Club Obi Wan

Hello,
I was wondering what the general consensus is on the fit of the 405?
I hear they generally run 1/2 size large. Is this true?
All of my shoes and boots here at home are 10E.
I'm hoping to get the fit right the first time around.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

The trouble with saying they "run large" or "guess half a size smaller" is that not everybody is comparing against the same "control." The best solution will ALWAYS be to go out and find somebody who can measure your foot properly for orthopedic shoes and use that measurement. Michaelson and some of the other guys who've been around longer than me will tell you about how much you can screw up your feet and back if you guess the wrong size (even if you don't know it's wrong!).

Is there a shop nearby you can go get measured? Check your yellow pages or look online for a place nearby your house that sells those shoes and do yourself the biggest favor and go get measured.

Shane

I can only tell you my experience with Alden's, and that is they run a 1/2 size big. I usually take a size 11 but had to go down half a size and they fit perfect. If you have a wide foot (like me), I would recommend going down half a size and ordering a EEE. I think if you do this, you won't have the problem with your Alden's hurting your feet. Mine never have.

I found that mine fit great without going up or down from my typical size.

Of course, results will vary, but that's my experience.

Tron7960 wrote:I found that mine fit great without going up or down from my typical size.

Same here. I ordered my size, and they fit perfectly.

I ordered my size without trying to guess 1/2 size up or down. Actually, since I measure between an A width and a AA width, I first ordered the A and found it to be a smidgen wider than I really needed, but it wasn't such a bad fit that a thick pair of socks didn't cure.

Then I ordered the AA (because these width sizes can vary between shoe manufacturers), and found that the AA width actually fits even better.

I used the sizing from my Allen Edmonds dress and casual shoes, that I've worn for over 25 years. When I went into one of the two Alden shoe retailers in Phoenix, the guy there measured me at a C width. Since I knew what I had worn for so long, and didn't think my foot had widened out 3 or 4 width sizes, I politely thanked him and walked out. Clearly, he didn't know how to use the Brannock device. To double check my measurement, I went back to my AE dealer and got measured. I measure between and A and AA, so I have to try each pair on to see if that particular last will fit my foot.

After you get measured and order your Aldens, just wear them on a carpeted floor (no hard surfaces) for a while (maybe a few hours a day for a few days). As long as you do not wear them on a hard surface and they do not show obvious signs of wear, you could return them, if you found that necessary.

But get measured every once in a while, as feet can change size and width over time.

Thanks fort the advice guys. I appreciate it.
I had a pair of boots custom made last year where they had to make a foam impression of my foot and then they had to custom make the last for me. The shoemaker said that every shoe maker has their own set of sizes and rules which they follow.
According to them I was a 9EE or something like that!!
According to Danner, Frye, Nike, Rocky, Palladium and Hi-Tec, I'm a 10/10EE.
Thanks again.

I normally purchase a size 11, but after measuring, the Alden rep I saw suggested I try a size 11E. They fit perfectly.

Jake

I take a size 11 in all my shoes. I first purchased a size 11 in Alden's and they were ridiculously big. Went down a half size and perfect. I found that with the wide sizing going down a half size with the widest width worked best for me.

I order my size and amazingly they fit....funny that.

Not to derail this thread, but I have an Alden shop nearby. If I go there and buy do I have to wait for them? Or are they like a regular shoe store with stock?

Randy

If it's an honest to gosh 'Alden shop', they usually have most sizes in stock.

Regards! Michaelson

I´m a 10 1/2 and the 405´s I received recently are 10 1/2 as well. I find them to be a good fit if not a tad large, good for a normal to thicker type of sock. I´d order the size you are. My experience is it´s pretty true to size. I´m super happy with mine.
Rgds,
IndianaGeo

Michaelson wrote:If it's an honest to gosh 'Alden shop', they usually have most sizes in stock.

Regards! Michaelson

Thanks Michaelson,

Yes, It's an honest to gosh Alden shop. I thought it might be good to at least go in and get fitted to see what side I am for now.


