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Question regarding Allen Edmonds sizing?

k4lnamja

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I've searched through the forum but I've an odd question. I went to Nordstroms just to try on some AE's to find out what my size is. Well, I tried on a 9.5 D and it was tight on the sides. However, when the sales associate measured my foot, he said my foot size was a 8.5 D.

I'm confused. Why would a 9.5D AE Park Avenue be "tight" although my "proper" size is a 8.5D?

Can anyone explain please b/c I'd like to purchase some AE's but would like to know my exact size before hand?

Cheers
 

hobo_ken

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You can't compare sizes amongst different manufacturers.

Furthermore, you may wear a 9 or 9.5 in AEs depending on which last was used.
 

Claus

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Originally Posted by k4lnamja
However, when the sales associate measured my foot, he said my foot size was a 8.5 D.

On the Brannock devise, I suppose.

Did you stand upright while your measurements were taken?
 

runner-guy

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Not sure why there was such a difference for you. Maybe he measured you wrong? I own two pairs of the AE Van Ness, which uses the Executive Last-2, and I've found them pretty true to size.
 

glum

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the last used to make the park avenue (as well as other popular allen edmond shoes) is a narrow last. a search will reveal that many forum members, includeing me, go one size wider for this last.
 

ns7

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Originally Posted by glum
the last used to make the park avenue (as well as other popular allen edmond shoes) is a narrow last. a search will reveal that many forum members, includeing me, go one size wider for this last.

Agreed, you may have to go down in size and go up in width. Also, I think the instep might be low on the PA last so you might want to look into that.
 

k4lnamja

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Originally Posted by Claus
On the Brannock devise, I suppose.

Did you stand upright while your measurements were taken?


Yes, on the Brannock and I was standing up.
 

k4lnamja

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Originally Posted by ns7
Agreed, you may have to go down in size and go up in width. Also, I think the instep might be low on the PA last so you might want to look into that.

Go down in size but up in width? Interesting. I was thinking stay at 9.5 but up to E width. I'm thinking he measured me wrong although I did see the #'s on the device.

Thanks again everyone.
 

Shoe City Thinker

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Originally Posted by glum
the last used to make the park avenue (as well as other popular allen edmond shoes) is a narrow last. a search will reveal that many forum members, includeing me, go one size wider for this last.

I just bought a pair of Strands (
inlove.gif
) which are built on the #5 last. The same last as the Park Ave. The Brannock device has me at 10.5 E but the Strands are super comfy in size 10.5 D. I own a pair of the Bryon in 10.5 D and they're a bit on the narrow side (last #4).
 

Claus

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Originally Posted by k4lnamja
Yes, on the Brannock and I was standing up.

Thanks!
smile.gif


If you were sitting, this would have explained quite a bit on the difference. But so...

In my opinion, if a shoes doesn't fit in the measured size (provided it's been taken properly), the last simply isn't made for your feet. If one tries to compensate such a "misfit" by going up in size (ie. shoe lenght), the consequences seem to be higher strain on the joints of your feet and legs, faster abrasion of the tip of the sole, and deeper creases.

If you still want the PA, try a few other sizes before you buy. According to your remarks, (US) 9.0 EE or EEE, or maybe a (US) 8.5 EEE would be worth a try.

Hope this helps.
 

ns7

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Originally Posted by k4lnamja
Go down in size but up in width? Interesting. I was thinking stay at 9.5 but up to E width. I'm thinking he measured me wrong although I did see the #'s on the device.

Thanks again everyone.


It is a long but skinny last. Just make sure it feels right before you purchase. Or purchase from Nordstrom, break them in at home, and return them if they feel wrong.
 

k4lnamja

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Originally Posted by Claus
Thanks!
smile.gif


If you were sitting, this would have explained quite a bit on the difference. But so...

In my opinion, if a shoes doesn't fit in the measured size (provided it's been taken properly), the last simply isn't made for your feet. If one tries to compensate such a "misfit" by going up in size (ie. shoe lenght), the consequences seem to be higher strain on the joints of your feet and legs, faster abrasion of the tip of the sole, and deeper creases.

If you still want the PA, try a few other sizes before you buy. According to your remarks, (US) 9.0 EE or EEE, or maybe a (US) 8.5 EEE would be worth a try.

Hope this helps.



Thanks for the helpful info, especially regarding the strain on the joints. I never thought about that. Maybe the Park's and 5th's arent for me? =/

I do love the look of those shoes. I guess I need to find the proper last for me.
 

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