Boots Boots Boots - For Boot Guys Only

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Anyone else having an annoying mcdonalds ad pop-up on their screen, blocking access to the site? If so, anyone discover a fix for it?

Did it work though? Are you now knee deep in Big Macs?

 

[stephenaf2003]

Did it work though? Are you now knee deep in Big Macs?

Right?…. I now have this unreasonably strong compulsion to have diarrhea.

 

[heathenist]

I stopped in the shoe repair store down the street today to get a brannock measurement and it makes no sense at all. My overall length measures at 9.5 almost exactly, maybe a hair over. My arch length however is a 10.5, pushing 11. The width is a C (almost a B if you go by the arch length). Everything I read online says you should go by the larger of the two measurements, but that arch length is overall more important.

Because I thrift so often, I have a lot of different boots, and have tried on even more. I own 5 pairs of Red Wings in various heritage styles. While I can wear some of those in a size 9 with an insert, I’m firmly an 8.5D. From what I’ve read most people size down a half size to a full size from their Brannock, which if I did that and used the arch length, I would still be swimming in a size 9.5. I have exactly one pair of boots that are a size 10, some Frye service boots that were given to me. Without an insert I can’t wear them.

I think the problem might just be that I have a very low volume foot. They are narrow, and while I have a very high arch, my instep seems pretty low. So when I try on a size 10 boot, even if the length might be close to right, they always feel too big because I have such dainty little feet (an Ex always told me I had dancer’s feet haha).

Am I buying boots too small? What is the solution here? Keep doing what I’m doing because it seems fine? Lots of people focus on the bend point in points needing to line up with your feet or it could mess up your feet down the line. Should I be buying larger sizes and just using inserts? Granted, I do this as well. I have probably 5 pairs of boots that are too big without inserts (because I thrifted them), but seem to be fine with the inserts.

What do you think boot aficionados?

 

[Adhazem]

I stopped in the shoe repair store down the street today to get a brannock measurement and it makes no sense at all. My overall length measures at 9.5 almost exactly, maybe a hair over. My arch length however is a 10.5, pushing 11. The width is a C (almost a B if you go by the arch length). Everything I read online says you should go by the larger of the two measurements, but that arch length is overall more important.

Because I thrift so often, I have a lot of different boots, and have tried on even more. I own 5 pairs of Red Wings in various heritage styles. While I can wear some of those in a size 9 with an insert, I’m firmly an 8.5D. From what I’ve read most people size down a half size to a full size from their Brannock, which if I did that and used the arch length, I would still be swimming in a size 9.5. I have exactly one pair of boots that are a size 10, some Frye service boots that were given to me. Without an insert I can’t wear them.

I think the problem might just be that I have a very low volume foot. They are narrow, and while I have a very high arch, my instep seems pretty low. So when I try on a size 10 boot, even if the length might be close to right, they always feel too big because I have such dainty little feet (an Ex always told me I had dancer’s feet haha).

Am I buying boots too small? What is the solution here? Keep doing what I’m doing because it seems fine? Lots of people focus on the bend point in points needing to line up with your feet or it could mess up your feet down the line. Should I be buying larger sizes and just using inserts? Granted, I do this as well. I have probably 5 pairs of boots that are too big without inserts (because I thrifted them), but seem to be fine with the inserts.

What do you think boot aficionados?

That’s a tough one to answer honestly. I personally with a slightly wider than average but very flat foot would get killed if I bought the length Brannock. The arch one is the probably a good mean value of all the sizes I have. It varies from manufacturer/workshop to the other. I don’t know if there’s a way to find out what “your” answer in this situation without trial and error. Allen Edmonds is a good place to start. If you have a store close to your town I would go there and have them try different size boots with you until something clicks.

When trying on the perfect size pair from a brand, look for that “swoosh” when you slide your foot in. It’s the air escaping around your ankle due to your foot pushing it out. The leather should feel snug around your foot, like a wetsuit.

The exception to that is that you should have more room around your toes to wiggle. You want minimal to no heel slip (up-down) and no significant pinching around your toes. Also, you don’t want excessive pressure around your heel.

FWIW I’m 11 D/E Brannock. I’m 11 E Allen Edmonds Welted 65, 10.5 D Alden Trubalance, 10 E Viberg 2030, 10 EE Whites boots. Not one of those sizes is wrong for me. It just all depends on the last and my anatomy.

 

[Adhazem]

First time trying Parkhurst. This is their service boot in black spruce waxy commander. Dark and deep green color. They fit incredibly well with 0 break in needed.

 

[Kiwijohn]

Lovely mate, awaiting an mto myself…😂

The new green kudu shade looks nice also. What have you ordered?.

 

[suitforcourt]

I stopped in the shoe repair store down the street today to get a brannock measurement and it makes no sense at all. My overall length measures at 9.5 almost exactly, maybe a hair over. My arch length however is a 10.5, pushing 11. The width is a C (almost a B if you go by the arch length). Everything I read online says you should go by the larger of the two measurements, but that arch length is overall more important.