Randy

I agree that measuring the feet correctly is important. But, that still does not tell you the fit. Each manufacturer sizes each model of shoe (or any other garment for that matter) to fit a given size a certain way. If Alden intends the 405 model to be worn with heavy socks, and you wear then with medium or thin socks, then that would account for the size discrepency. Work boots form quality manufacturers tend to "run big" anyway because they expect you will be wearing heavy socks to use them to work in. So going to an Alden dealer who is not necessarily familiar with the fit of their boots and even trying on the shoes in stock may not produce the best fit.

Where is the gentleman in COW who is an Alden dealer and what does he say?

Schmidty says "they fit true to size."

TheMechanic wrote:Schmidty says "they fit true to size."

Thats what he told me too when I placed my order. so I went with my regular size and I havent had a problem since. Ive had my Aldens for over a month and I havent had any foot problems.
Best Regards,
Joe

The fit is also true for me. I found the cushioning in my 405's to be quite poor, though, so I put in some premiuim insole pads to make it more comfortable.

I got mine over 5 years ago and they actually ran small. I had my feet measured at an 11 1/2 B and they were too small. I think I ended up with just a 12B and they were fine.

Recently I went to a Redwing store and used their electronic/mechanical size machine to nail it down. It will be interesting to see how the actual size per measurement works out. I'll keep you posted.....

According to the Redwing machine, I topped out at an 11B. I just received Schmidty's 10 1/2 B's, ordered them, since he did not have an 11B, and they fit fine. The only problem is I am not used to the arch support, and the one on the right foot seems a bit too arched. Have you had any problems with this?

TheMechanic wrote:Schmidty says "they fit true to size."

I just ordered my true size from Schmidty last Thursday (size 11) which he happened to have in stock... (maybe because of all you that order 10.5 instead of your true size? ) So, I'll let you know sometime this week about the fit.

Well, I received the shoes yesterday and can report that they do fit true to size. Thanks for the advice Schmidty!

RobocopIndy wrote: I just ordered my true size from Schmidty last Thursday (size 11) which he happened to have in stock... (maybe because of all you that order 10.5 instead of your true size? )

Hehe...

I just got my Aldens in today and they fit true to size. Had I gotten a 1/2 size down, I don't think they would fit.

Texan Scott wrote:Recently I went to a Redwing store and used their electronic/mechanical size machine to nail it down. It will be interesting to see how the actual size per measurement works out. I'll keep you posted.....

I was also measured at redwing on their electronic thingy, and they indicate I am a D (normal) width.

On a Brannoc, when correctly measured, I am a B-C width.

I ordered 1/2 size samller than my 'true' (Brannoc) size of 11-1/2 and got the 11. I find it to be SLIGHTLY snug; however not uncomfortably so.

Based o that, I posed on the Schmidty order thread that they do run true to your Brannoc measured size. If you get measured correctly, and order that size, they will fit.

Schmidty indicates your big toe should be at the stitching. I am 1/8 inch beyond, which indicates 1/2 size.

Bottom line: they run true to the Brannoc measured size based on my personal experience.

OK, here's my take on the whole fit thing. Your toe should obviously not be at the end of the shoe. What is key in fitting any pair of shoes, is where the ball of your foot sits. The widest part of your foot should fit in the pocket of the widest part of the shoe. The toe length is only of some consequence. But think of it this way, if you buy the shoes so your toe is at the end, that will put the ball of your foot further forward in the shoe than it should be, your foot will end up in some serious pain and you can end up wrecking your back, hips, and knees, all because you are wearing your shoes too small. I will NEVER say "THIS is the only size I will sell you, because I know what I'm doing and you don't" I would rather say "You can buy whatever size you want, I am only here to guide you as to what I think you should have" and if I'm wrong, I'll get you the size you want. I try and make it easy...let me know if anyone has questions.

Thanks Schmidty for your help.

