Alden Help - NEW TOOL!!

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 10:31 am

Hi everyone...

I emailed Alden with my foot sizes:

23.5 x 11 cm

and asked them to help me size my shoe so i can order, but no response.

Would anyone know the size i would need?

23.5cm toe to heel
11cm at widest part

i've worked out that i'm a US 6.5, but its the width im stuck on.

Thanks

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:09 am

Hi guys, here is a great tool.

It will help you size your foot.

http://uk.geocities.com/harrison_davies/shoesizer.html

I need to know though if it works properly. Enter your sizes see if it matches.

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 6:42 am

6.5 is a rather small shoe. Are a man of smaller stature? It doesn't really look like it in your avitar. I'm 5'9" and 168 lbs and wear a 7 in Aldens, 7.5 in other shoes.

TR

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 6:44 am

Yeah I have tiny hands and feet. I blame my mother lol. And being 5' 5" 165cm tall as well as wide doesnt help.

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 6:50 am

Gotcha

Yep, that sounds about right then, 6.5.

TR

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 5:43 pm

Well I've ordered, here's hoping my sizing is correct. £173.00 worth of boot inc shipping.

Erri · Post by **Erri** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 4:53 am

Texas Raider wrote:I'm 5'9" and 168 lbs and wear a 7 in Aldens, 7.5 in other shoes.

TR

How's the fit of your Aldens size 7? Can you move the toes inside?

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 4:52 pm

Hey guys ordered my Aldens and preying they fit...got an email saying will ship today and i called they said ship friday...

Indiana Cromeens · Post by **Indiana Cromeens** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:27 pm

I was in the same boat too, I sized my foot at a shoe store w/ the fott measure and then ordered, I was worried about the fit too. When they came they fit perfect, I think you'll be okay bud, don't worry "Trust Me"

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:20 pm

Alden shipped Friday.

UPS tracking says delivery monday...

3 Days!!

Is this usual US to UK?

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:28 pm

erri_wan wrote:
Texas Raider wrote:I'm 5'9" and 168 lbs and wear a 7 in Aldens, 7.5 in other shoes.

TR

How's the fit of your Aldens size 7? Can you move the toes inside?[/

quote]

Yes, Erri, I can move my toes, plenty of room. Even still room for my orthotic inserts. I generally wear a 7 in boots, 7.5 in regular shoes.

Sorry for the delay in the answer!

TR

independent · Post by **independent** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:25 am

What's so weird is that I always wore 9, 9.5 in regular shoes.

I had to buy, return or sell 3 pairs of aldens to get my size right.

I finally think I'm an aldens 8 EEE. At least I hope. 4th pair on the way.

I got my foot measured, and I'm an 8.5 E (left)/EE(right). I guess that's why I wore bigger sizes, to compensate for my wider foot.

Somehow that ends up as an 8 EEE for an Alden. I do feel like the Aldens are a bit longer than stated, and a bit tighter in the midfoot area. It might be the width or the height, but it feels a little pinched. Maybe that's the particular construction of the boot. I'll find out soon.

Some people just wear another pair of socks if the shoes don't fit, or buy thinner socks, or just break them in. I'm the type of guy who feels a shoe should fit comfortably right away, with my favorite kind of socks.

Oh well.

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 3:43 am

I know how you feel...I'm worried that these babaies won't fit when they arrive...

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:45 pm

Panick over. they fit lengthwise absolutely fine.

width is a little tight, but i know my feet swell in the summer and i did order 3 E's smaller than my tool recommended.

i reckon they will be just fine.

Erri · Post by **Erri** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:34 pm

So, half size smaller works for you aswell?

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:17 am

Sorry for the delay in replying, I was away at my Grandmothers funeral.

No i stayed with the original sizing provided by my tool...but decided to drop 3 E's in the width, a mistake, but not a painful one. they fit OK, but could fit better.

