the best overall fit but pinky toe hurts. Length is fine. toebox is too narrow
- carmina rain: too voluminous overall, but still hurts pinky toe. Length is fine:
- carmina uetam UK 6,5: too short
- meermin new rey: great comfortable fit
- tlb F: roomy overall
- tlb E: best fit so far
 

Stanacle

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I had the same problem, flat feet=low instep (at least for me). Found that either tongue pads or 4-5mm heel pads do the trick.
Perhaps I should get a pair of tongue pads too. The gaping in my Carlos Santos (below) is so bad.

20210619_004752.jpg
 

apd90700

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"A person with flat feet has no visible arch in the foot when they stand."

Someone may need to weigh in, but believe just because someone has flat feet doesn't necessarily mean they have low instep. Flat feet are the arch, low instep is the top of the foot.
 

mrf

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"A person with flat feet has no visible arch in the foot when they stand."

Someone may need to weigh in, but believe just because someone has flat feet doesn't necessarily mean they have low instep. Flat feet are the arch, low instep is the top of the foot.
From my understanding, flat feet does not necessarily mean low instep but it probably increases the likelihood. Based on the anatomy of the foot, a flat feet means the "instep bone" is lower which tends to cause low instep. There can be other factors that affects instep height of course. For example, if you're obese naturally there will be more volume around your feet which can lead to a high instep, even with a flat foot.

1624036823102.png
 

apd90700

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From my understanding, flat feet does not necessarily mean low instep but it probably increases the likelihood. Based on the anatomy of the foot, a flat feet means the "instep bone" is lower which tends to cause low instep. There can be other factors that affects instep height of course. For example, if you're obese naturally there will be more volume around your feet which can lead to a high instep, even with a flat foot.

View attachment 1626607
Yeah, I think they often occur together, but aren't interdependent. Believe I have normal arches and low insteps [when measured my feet for Toni], which makes the throat sit nearly closed on my TLB shoes [low instep], but no gaping around the mouth [flat feet].

As for the "fix" to having flat feet, you may be able to reach out and ask Toni if he has a design for people with flat feet. Maybe modify the waist more than what was done even on the mainline since it looks like it's on the edge of being appropriate. Based on my experience with Toni, he mostly says they're able to do whatever weird request you may have with only a few exceptions.
 
Last edited:

JohnMRobie

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Yeah, I think they often occur together, but aren't interdependent. Believe I have normal arches and low insteps [when measured my feet for Toni], which makes the throat sit nearly closed on my TLB shoes [low instep], but no gaping around the mouth [flat feet].
The instep measurement doesn’t necessarily tell you too much about your arch as much as it tells you the volume. For example I have a normal to high arch and instep on the lower side because I have slightly narrow, thin (volume), long, bony feet.

If you have a paper grocery bag you can cut it open and lay it out. After you get out of the shower or soak your feet step on the bag and you’ll get a rudimentary impression and can figure out a little about your arch based on the print. You can see the void left from the arch (or lack thereof) and get an idea.
3212085D-D264-4443-822E-FA889D1AC43E.jpeg
 

j ingevaldsson

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^^^ You have a set amount of bones in your feet, these can be placed either low, normal or high, affecting BOTH instep height and arch height. Low instep=low arch=flat foot. And the other way around. If you have fleshy or bony feet is usually not that much of a difference, it's not until you have really fat feet that this changes and adds (for most people who press against the instep and arch it's the bones you will feel). These are the standard, there's always exceptions in different ways.

Instep girth, therefore, usually gives a good hint to if you have flat arches as well, while waist girth only gives you volume, and as mentioned above this volume can be placed high or low and still be the same. To be sure about height of instep and arch you need both instep girth and footprint (like the stamps things you do when ordering bespoke).
 
Last edited:

apd90700

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Any recommendation for those above with flat feet regarding TLB lasts?
 

j ingevaldsson

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Any recommendation for those above with flat feet regarding TLB lasts?

As mentioned by others tongue pads can help to at least close the gaps that occur, and/or half insoles which lifts up the back of the foot and also gives support can be suitable for some.
 

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