The Alden Question Answered

[binkmeisterRick]

Since there has been a constant ongoing debate over the sizing of the Alden 405 "Indy" boot (and I'm sure it will continue on after this) I decided to go straight to the source and ask Alden themselves. I just spoke with Kathleen Flynn, manager of the Alden Store in Washington, D.C. I have dealt with her in the past and recently purchased a different Alden boot form her and her shop. She is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and gladly answers whatever questions you may have about Aldens. If she doesn't know it, she'll get back to you with the answer.

So I asked her about the sizing of the 405. Having gotten a pair of 502 black boots recently, I noticed that after getting measured for these (like I was with the 405) that she ordered me a size wider. With this in mind, I thought that perhaps each Alden model of shoe sizes a bit differently, so I inquired. I asked specifically about ordering a half size smaller in the 405 versus getting measured up properly for them. She told me that there is no hard and fast rule, but that you always run certain risks with mail order, depending on where you get them from. It's important to get your shoes from a place with a good return policy and customer service, like a dedicated Alden store (where possible).

I know, I know, you just want me to come out and say whether you should order a size down or not. Well, the answer is, no, not really. She recommends getting measured properly for the shoes by someone who knows how to measure for them, and here's why: there are several factors that go into getting you a shoe that fits properly. First of all, since the boots lace up high (as opposed to a regular shoe) a proper fit is very important. The instep needs to fit correctly as should the arch and heel. Since everyone's feet are different, the "right shoe" could mean different size shoes for folks who normally wear the "same size." The toe box is less important than the instep, heel, and arch area, unless, of course, your toes are so crammed you can't wiggle them. The toe box of the 405 is cut more full than a standard dress shoe, so if you have some extra wiggle room for your piggies, that's not normally an issue. Of course, if you're tripping over the ends of your shoes, it IS an issue.

Additionally, the width of your foot can affect the fit, hence the wide array of shoe widths available for the Aldens. Again, this is apparent with my black 502 boots, as the size wider works beautifully for me. But thie last is different on the 502's versus the 405's.

So what it comes down to is this: should you get professionally measured for your Alden 405 "Indy" boots? Yes. Are some people going to find they get sized a half step smaller? Yes. Are some (like Forrestal mentioned in a seperate thread) going to end up with a half size larger? Yes. Will some just find their normal size is the perfect fit? Yes. Yes to all the above because everyone's feet are different. So to sum up what I learned directly from Alden, here's what goes into a properly fitting pair of Indy boots:

1. Since they lace up high on the foot, a proper fit is very important.
2. The important considerations to the proper fit are the instep, heel, and arch area.
3. The toe box (toe room) is less important than the previous three factors unless your toes are jammed up against the inside toe of the boot or you're tripping over your feet.
4. Everyone's feet are different, so despite sharing the "same size" in a regular shoe, the instep, heel, and arch can be completely different.
5. For reasons 1-4, Alden recommends getting professionally fitted for their shoes, instead of just guessing.

[Ark Hunter]

Good report Bink. (Now where in East TN can I find an shop that sells Aldens? and knows how to measure for them)

[Kt Templar]

That was a pretty exhaustive bit of research. Thanks for digging deeper.

It's funny how when we look harder we often get the reply.... "Well it depends!"

[Michaelson]

Thanks, bink, but I've tried to give all this info in the past, before finally settling with the tried and true GET PROFESSIONALLY MEASURED! There IS no hard and fast rule to sizing, but when sized by a professional, you'll get what YOU need. Period. It's fallen on deaf ears, but I salute your attempt here, my friend. Continue to carry the flag forward. This soldier has fallen by the wayside on this discussion.

High regards!
Michaelson

[binkmeisterRick]

I hear you, my friend. I just thought it might make a slight difference if the information came from Alden directly. Ultimately, it's up to the wearer to make a wise choice...

[Indiana Jerry]

This is an elaborate ruse to get me to stop trying to borrow your Aldens, isn't it?

Thanks for the comprehensive and cohesive (and coherent) report, Bink.

