Club Obi Wan

I'm looking to get a pair of Aldens and I've heard that the measurements for them can be somewhat "special" (not custom, just not like ordering a pair of sneakers). I emailed them to ask exactly how I should calculate what shoe size I wear and they basically told me to call their store.

Does anybody know how I could find out the right shoe size for me? I was thinking about going into a higher-end shoe store and using one of those metal boards they use to measure feet, but I'm not sure they'd appreciate me using their equipment to measure for another company's shoe... :junior: -M

I went with the size I normally wear and used the shoe fitting chart on the Alden website to help with the width. I was worried about them not fitting but they are perfect. I'm not sure what others have experienced but I'd say just order the size you normally wear and follow the chart for the width.

Tron

I went with my normal size and they fit great. I read plenty of posts on the subject and finally decided to go with my normal size figuring I could always return them if they didn't fit.

I see nothing wrong with telling that you are buying a pair of boots online, a make and model they probably don't carry, but that you would like your feet measured to be sure of the size. Just be honest and you'll most likely find a willing salesperson. Wear the socks you plan to wear with your Aldens. It won't take but a few moments of anyone's time to measure your feet.

Basically what Indiana MarkVII said. To order my Aldens, I just went into a sports shoe store and told them I was ordering shoes online and I'd need my foot measurements in US sizes. They were very helpful and actually gave me a form with all my various measurements listed.

Hope you can find someone that helpful.

Be seeing you,

Captain Threepwood

Hey thanks guys. I got more than enough suggestions to decide on a path to choose (including a little helpful advice on the side from Michaelson). I think I'm going to go with what Indiana MarkVII suggested and go into a store. I thought it would be awkward, but the way you phrased it was quite good. :junior: -M

All I can say is those things run large. I am a size 11 and my Aldens are a 10, and they are still a bit roomy.

Like many have said before me...

These boot's are orthopedic and you really do need to have the correct size. If you don't have the correct size then you run a risk of doing serious damage to your foot. I say purchase the size that you normally wear (Which is what I did...and they fit perfect).

As comparison I wear a us11 in Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance etc...(Sneakers). I wear a us11 Wide in dress shoes and boots. I purchased a us11 E in my Aldens and the fit was dead on.

Also I got a bunch of help by calling the Alden store in SF. I was torn on going with the 11 E and the 11 EE since my foot is a bit wider than most. After I told them about the sizing I listed above they flat out said to go with the E and refused to sell me the EE stating "Your foot is not that wide"...As I said above it was perfect...So if all else fails then go directly to the source and call an Alden store.

ok semi odd question about Aldens. I have a time getting boots to fit correctly my left foot seems to be a tad smaller than the right in width. Would I run into problems ordering them? Also, do they fit snug like a dressier boot or looser like a work style? It would seem to me that they're slimmer?

Probably. You might want to order from Magnoli, who custom makes his boots and can accommodate feet that are of different sizes. :junior: -M

Mulceber wrote:Probably. You might want to order from Magnoli, who custom makes his boots and can accommodate feet that are of different sizes. :junior: -M

I almost asked if I should consider his offering. Thanks. Also, what color of his would be more sa? the mahogany, or saddle?

I'd say saddle looks best, but that might just be me. :junior: -M

I was leaning that direction. I need to be saving up my spare change to get a pair. I've always wanted to do a more custom order shoe.. might as well be a Magnoli Adventure Boot!

theinterchange wrote:ok semi odd question about Aldens. I have a time getting boots to fit correctly my left foot seems to be a tad smaller than the right in width. Would I run into problems ordering them? Also, do they fit snug like a dressier boot or looser like a work style? It would seem to me that they're slimmer?

Hi. I'm schmidty, a newbie. I've been lurking a looooong time. I happen to sell the Alden Indy Boots and I can tell you, they don't fit snug. They last they are built on is cut for people with foot issues. As for the difference between your feet, How much of a difference is there? Half a size? That's common. MOST people have a difference in their feet, either length, width, or both. Let Me know. I am happy to lend whatever advice I can.

schmidty

schmidty612 wrote:

theinterchange wrote:ok semi odd question about Aldens. I have a time getting boots to fit correctly my left foot seems to be a tad smaller than the right in width. Would I run into problems ordering them? Also, do they fit snug like a dressier boot or looser like a work style? It would seem to me that they're slimmer?

Hi. I'm schmidty, a newbie. I've been lurking a looooong time. I happen to sell the Alden Indy Boots and I can tell you, they don't fit snug. They last they are built on is cut for people with foot issues. As for the difference between your feet, How much of a difference is there? Half a size? That's common. MOST people have a difference in their feet, either length, width, or both. Let Me know. I am happy to lend whatever advice I can.

schmidty

Hey schmidty...Do you work for Alden or do you sell shoes through a secondary vendor? I ask because I have a few questions about Alden's...

I manage an "old-fashioned" retail shoe store. I've been selling Aldens for about 13 years. I personally own 3 pair of the boots, with a 4th pair on the way, and 4 pair of Alden dress shoes. I would be happy to answer any questions you have sneakertinker!

