ALDEN'S ADVICE!

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 1:55 pm

Hi Everyone

I have just aquired a fine pair of alden's from another member here on COW.
I love the boots (needless to say I guess) but I need a little advice / reassurance with regard to the style and fit.
The boots are a 9D.
Now, I usually take a 9.5 regular fit (or even a 10 depending upon the fit of the boot), but with the Alden 'half-size smaller rule' I figured these would fit fine.
What is weird is that the boots are so close fitting on me and I am generally used to a more 'clunky' loose fitting boot (if you get what I mean....

). Are the aldens meant to be so 'close fitting?' It just looks a little streamlined compared to my usual work boots, less rugged.
Furthermore, the right boot feels reasonably confortable, but the left is pinching my toes a little - will the leather stretch and 'break in' over time? I'm guessing I have one foot bigger than the other.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Kind regards to all,

Alan

PS - someone else has already offered to take these off my hands (or feet as it were

), but I'd really rather hang on to this pair if they are going to work out and adapt to my foot....

:

Gobler · Post by **Gobler** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 2:56 pm

The boots should feel comfy on your feet and should not pinch or constrict your toes in any way. I was fitted and can wriggle my toes nicely. Just my 2cents.

Cheers,
Jeff

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 3:17 pm

There IS no 'Alden half size smaller' rule. That is the unofficial rule that has been adopted by folks who have ordered in the past. Alden recommends ordering your correct size, so if your shoe does not fit, it's because it's the wrong size for your foot. Sorry to be so blunt, but this is a soapbox I've been on and off of for years now with no avail, and I keep reading and receiving emails from folks who guessed at their Alden size based on this so called rule, only to find out that it was wrong, and they had to either sell the shoe, or see if they could trade it out. SInce you're the second owner, that option is out. I hope you can work things out, but bear in mind that Alden 405's are from their orthopedic catalog, for the correction of foot problems. Wearing the wrong size 405 may or may not CREATE problems for you in the future. Sorry, wish I could give you better news, but being one WITH medically diagnosed foot problems, and having the 405 prescribed FOR me by a doctor, these are not shoes to be guessed at size wise, as they were intended to help correct physical problems. Ok, back off my soapbox.. again....

Regards. Michaelson

schwammy · Post by **schwammy** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 3:26 pm

How lucky can one gearhead be? I wish I could get a note from my podiatrist prescribing Alden 405s for the correction of some pedal infirmity, and a note from my dermatologist saying I need to wear a wide-brimmed, floppy fedora at all times. That'd show my wife! Some guys get all the breaks.

Now, not to disagree with everything Michaelson just said, but my Aldens are 10Es, and I can't squeeze into a 10 in any other type or brand of shoe. But these are now actually a little long in the toe for me. So in my experience, they do stretch a bit.

I recall them hurting my feet for awhile too, until they were broken in. Now they're like bedroom slippers, although I just had them resoled locally rather than sending them back to the company, and I think I may live to regret that cost-cutting decision. It appears the shoe repairman did a rather indifferent, heavy-handed job, altering, perhaps, the balance of the oft-touted Alden 'foot balance' system.

Cabinetman · Post by **Cabinetman** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 3:44 pm

I am a "buy-your-size" believer. Your feet will thank you. I would take up that offer of "taking them off your hands". Pursue getting your correct size in the new pair. And then...enjoy.

Cab

SWTroopers · Post by **SWTroopers** » Wed Oct 01, 2003 7:35 pm

They sound a little too small if they pinch. They may loosen up a bit, but I doubt it would be enough to take away that pinch. My Aldens are very roomy in the front and are incredibly comfortable, adn have been since day one. I suggest trying to sell then and get a pair in your size. Nothing would be worse than a $250 pair of shoes that you never wear because they don't fit! Just my 2 cents

Marc

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 5:53 am

OK, thanks for your advice everybody.
I should say that the shoes feel only a FRACTION too small for me compared to my usual fit - they are fine at the heel and even acceptable at the toe, but the width does feel a little restricting and the leather is 'creasing' as I wear them.
I have consulted my local cobbler this morning, who says that he can easily 'stretch' the boots for a more comfortable fit. The process involves a special stretching machine which takes a couple of days to complete.
Apparantly, this process can increase boot size by up to 2 sizes (!), although I would question the longterm integrity of the boot after undergoing such a drastic operation. I am requesting a smaller 'stretching', by no more than half a size.
Will let you know how it goes,

Regards

Alan

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 12:45 pm

Ok, I've had reality check!