[Indiana Jess]

First it ITG's high heels, now it's Bink's Aldens. What's with you and borrowing peoples shoes? What could possibly be next? You know, I don't think anyone here really wants to know what's next.

[Michaelson]

I hear you, my friend. I just thought it might make a slight difference if the information came from Alden directly. Ultimately, it's up to the wearer to make a wise choice...

All my information came directly from the Aldens customer service representative at the factory.

Regards! Michaelson

[Indiana Jerry]

First it ITG's high heels, now it's Bink's Aldens. What's with you and borrowing peoples shoes? What could possibly be next? You know, I don't think anyone here really wants to know what's next.

Ahhh - oh, you said 'don't'. Nevermind. #

[Hemingway Jones]

Great job, bink. You really did your homework there.
It is very important to be professionally measured and very important for the shoe salesman or company to then translate that to their shoe, or to the last they have used to craft that shoe.
I have looked at some of the sizes of my shoes: 10 D, 10 1/2 D, 10 EE, 11, and then there are the European sizes. It's enough to make you dizzy!

[Swindiana]

I'd sticky this.

Regards,
Swindiana

[Mola Ram]

Hemingway,
Shoe sizes ARE odd like that.
The cheaper shoes seem to have varying sizes,
same goes for shoes for special purposes, like
hiking boots, or swamp waders.
Here are some of the sizes ive worn.
All the same foot
11, 8, 9.5,9,10 and 7.5!!!
Haha!
Adam

[Indiana Jerry]

I'd sticky this.

Regards,
Swindiana

DING! (Swindy has his last good idea for 2005. 10 days left to go...be careful. )

Ditto, I second the motion, and hear-hear!

[Indiana Jerry]

Something Michaelson said got me thinking...he HAS been telling us to get PROFESSIONALLY SIZED a LOT lately...but I've only been around for a little over a year. Out of sick curiousity, I ran a search on 'Alden'+'Michaelson'...

Holy smokes...look at this post from 3 YEARS AND 4 DAYS AGO!

...the 405 is ONLY listed in the Alden orthopedic catalog, and I was first able to only order them through a licensed poditrist, so in this case, the word 'orthopedic' was not applied as a magical term, but a real one. Totally agree....these are NOT shoes to be ordered without proper sizing and fitting by a professional. Just ordering your 'standard size' can get you in trouble quick. I've been preaching this word for years. Regards. Michaelson

Thread: viewtopic.php?t=2207&highlight=alden+michaelson

Keep in mind, this current incarnation of COW only goes back three years ago, there was more before that post. And even there, you were already blue in the face from reciting this advice, Michaelson. Why the #### do you still put up with us if we don't listen to you for YEARS on end???

Bink, you did us a solid service getting an Alden rep to testify again and in so doing reconfirm Michaelson's work and update it for all the masses who weren't around to hear it and believe it the first time. Applause for you both! I will NOT order Aldens without professional sizing...I promise. My arches thank you both!

And if I ever try to disagree with Michaelson, I'm running a search first...

[binkmeisterRick]

I hear you, my friend. I just thought it might make a slight difference if the information came from Alden directly. Ultimately, it's up to the wearer to make a wise choice...

All my information came directly from the Aldens customer service representative at the factory.

Regards! Michaelson

Great minds think alike. So what's our excuse?

Regards,

bink

[Prof. Ed]

Excellent monograph. I just hope mine fit the first time. I was measured professionally, but I don't believe the cobbler ever measured for 405's.

[J_Weaver]

Ed, if it makes you feel any better, I was also measured by a cobbler and my Aldens fit fine. I never even mentioned the 405's. I just told him I needed my foot measured.

[Prof. Ed]

Ed, if it makes you feel any better, I was also measured by a cobbler and my Aldens fit fine. I never even mentioned the 405's. I just told him I needed my foot measured.

Yes, it certainly does. Thanks, my friend.

Ed

[J_Weaver]

Your entirely welcome.

Sometimes I think people make too much out of ordering the Aldens. It seems like between the price and all the size options it tends to blow people's minds.

[Michaelson]

That, and folks second guessing sizes.

Regards! Michaelson

[Vannevar]

thank you for the research.