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:12 pm

milesfides wrote:Somehow that ends up as an 8 EEE for an Alden. I do feel like the Aldens are a bit longer than stated, and a bit tighter in the midfoot area. It might be the width or the height, but it feels a little pinched. Maybe that's the particular construction of the boot. I'll find out soon.

Some people just wear another pair of socks if the shoes don't fit, or buy thinner socks, or just break them in. I'm the type of guy who feels a shoe should fit comfortably right away, with my favorite kind of socks.

Oh well.

Why Heel-to-Ball Is Essential
This illustration shows two feet which are the same length, but each require different size shoes. There are different fittings for short-toed feet and long-toed feet. Proper shoe-fitting incorporates not only overall length (heel-to-toe measurement) but also arch length (heel-to-ball measurement). Shoes are designed to flex at the ball of the foot. Correct fitting properly positions the ball joint in the shoe and provides room for the toes so they are not confined.

Without Utilizing Heel to Ball Measurement
Improperly fitted shoes (shown right) can cause a variety of foot problems in addition to general discomfort and shoe breakdown. If the arch of the foot is not positioned properly in the shoe, the foot will become fatigued and uncomfortable.

The Brannock Foot-Measuring Device ®
Ensures Correct Fit
The foot to the left is correctly fitted. The arch of the shoe and ball joint of the foot meet at the same point. The foot arch is correctly positioned in the shoe. The foot and shoe bend at the same location, with the arch fully supported, allowing the toes to remain straight. There is ample space in front of the toes to allow adequate ventilation. This will ensure a correct and comfortable shoe which will keep its shape.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

1. Prepare the Device
Prepare the Brannock Foot-Measuring Device® as shown in the photo below. The width bar should be set to its widest position and the arch length indicator should be slid back, so the foot can be positioned easily on the device.

Note: Some devices have dual calibrations for the heel-to-toe, arch, and width measurements. Be sure to read the colored area which corresponds to the calibration you are fitting.

2. Position the Foot
Have the customer remove their footwear and stand, placing their right heel into the right heel cup. The customer should stand with equal weight on both feet to ensure that the foot being measured has elongated and spread to it's maximum size. Be sure the heel is properly located against the back of the heel cup, by grasping the customer's ankle and device together, as illustrated in photo.

3. Measure Lengths
Heel-to-Toe Length

Press the toes flat against the base of the device and look straight down over the longest toe (not necessarily the first toe) to read toe length. Make sure the customer's socks are snug against the toes (without drawing the toes back) to yield an accurate measurement.

Arch Length (Heel-to-Ball)
Place your thumb on the ball joint of the foot (as shown in the photo to the right). Slide the pointer (A on diagram) forward so the inside curve of the pointer fits the ball joint of the foot and the two high ribs come in contact with your thumb. When the pointer is properly located, the lower middle rib will be against the ball joint on the side of the foot (B on diagram). This yields the arch measurement. The arch length represented in the diagram is 8 1/2.

4. Find the Correct Shoe Size
Compare the arch length to the heel-to-toe length. Generally you'll use the larger of the two measurements as the correct shoe size. If the arch length and heel-to-toe length are the same, this will be the shoe size. If the heel-to-toe length is larger than the arch length, then fit to the heel-to-toe size. If arch length is larger than heel-to-toe, then fit to arch length.

EXAMPLE:

Heel-to-Toe Measurement Arch Measurement Shoe Size
8 8 8
8 8 1/2 8 1/2
8 1/2 8 8 1/2

It is important that both measurements be taken and compared to find the proper shoe size. Simply using the heel-to-toe length may result in an improper fit.

5. Measure the Width
Slide the width bar firmly to the edge of the foot. Locate the shoe size (as determined in step four) on the movable width bar and view the width measurement indicated by the properly determined shoe size. If the shoe size falls between widths, choose a wider width for a thick foot, a narrower width for a thin foot.

Cleaning the Device

Clean tbe Brannock Device with a damp cloth. Use liquid dishwashing detergent if necessary. Do not use spray cleaners or disinfecting solutions as they may adversely affect the measuring areas of the device.
6. Measure the Other Foot
Reverse the device end-for-end and measure the other foot following the steps described above. Be sure to measure both feet, then fit the larger foot. It is common to have feet of different sizes.