Further to my earlier post, and with the words of Michaelson still ringing in my ears, I found myself debating the pros and cons of boot stretching during my (long) 3 o'clock staff meeting at work.
I have arrived at the conclusion that it was a bad idea insipred by a bout of Indyitis; It might ruin the boot and that waould not be a good (or frugal)thing.
I have 'bitten the bullet' and just ordered a new pair (in my correct size) and the other boots are up for grabs. Someone I know is interested, but he hasn't tried them yet and I think they may be slightly too small for him, as he takes around the same size as me.
I will offer these boots (only weeks old and worn only 5-6 times I believe) in classifieds, and if no takers then eBay it is.

Regards,

Bootless Alan

Cabinetman · Post by **Cabinetman** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 1:03 pm

Very good, Alan (same spelling as my middle name, by the way - Cabinet Alan Man). You won't be disappointed with your decision.

Congratulations.

Cab

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 1:19 pm

You won't be sorry, my friend. You have chosen...WISELY! (grins) Regards. Michaelson

whipwarrior · Post by **whipwarrior** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 4:42 pm

You have chosen...WISELY!

I love that line! Always makes me smile.

)

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 6:04 am

I wrote

I have 'bitten the bullet' and just ordered a new pair (in my correct size)

I have spoken to renners re. my Alden order.

Now, I have finally gone for the 10D size boot in the new brown, based on my usual UK size 9.5 = US size 10. I really hope I have gotten this calculation right; I don't want to end up with a pair of boots which are a little too big for me

This is one size bigger than the boots I have now, which are a little too tight at the 'front box' and front sides.

I was going to go for a 9.5 but I have opted for the 10 , disregarding the "half size smaller" rule, as it seems there is no half size smaller rule based on everyone's advice here.

What has been other members experience with the Alden sizes? How much bigger is '1 size up'? It sounds like a silly question I realise, but this can vary radically from manufacturer to manufacturer in my experience.

I am kind of in a tricky situation as I am basing my details on my UK measurements and there is also variance in size comparison charts here.

I sure hope it works out!

Regards

Alan

Cabinetman · Post by **Cabinetman** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 8:24 am

Given that you've spoken to Renners and hopefully have discussed your sizing issues and explained your confusion, I would hope they would have no problem trading them out if they don't fit, without any restocking fee, etc. When their website says (at least it used to) the 405 runs big and order a smaller size than you usually wear, this does add to the confusion.

I remain convinced, as Michaelson pointed out some time ago, that we wear shoes that are too small for us. After I bought my 405's in my size, all my other shoes felt funny. Well, I did get a pair of NB tennis shoes that feel great, too. I would say a properly constructed (and properly sized) shoe leaves ample room for your foot. Someone also said that they were told by a foot person (not sure if a podiatrist or simply an experienced shoe man) that one should be able to "play the piano" with their toes inside a properly fitting shoe. I would speculate that those who have a perceived problem with the 405 being too big, are those that simply want it to fit and look like what they've been used to wearing most of their lives (and, of course, want the Indy boot, as well). Many would beg to differ on this point, and the whole Alden sizing issue has been hashed and rehashed.

This is an old, established company that builds/makes quality footwear. Among the offerings, orthopedic shoes. I know sizing varies from maker to maker and style to style, but it would seem that a shoe company of this standard would have it right.

'Course, that's just me...

Cab

schwammy · Post by **schwammy** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 10:33 am

This is straight off of Renner's website:

"This boot tends to run about 1/2 size large. For example, if you normally wear a size 10 1/2D shoe, you should order a size 10D Indy boot."

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/rennersboot ... 05ibo.html

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 10:49 am

Well, it's a calculated risk I know, but basing my sizing on how the 9's fit me, what size I usually wear nthe advice I have been given by everyone, fingers crossed it will be OK.
Failing that, I will just have to return the boots for an exchange - expensive on shipping for me in the UK, but if it comes to it it's better than having no boots at all.

