Proper leather shoes

Could you get a cobbler to stretch them a bit?

I don't know, I've always assumed this was foolish idea for some reason?

Too small shoes? Depends upon what too small means? Too narrow or too short.. Or both? Aldens tend to be sized on the large side.. I think the longwing is a Barrie last and that is around 1/2 larger than the standard US or 1/2 less than UK, viz. a UK 11 is a 11 1/2 in Barrie.. So if you thought the US had UK sizes you are perhaps 1/2 size short.. Normally one orders these, I think, in the standard size--- e.g. 1/2 size long (UK+1)--- but a tad more narrow (US widths are AAA to EEE with Alden D as the equivalent to E and sometimes F in the UK)..

There is nothing one can do about shoes that are too short.. Narrow.. depends as people are often used to sloppy fitting shoes and their first reaction to proper fit is "too tight".. That's why most shoes sold on the high street are in wide widths..

They're a (US) 9.5D, whereas my shell derbies (also pictured above) are 10D. Both Barrie last. I would say I'm a large 9.5 in UK sizing so 10D is probably the 'correct' size for me in the Barrie, but they didn't have these in stock. They did however have a 9.5E which I was surprised to find did actually feel like it fit fine and was actually a tad wide. And these 9.5Ds seemed great in the shop but ever since I feel like I'm stuffing my feet in somewhat. The length seems ok, it's more the width/instep. It's a gamble (not least because of the import tax etc) but I might swap them for the 9.5E as this'll sort the width, even though they seemed too generous when I tried them on.

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They're a (US) 9.5D, whereas my shell derbies (also pictured above) are 10D. Both Barrie last. I would say I'm a large 9.5 in UK sizing so 10D is probably the 'correct' size for me in the Barrie,

Might want try a 10 1/2 C. What did the Brannock device--- every shoe shop in the US has them--- say?

but they didn't have these in stock. They did however have a 9.5E which I was surprised to find did actually feel like it fit fine and was actually a tad wide.

Go long and narrow and NEVER short and wide..

Thanks but at the moment I don't have special needs other than grippy, waterproof soles.

Might want try a 10 1/2 C. What did the Brannock device--- every shoe shop in the US has them--- say?

10D, ish. Well, it said something else, but the nice shoe shop lady converted it to 10D based on her knowledge of the Barrie last. C is a custom order.

I should also mention that the boots I bought were also 9.5D and fit great. Like, perfect. But they're on a Trubalance last which I suspect runs a little wider.

Go long and narrow and NEVER short and wide..

Because the extra width makes the frugal length more noticeable?

What if you have short and wide feet?

Wide-ist. You're no better than the entire shoe industry. May all of you end up with uncomfortable shoes for all eternity.

I have a really stupid question about shoe width:

Is the width (as denoted, for example, by the letter D) relative to the overall size (as denoted by a number) or finite? In other words, is an 8E the same width as a 11E? I think I had assumed that an increase in shoe size (the number, that is) meant an overall bigger shoe (length* and *width), and the width increments (letters) were relative to the overall size rather than absolute.

What if you have short and wide feet?

Wide-ist. You're no better than the entire shoe industry. May all of you end up with uncomfortable shoes for all eternity.

Thank you, as a G and on one foot a G+ shoe buying can be a miserable and expensive experience.

Im a bit late to this, but i got a pair of redwing moc toe boots stretched at timpsons, and they get stretched to half a size bigger...and its made a world of difference.

However, they're very different types of shoes I guess...this may not have been helpful, sorry

I should also mention that the boots I bought were also 9.5D and fit great. Like, perfect. But they're on a Trubalance last which I suspect runs a little wider.

Trubalance offers a bit more support would comes out to be a bit more narrow, e.g. D in Trubalance is often like a C in Barrie.

In other words, is an 8E the same width as a 11E?

No. The general rule of thumb is that 1 size with up is 1 width down, viz. 8E has roughly a similar hold to a 9D.