Like many here I stressed about the sizing of the 405 prior to getting them. When I got measured for them (and they perfectly) they were a differrent size from any athletic shoe (which varied in size anyway) but the sizing was the same as any other shoe. For example I have three pairs of diffrent Alden shoes (including the 405) and two pairs of Allen Edmonds. All the shoes are the same size, 9 1/2E. I don't buy into the notion that these boots fit any different than any other shoe.

I am now saving up for Alden's, can't wait to have enough $$ to be more serious about sizing!

I went and got sized the first time and the 10.5 d fit great, it is my normal size. after several months they are the most comfortabl boots I have worn in a long time.[/img]

I have to chime in here too-

They don't LOOK to be comfortable at all; however if the fit is correct, they are truly like a second skin... They fit very close (designed on a dress shoe last I'm sure, so thick wool socks don't work well) but the shape is just so right that they move nicely with your foot. I would say if you planned on wearing thick wool hiking socks with these you then would HAVE to gu up a half size, more likely a full size. Please confirm with schmidty if you aren't sure...

I did two coats of Pitch Blend to soften them up and protect them from water, and it really didn't even need it- these are glove soft...

Now that I have several hours on these boots of "break-in", you hardly notice they are on your feet.

EDIT: the sloe is not that slippery either. It is NOT a leather sole, but rather some kind of rubber material. On ice, it will be slippery, but even a Vibrahm lug sole is slippery on ice... Not 'dangerous' like a hard leather dress shoe sole as they appear to be... Fear not!

I treat mine with horsemans one step and then just use kiwi brown over the whole boot. They look great and the polish helps protect em'.

I heard somewhere (and this applies to all shoe styles) that even if you are convinced that you have a 'standard' sized foot, it is better to go shorter (smaller size) and wider (wider size) than to stay with your standard width and try and fit your foot into an incorrectly sized shoe where you think your toes are 'in the right place'...I learned this the hard way, as for years my feet were killing me no matter what I wore then I started getting my correct shoe size (which ended up being ees) and they make all the difference.

That is absolutely correct.

This used to be handled by the personalized service of a shoe salesman, but with the advent of the internet, this is a dying tradition...

If you have foot problems, you should absolutely see a shoe salesman for your fittings.

My feet for example measure as a standard D widh. However, I have a low arch (flat feet) so a narrower shoe fits better.

So your advice is good, but in my case, wider is NOT better.

A correct fit is what is most important.

Wow, Zach, my doctor and YOUR doctor sure went to different schools of thought. His mantra is at least 1/2 of clearance from the end of your toe to the front of the shoe toe cap, and exact width for proper fit and foot health. Without the extra front area, your toe is forced into the front of a shorter shoe as your foot flexes, causing stress to the toe joints.

This is why so many folks have arthritis in their feet as they get older due to the continued compression of the toe joints over a lifetime of too small shoes. The extra room allows for the front/back movement of your feet and toes as you walk.

Your doctor went the exact opposite direction!

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson's hypothesis agrees with everything I've heard, and experienced. Though not with Alden's.

Randy

Dito with what Michaelson said. When I wen't to the Dr. early this year for having serious foot pain (Mostly in the arch and big toe but in other places as well) he said it was because I was wearing my shoes too small. Up until then I had always been told when buying shoes to buy them snug for a better fit so I had no clue that this was the problem with my foot pain...I ended up getting sized by a professional for an 11E...

When I purchased my 405's I also thought they were too big. But guess what...I put them on, wore them for about a week, and not once did I have any foot pain. Ever since I have been buying shoes (Even sneakers) a half size bigger than what I used to buy and still...6 months later...I have no foot pain. Take it for what it's worth but I'm now of the thought that shoes should fit more roomy so your feet can actually move while in them.

Now, I read somewhere that boot socks aren't a good fit with Aldens, I currently wear Fruit of the Loom workwear boot socks, would they for the most part be too thick?

