loafer fit for narrow heel / wide forefoot

[eyeofthek9]

I have a slightly wide forefoot and a narrower heel than most and really struggle to find loafers that fit. My natural size with oxfords / derbies is an 8D US / 7E UK. When I try on shoes in my natural size, it is always the narrow heel that gives me trouble. When I size down, I often get pain in my forefoot.

I recently purchased a pair of Crockett and Jones Harvard 2 unlined in 7E and they miraculously fit. I suspect that is due to the fact that they're softer and more flexible. However, I could not fit into the Boston, which is on the same 376 last, due to heel slippage.

I'd love to pick up a pair of Cordovan or calf loafers and wondering if folks have any advice for me for a maker and last that might work for me. Specifically, for C&J, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Yale which is on 391 last, and could describe how that differs compared to the 376 last. When I was last at the store, I tried on a pair in size 7 and my heel was too narrow. They unfortunately had no size 6.5 available, and it seems like I'd need to make a special order for it. How does the 391 last differ wrt the forefoot and the heel compared to the 376?

Also, is there any chance I could fit into any pair of cordovan Aldens? Or any pair of Aldens for that matter? I recall trying on a pair ages ago that didn't fit due to heel slip but cannot recall the model.

 

[rjc149]

I have wide feet, low insteps, and narrowish heels. I recently bought a pair of Allen Edmond Randolph penny loafers in EEE and find that they work for my feet (with tongue pads).

 

[ppk]

I have a slightly wide forefoot and a narrower heel than most and really struggle to find loafers that fit. My natural size with oxfords / derbies is an 8D US / 7E UK. When I try on shoes in my natural size, it is always the narrow heel that gives me trouble. When I size down, I often get pain in my forefoot.

I recently purchased a pair of Crockett and Jones Harvard 2 unlined in 7E and they miraculously fit. I suspect that is due to the fact that they're softer and more flexible. However, I could not fit into the Boston, which is on the same 376 last, due to heel slippage.

I'd love to pick up a pair of Cordovan or calf loafers and wondering if folks have any advice for me for a maker and last that might work for me. Specifically, for C&J, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Yale which is on 391 last, and could describe how that differs compared to the 376 last. When I was last at the store, I tried on a pair in size 7 and my heel was too narrow. They unfortunately had no size 6.5 available, and it seems like I'd need to make a special order for it. How does the 391 last differ wrt the forefoot and the heel compared to the 376?

Also, is there any chance I could fit into any pair of cordovan Aldens? Or any pair of Aldens for that matter? I recall trying on a pair ages ago that didn't fit due to heel slip but cannot recall the model.

I have similar shaped feet but one size up (Brannock US9). I usually buy loafers in 8.5 to minimize slippage. Aldens LHS simply don't work for me.

Surprisingly, inexpensive G.H. Bass and Cole-Haans fit me well. Also, Berwick 1707 loafers fit beautifully. All in 8.5.

 

[tuna roll]

I have similarly shaped feet. Here’s what works for me:

- Edward Green, 61 and 184 lasts. 61 is a bit wider at the ball.

- John Lobb Lopez

- Spigola Leggera (via The Armoury)

- The Armoury’s house line

From Alden, your best bets are the Leydon, Copley or Aberdeen lasts (I haven’t tried Copley, just going by its description). It depends how your toes are shaped. For me, when sized true to size, Aberdeen and Leydon are wide enough at the ball and narrower at the heel. But the toe box narrows quickly from the ball onwards and push my pinky.

In general I focus on unlined, less structured loafers. They tend to be more forgiving if the fit is not ideal.