I often wear UK 10's (US 10.5's), I have a pair of sneakers on now in that size and they fit fine. I also own workboots in a UK9 (us 9.5) and they also fit, as the cut of the boot is larger.

So a US 10 = a uk 9.5, which is my size, and even with an extra half size (acccording to renners) then the boots are still only a UK10, which also often fit me. Phew! (takes a breath)

Sorry, my brain just burned-out!

Here's hoping.....

Alan

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 12:57 pm

I don't know where you are in England or where the nearest Alden retailer to you is, but I'd get sized by a professional if I were you. One of the neatest things about the Alden 405's is how good a shoe it is if properly sized. Cheers

Cabinetman · Post by **Cabinetman** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 1:05 pm

Rundquist wrote:I don't know where you are in England or where the nearest Alden retailer to you is, but I'd get sized by a professional if I were you. One of the neatest things about the Alden 405's is how good a shoe it is if properly sized. Cheers

Ditto

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 7:16 am

There are no Alden retailers in the United Kingdom. Can't even get them by mail order within the UK, which is why I have ordered from the US (Renners).

The nearest, I think, is Sweden?

And it is generally the culture here too that all shoes are 'disposable'. Go into the shoe shop, try 'em on, wear 'em amd chuck 'em.

There is nowhere local I know of where my foot could be accurately measured for the Aldens by a pro who understood the fit of the 405 boot - short of going to an expensive gentlemans outfitters in the city, but they would be reluctant to measure my foot unless I was buying their product I think.

: Plus, that would be a very time-consuming and possibly expensive trip.

Well, my 10D Aldens are due to arrive this Friday, so I shall update this thread with a final verdict on the sizing then.

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 1:21 pm

My Alden's are here and on my feet as I write!

And I have to say, whether by good luck or good judgement, they are a PERFECT PERFECT fit.

Thanks everyone for your good advice.

Just to point out that these worked out much more expensive than I thought though - the customs charges were a staggering £60 - or around $100 I think? What a STING!!! UK customers importing from the US be aware of this with any prospective orders!!!

And the moral of this story:-

1.THERE IS NO ONE SIZE SMALLER RULE, FOR SURE. ORDER YOUR CORRECT SIZE.

2.WATCH OUT FOR THOSE V.A.T. AND CUSTOMS CHARGES - THEY REALLY HURRRRT!

3. DESPITE ALL THIS........ALDENS ARE THE COOLEST SHOES ON THE PLANET, NO QUESTION.

Regards,

Booted-up Alan

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 1:34 pm

1. THAT'S NOT NECCESSARILY TRUE. NOT ALL SHOE SIZES ARE THE SAME AND THEREFORE A ONE SIZE SMALLER OR LARGER RULE COULD APPLY.

2. I THINK IT VARIES WHERE YOU LIVE, BUT A WARNING IS PROBABLY DEFINATELY IN ORDER.

3. ALDENS ARE A BOOT, NOT A SHOE.

Regards, Daryl.

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 2:28 pm

Hi Dakota

I stand corrected on the whole boot vs. shoe thing! (tips his fedora) Touche sir!

However, I am now a 'true believer' in the 'order your right size' policy, from bitter personal experience! Oh! The pain in my poor wallet!

I will not buy into any other mantra now my friend. I have drunk the blood of kali yet lived to tell the tale!

And yeah, a warning IS certainly in order - £60 customs charges......£60! Outrageous fortune!

Of course, that's just my experience.....

Regards,

Alan

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 3:01 pm

well, the reason I state that, is that while your size aldens may be your size shoe in your last shoe, but another company may be different. Take me for example, I have a pair of boots and a pair of shoes that both fit, and their two different sizes. And I have another pair of boots that are a bit too small and they are the same size as my other boots. My advice for ordering aldens is this: Get your foot measured by an orthopedist

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 7:28 pm

Sounds like fair advice to me, buddy

"Get measured by a pro and consult with the good folks here on this great forum!"

You can quote me on that

Alan

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:38 pm

ob1al wrote: You can quote me on that

Alan

Okay.

"Get measured by a pro and consult with the good folks here on this great forum!"