Thank you, as a G and on one foot a G+ shoe buying can be a miserable and expensive experience.

G in UK is not that uncommon. That's in Alden US E and EE--- depending upon whose G. EEE too is not hard to find. If you are 4E-- or even EEE--- you probably have other othopedic problems and might well be best suited to seek specialized shoework.

Trubalance offers a bit more support would comes out to be a bit more narrow, e.g. D in Trubalance is often like a C in Barrie.

Weird then that the boots fit me so well, as I have sized down a whole size.

Because the extra width makes the frugal length more noticeable?

Most people, it seems, tend to select shoes with insufficient toe-room. A proper fit demands-- unless its a mocassin or car shoe-- 2-3 cm "reserve".

Weird then that the boots fit me so well, as I have sized down a whole size.

What did the device say about your foot length and width?

No. The general rule of thumb is that 1 size with up is 1 width down, viz. 8E has roughly a similar hold to a 9D.

In which case it follows that the 9.5E will have a similar-ish fit to my supposed ideal, a 10D?

My 10D plain toes are good in width but quite long. The 9.5D longwings I have have plenty of toe room, I would say at least 2cm.

Thanks for your help with this, much appreciated.

What did the device say about your foot length and width?

The guy in the Alden shop brought me a 10D on my suggestion but when I put them on I immediately felt that the balls of my feet were swimming about a bit with medium-thick socks on. I ask to try the 9.5D and they felt/feel really good (they're quite snug but by no means too small). The chromexcel leather is known to relax a bit with wear and I hate big-fitting shoes anyway.

At this point I asked to be measured to aid the deliberation and the guy said, "from your measurements I'd have brought you the 10D but if you're happier in these [the 9.5s] then go with them. They feel fine around your feet and your toes are in the right place". He used a Brannock device.

I'm on the look out for some winter work shoes.

I'm a bit short at the moment, so really I'm after a bargain. Rubber soles are a must, but it would be good to have decent replaceable ones. So I'm thinking Goodyear Welted rubber soles.

Most obvious option seems looking for some Loakes on ebay? Any other good suggestions?

Cheers.

TK Maxx

If Red Wings are now over priced wank (according to Pisti) who makes a good alternative work boot?

I like the look of Danner but would have to make a guess at sizing and order them from the US.

I like my wolverine 1000 mile, though they have a leather sole rather than commando. Alden Indy's with a commando sole could work, or maybe look into trickers? They're not work-work boots, but goes well with denim

Cheaney do nice boots with commando soles

G in UK is not that uncommon. That's in Alden US E and EE--- depending upon whose G. EEE too is not hard to find. If you are 4E-- or even EEE--- you probably have other othopedic problems and might well be best suited to seek specialized shoework.

EEEE for my sins. I tend to have to go up an entire size to get close on the width. No other orthopedic problems FWIW.

I'm on the look out for some winter work shoes.

I'm a bit short at the moment, so really I'm after a bargain. Rubber soles are a must, but it would be good to have decent replaceable ones. So I'm thinking Goodyear Welted rubber soles.

Most obvious option seems looking for some Loakes on ebay? Any other good suggestions?

Cheers.

If you're a bit short at the moment you'll be looking for some cuban heels, ba boom...

Cuban heels. Calf strainers if I ever saw them.

Just got a pair of black Timberlands for knocking about in the shit weather this winter. The seller has kindly given them a clean and a polish for me.

Unfortunately the polished toe caps make me look like a policeman.

Will going back over with matt polish resolve this? Or dubbin maybe? Any tips would be appreciated.

Cheers.

If Red Wings are now over priced wank (according to Pisti) who makes a good alternative work boot?

I like the look of Danner but would have to make a guess at sizing and order them from the US.

Do you mean work boots, as in boots workmen use? Or boots you can wear to work with a suit? If it's the former then CATs or Dickies are the go to option aren't they?