7. Remember the Fitting Process

When used properly, the Genuine Brannock Foot-Measuring Device® is designed to indicate the correct shoe size. This is the first step in the fitting process. Due to differences in manufacturing, styling, and other variables, it is up to each fitter to be knowledgeable of shoe styles and fit characteristics. It may be necessary to make compensation in sizing to achieve a proper fit for each individual customer. The fitting process often involves trial fittings to ensure that the proper size was selected.

Junior Model
The Genuine Brannock Junior Model, shown here, is designed exclusively for children. Children's feet are constantly growing. With this in mind, the Junior Model device ensures that the shoe will fit, while allowing approximately one size for growth.

The method of measurement is the same as the adult model with the exception of finding the width. Instead of utilizing a width t-bar, the Junior device uses a slide to measure the width. Position the slide so the arrows point to the size determined from toe or arch length. Then, find the width line which aligns to the widest part of the foot.

How to Measure Infants
When measuring infants, place the ball indicator to the end of the slot. Hold the heel firmly against heel cup, and rest the inner edge of the foot against the indicator. Press the toes against the device with your thumb and read the toe length. To measure the width, use the diagonal width line which comes in contact with the foot at the widest part.

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Terms such as narrow, wide, regular, extra wide (and others) may be used by manufacturers to indicate a width size. These terms are not standardized. Footwear manufacturers can use these terms at their discretion so it is difficult to determine how the Brannock width measurement you measure relates to a manufacturers specification. Contact the footwear retailer or manufacture to get specific recommendation on their width sizing.

Shop at stores that provide service to their customers and have knowledgeable sales people. Getting properly fitted footwear takes more than picking a shoe off the shelf and having the sales associate ring up your sale.

Be sure to have both feet measured. Many people have feet of different sizes. Fit to the larger of the two. Have your feet measured and fitted each time you purchase shoes. Your foot size changes with age, weight changes, and other factors. The shoe size you wore in high school probably is not the right size.

Have footwear fitted at a similar time as when you will be wearing the footwear. For daily footwear go when you've been on your feet all day your feet have expanded.

Shoes don't stretch. If they don't feel right at the time of purchase they probably will never feel right.

Correctly fitted footwear can prevent long term foot problems.

Take time to fully lace and tie the shoe properly and walk around in the shoe at the time of try on.

Top of Page

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© 2006 Design by: ACS, Inc

What I have posted above is information from the Brannock device website. This is the device that you use to properly measure a foot for US sized shoes.

In this post you stated that the midfoot area feels a little tight. It probably means that while your heel to toe measurement is acceptable, the heel to ball measurement is not correct which could cause the midfoot area to be in the wrong place inside the shoe and thus feel too tight. The shoe is probably too long for your heel to ball measurement.

The fact that you also said that you think the Aldens are a little longer than their listed size, leads me to believe that your Aldens are a little too long for the heel to toe measurement of your feet. You probably need a shorter length shoe.

I have found that even in shoe stores that have a Brannock device, I am able to measure my foot better than the sales person. This person is usually a high schoold kid. In most stores, from watching them measure feet, I don't think they have ever even read the instructions on how to use the device.

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:16 am

Well here they are, my beautiful Aldens...worth every single penny.

One thing that doesn't show much on pics is how odd the rear end looks, not as shaped as other modern boots.

I am concerned about how quickly the heel is wearing down...I'll be replacing that quickly I suspect.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:36 am

Are you talking about the 'S' shape at the front of the heel, or something else?

Regards! Michaelson

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:45 am

I'm talking about the upper part of the heel/ankle. It's unusually large...grrr hard to explain...it's not shaped like a modern boot, more square and more material.

What I do enjoy is the makers markings...hand made boots...awesome.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:58 am

AH, I understand. That is definitely a throw back to the original boot design from the end of WW1, (which is pretty much when the 405 was created). Not much has changed in that pattern in all these years.