I wear those black socks from Wal Mart- Hanes I think- the same 'thickness' as old white sneaker socks, but black.

If you went with heavy hiking socks (woll or synthetic) this could be a half size in these boots.

I have also worn them with a thinner black sock (more like a dress shoe sock) and they seem to fit me best that way.

I concluded, since Alden is a dress shoe maker, that these are made with a dress shoe last, designed for a thin dress type sock.

If you must wear heavy socks (or these are a winter boot for you) you may need to go up a size.

Therefore, it is always best to wear the socks you plan to use with the boots when you are fitted for them, just like ski boots or ice skates.

I also wear the black "sneaker" type socks for some things. So that'd probably be the route I take with Alden's, after thinking about it.. a little cheaper and not as hot for year round use.. I wear boots year round.

Well, the consensus is also that you don't want your toes scrunched either.

But, I think the point was that if you're judging your right sized based solely on how close your toe is to the end of the shoe you are only getting half of the equation right.

I think Schmidty said it:

The BALL of the foot is what you HAVE to fit properly. The widest part of the shoe must fit the widest part of your foot. Flex the foot and make sure the foot stays where it should be. The length is obviously a matter of comfort to some degree- if your toes are closer than (insert favorite measurement here) and they are comfortable for you, it is OK. Scrunched toes are not good in any shoe!

A big problem I have is in the heel. When I have a normal width shoe, my heel rises up and this friction of the foot sliding in the shoe causes blisters on me (and others with this problem I'm sure).

You get sore feet from being too tight (and other problems in the long run apparently) but blisters are from too loose a fit it seems to me...

I know several people had spoke about using the Red Wing store's sizing machine thing, how accurate has it been for you?

Randy

Well, that machine shows me as a 11.5 D; however it also indicates I have a "flat" foot, and why a D width shoes does not fit me properly.

When I measure on the Brannoc, I see that I am an 11/11.5 B/C, which allows the shoe to close properly on the top of my foot.

The edges of the lace areas should not touch each other when the shoe is tigethend. I did not realize this until recently...

If your shoe is too wide, it ends up like a triangle and presses down on the top of your foot, rather than 'wrapping' the foot evenly. Top foot pressure bends the arch and is quite painful...

Get measured properly!

I tried the Red Wing store today, mainly because I had some free time and got restless, the machine shows me a size 9 1/2E... BUT, the guy also said a 10D would work, which is what boot size I was wearing.. So, I WILL be going elsewhere, as that didn't seem quite right. Should fight the traffic and scarce parking to visit the Alden dealer here and get it from the horses brannock.

Randy

I agree...

It seems like those who don't have to wear the shoes, and also want to sell what they have on the shelf can be quite liberal with what fits...

I tried a bunch of boots on at Redwing- all D width, and went quite small before the width started to feel right (and by then, my toes were squished!)

RUN AWAY! If you hav an Alden dealer near you, definately get properly fitted!

I made a trek to the Alden dealer here, and they were to put it bluntly, VERY unhelpful, Acted as if I were making the 405's up and basically wouldn't even size me. There was supposed to be another dealer around the corner, I walked the length of the commercial district and didn't find it, so I'll go to plan C now. ha, has anyone else had this trouble?

Randy

P.S. for anyone in the Orlando area, forget John Craig in Winter Park for sizing, also the Lord whoever it is store, I couldn't find it.

That is certainly a drag...

The only REASONABLE option is to of course burn the store down....

If you do decide to do that, you didn't hear it from me.

actually, mine are a whole size
SMALLER in aldens


NIBS

knibs7 wrote:actually, mine are a whole size
SMALLER in aldens


NIBS

It appears that is applicable to me as well.

I'm going to ask a values based question here, to anyone who owns them and care to answer.

Are they REALLY comfortable, or merely just part of the Indy look.. meaning do they honestly feel comfortable to you?

Because, I'm seriously thinking of pulling my Alden trigger in the next day or so. And this would be helpful
Randy