Schmidty

Well... any discount for COW members?

Erri-

Heh heh heh... I'm not advertising, but I already sell 'em for less than the Alden Shop. A fairly substantial amount too. The $320 price tag is the Manufacturers SUGGESTED Retail Price. As a private retailer we have the option of selling them for whatever we want. I don't know if the forum has any kind of rule against this because this is like my 3rd post. You have been around a while maybe you can tell me. But yes we sell them for less.

Schmidty

Rule??? where have you been till now?
Thank God someone is selling them for less!!! You can say the price don't worry
Only rule is against ebay auctions that aren't yours. But if you're a seller or know where to get a piece of gear for cheaper... you're more than welcome here!

e... , such a tiny unspoiled word causes always angst and horror

Schmidty, The Shoe Mart sells irregulars/blemished for $260 if that tells you anything. And a hearty welcome to the forum!

Peace.

schmidty612 wrote:

theinterchange wrote:ok semi odd question about Aldens. I have a time getting boots to fit correctly my left foot seems to be a tad smaller than the right in width. Would I run into problems ordering them? Also, do they fit snug like a dressier boot or looser like a work style? It would seem to me that they're slimmer?

Hi. I'm schmidty, a newbie. I've been lurking a looooong time. I happen to sell the Alden Indy Boots and I can tell you, they don't fit snug. They last they are built on is cut for people with foot issues. As for the difference between your feet, How much of a difference is there? Half a size? That's common. MOST people have a difference in their feet, either length, width, or both. Let Me know. I am happy to lend whatever advice I can.

schmidty

Yeah, I'd say around a half size.. not in length but width. And welcome from me too! Glad to have you!

Hi All. Thanks for the warm reception. I've been lurking so long I thought I'd be waaay out of my league. So thanks for the welcome. We sell the boots for $270 plus USPS shipping. We don't sell over the Net unfortunately. We Don't even have a computer!!! Our 405's are not factory irregulars or seconds or whatever. They are the same 405's that the Alden Shop carries. Because we are in a small suburban town, with malls popping up around us we feel that the only way to get guys to come into our store and keep coming back is by dazzling them with our service and our prices. That is why we don't mark our shoes up as much. Because they are so pricey we don't stock anything but standard "D" widths, but I am happy to order any size you need provided Alden has it in stock. Any questions or if anyone is interested PM me and we'll go from there.

Cheers

Schmidty

I'm guessing your shop near Chicago then?

Erri wrote:I'm guessing your shop near Chicago then?

Erri, Actually we are like 50 miles straight west of Chicago in a town called Geneva. When I was setting up my profile I wanted to stick with an IJ theme, and originally had something slightly adult and slightly funnier (I thought) in mind but decided to rate it G instead.

Schmidty

Well if I'll be visiting Chicago and surrounding areas a day I know where to get a pair of aldens then.

Schmidty612 is on the level.
Elgin is just north of Geneva and I happened into his shop last summer on a day when he was working. I noticed the pair of well-worn 405s on his feet and asked if he was an Indy fan. Well, obviously he was and even though I was there to buy a different pair of shoes, we talked Indy for a quite a while. He told me he was already aware of COW, but was not yet a member.
I know that when my pair of 405s (that I bought from Fritz back when I was living in LA) wear out, I'll be buying my next pair from Schmidty! Can't beat the prices (and for me, the location!)
PBG

I just talked to a guy at the 800 number for Alden, and he told me to order my normal size shoe, while acknowledging that his atheltic shoes are always a size bigger than his dress shoes. I took his advice and made the plunge!

Thanks for backing me up PBG!! I appreciate the props!! It's like I told you the other day...I feel like I am waaay out of my league. But it's a lot of fun.

I think it is great schmidty612, and a bold venture. I wish you all the best!

Thanks Mr. Z!! I appreciate it. Just out of curiosity what part of Illinois? Because here I sit as well, in the Land of Lincoln,( and crooked politicians.)

I live in Bloomington/Normal, right smack dab in the middle of the state.

Mr. Z,

My brother went to ISU. Is that flying tomato brothers pizza place still around?

I went there for both degrees as well. I wish that place was still around. It was called Garcia's, and it was awesome!

Mr.Z

AH-HAH. That was the one. I remember being about 8, taking my brother down to school for the first time with my folks and guys were handing out stickers or something. It was like 1983. Stickers were awesome. I never had the pizza I'm afraid but 25 years later I still remember a tomato with wings.

Schmidty

Well, it's official: I just bought my Aldens about five minutes ago. In fact, I added $40 to the price for overnight delivery since we're leaving for Rome on Wednesday and I'd like to take them with me.

I spoke with both Jim and Raphael at Aldens (two separate conversations) and they both advised me that the boots run a bit large. Since I usually wear a 10 1/2 or an 11 depending on the shoe manufacturer, I opted for the 10 1/2s (D width).

I'll try them on and wear them around on the carpet tomorrow to make sure I'm satisfied. If I am, I'm looking forward to scuffing them on some ancient ruins later this week.

Tony