The only ones I've ever seen close in that design were a pair of "Hy-Top" safetly shoes I wore at Goodyear Atomic back in the 1970's. Once you get used to it, you don't even think about it anymore.

Regards! Michaelson

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:32 pm

Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining just observing the differences.

But I'm gonna need screen accurate laces, the ones Alden sent (2 pairs) are flat. In the truck scene, Indy's were cylindrical.

I'm kidding of course, they were cylindrical, but I'm not overly screen accuratistic (made up word) The ones I have will do fine.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:48 pm

Anymore, if the shoes succeed in keeping my backside off the ground, they're doing they're job.

Regards! Michaelson

indean · Post by **indean** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:12 pm

Harrison,

Just out of curiosity, which shop/vendor did you get your new Aldens from? Trying to find one that'll ship (affordably) to the UK.

Cheers

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:39 pm

Hi Indean,

I actually bought direct from Alden...The total bill was £181.00 / $310.00. Today $340.00. I have a feeling Alden miscalculated postage/boot cost, my invoice states $145.00 USD for the boots, but no postage, and I cant imagine $155.00 USD for postage. Considering the boots cost $290.00 USD. Thats $20.00 USD on postage...see doesn't add up.

If they meant £145.00 GBP then postage would be £36.00 GBP.

It's actually confusing....

I would advise speaking to them direct via phone, because they don't reply to email.

Hope this helped.

PS you will love them.

independent · Post by **independent** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:08 pm

Bufflehead Jones:

A great guide, wish I came across that before I ordered my first pair.

Yup, you've got it perfectly, the shoe felt a little too long so I went down half a size to 8, and increased the width one more size, to a whopping EEE.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 3:24 am

Harrison_Davies wrote:Hi Indean,

I actually bought direct from Alden...The total bill was £181.00 / $310.00. Today $340.00. I have a feeling Alden miscalculated postage/boot cost, my invoice states $145.00 USD for the boots, but no postage, and I cant imagine $155.00 USD for postage. Considering the boots cost $290.00 USD. Thats $20.00 USD on postage...see doesn't add up.

If they meant £145.00 GBP then postage would be £36.00 GBP.

It's actually confusing....

I would advise speaking to them direct via phone, because they don't reply to email.

Hope this helped.

PS you will love them.

£145 sounds about the right figure and shipping too if they used a courier.

They look good HD they look very good. When you call it £145 they look better too, now just need to save those pennies!

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:14 am

milesfides wrote:Bufflehead Jones:

A great guide, wish I came across that before I ordered my first pair.

Yup, you've got it perfectly, the shoe felt a little too long so I went down half a size to 8, and increased the width one more size, to a whopping EEE.

I used it, but couldn't contact them...the money was burning a hole in my pocket so I ordered anyway.

In hindsight I would have gone half a size shorter in the length and a huge EEEEE width as my tool said.

They are slightly too long for me and a litle tight, but they do ease up after a minute or two.
Next time I will be patient and follow my own tool/giude lol.

Harrison_Davies · Post by **Harrison_Davies** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:15 am

Kt Templar wrote:
Harrison_Davies wrote:Hi Indean,

I actually bought direct from Alden...The total bill was £181.00 / $310.00. Today $340.00. I have a feeling Alden miscalculated postage/boot cost, my invoice states $145.00 USD for the boots, but no postage, and I cant imagine $155.00 USD for postage. Considering the boots cost $290.00 USD. Thats $20.00 USD on postage...see doesn't add up.

If they meant £145.00 GBP then postage would be £36.00 GBP.

It's actually confusing....

I would advise speaking to them direct via phone, because they don't reply to email.

Hope this helped.

PS you will love them.
£145 sounds about the right figure and shipping too if they used a courier.

They look good HD they look very good. When you call it £145 they look better too, now just need to save those pennies!

UPS Worldwide express - 3 days from San Fransisco hehe.