Because I thrift so often, I have a lot of different boots, and have tried on even more. I own 5 pairs of Red Wings in various heritage styles. While I can wear some of those in a size 9 with an insert, I’m firmly an 8.5D. From what I’ve read most people size down a half size to a full size from their Brannock, which if I did that and used the arch length, I would still be swimming in a size 9.5. I have exactly one pair of boots that are a size 10, some Frye service boots that were given to me. Without an insert I can’t wear them.

I think the problem might just be that I have a very low volume foot. They are narrow, and while I have a very high arch, my instep seems pretty low. So when I try on a size 10 boot, even if the length might be close to right, they always feel too big because I have such dainty little feet (an Ex always told me I had dancer’s feet haha).

Am I buying boots too small? What is the solution here? Keep doing what I’m doing because it seems fine? Lots of people focus on the bend point in points needing to line up with your feet or it could mess up your feet down the line. Should I be buying larger sizes and just using inserts? Granted, I do this as well. I have probably 5 pairs of boots that are too big without inserts (because I thrifted them), but seem to be fine with the inserts.

What do you think boot aficionados?

That’s a tough one to answer honestly. I personally with a slightly wider than average but very flat foot would get killed if I bought the length Brannock. The arch one is the probably a good mean value of all the sizes I have. It varies from manufacturer/workshop to the other. I don’t know if there’s a way to find out what “your” answer in this situation without trial and error. Allen Edmonds is a good place to start. If you have a store close to your town I would go there and have them try different size boots with you until something clicks.

When trying on the perfect size pair from a brand, look for that “swoosh” when you slide your foot in. It’s the air escaping around your ankle due to your foot pushing it out. The leather should feel snug around your foot, like a wetsuit.

The exception to that is that you should have more room around your toes to wiggle. You want minimal to no heel slip (up-down) and no significant pinching around your toes. Also, you don’t want excessive pressure around your heel.

FWIW I’m 11 D/E Brannock. I’m 11 E Allen Edmonds Welted 65, 10.5 D Alden Trubalance, 10 E Viberg 2030, 10 EE Whites boots. Not one of those sizes is wrong for me. It just all depends on the last and my anatomy.

I also own footwear in a variety of sizes. I don't worry about the markings. If they fit me comfortably, I will wear them.

I generally agree with @Adhazem

My ankle has to be snug, with no slip. No pinching areas or fitting that causes pain. Foot doesn't move around. And my toes can wiggle a bit.

I have footwear in the following sizes: 8.5ee, 8.5eee, 8eeeee, 9e, 9ee, 9eee, 9.5D, 9.e.

No rhyme or reason as to which pairs fits better. My Brannock size is 8.5E/EE but I wear orthotics so most dress shoes I am 8.5eee to accommodate them.

 

[basu13]

Grant Stone Ottawas in natural CXL.

 

[nishant]

CJ Coniston today ..

 

[Blastwice]

I stopped in the shoe repair store down the street today to get a brannock measurement and it makes no sense at all. My overall length measures at 9.5 almost exactly, maybe a hair over. My arch length however is a 10.5, pushing 11. The width is a C (almost a B if you go by the arch length). Everything I read online says you should go by the larger of the two measurements, but that arch length is overall more important.

Because I thrift so often, I have a lot of different boots, and have tried on even more. I own 5 pairs of Red Wings in various heritage styles. While I can wear some of those in a size 9 with an insert, I’m firmly an 8.5D. From what I’ve read most people size down a half size to a full size from their Brannock, which if I did that and used the arch length, I would still be swimming in a size 9.5. I have exactly one pair of boots that are a size 10, some Frye service boots that were given to me. Without an insert I can’t wear them.

I think the problem might just be that I have a very low volume foot. They are narrow, and while I have a very high arch, my instep seems pretty low. So when I try on a size 10 boot, even if the length might be close to right, they always feel too big because I have such dainty little feet (an Ex always told me I had dancer’s feet haha).

Am I buying boots too small? What is the solution here? Keep doing what I’m doing because it seems fine? Lots of people focus on the bend point in points needing to line up with your feet or it could mess up your feet down the line. Should I be buying larger sizes and just using inserts? Granted, I do this as well. I have probably 5 pairs of boots that are too big without inserts (because I thrifted them), but seem to be fine with the inserts.

What do you think boot aficionados?

As they say a picture is worth a thousand (or more) words.

 

[heathenist]

As they say a picture is worth a thousand (or more) words.

Are you saying you want a picture of my feet? I usually charge a premium for that…

 

[Blastwice]

Are you saying you want a picture of my feet? I usually charge a premium for that…

Maybe that's also why the shoe repair guy didn't or couldn't give you any advice.

 

[Genericuser1]

GS Diesel in Reverse Kudu

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Armagnac Carmina Chelsea from last mto weekend landed and it’s…❤️. Green due tomorrow….

 

[heathenist]

Maybe that's also why the shoe repair guy didn't or couldn't give you any advice.