The Official Alden Thread for 2024 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[tuna roll]

Color 8 "Naval Boot" in the backyard while manning the grill.
View attachment 2276321

Bloody juicy patina!

 

[Encore]

Indy

 

[Vincent George]

Faded 8 (Yenni’s Captoe Boot)

 

[Edwinnn]

Hi All,


Long time lurker and decided to make an account since I need some advice on sizing for Aldens. Since I live in The Netherlands it's hard to find an Alden dealer. I'm currently awaiting a brannock device at home but in the meantime I think it would be worthwile to get sizing advice on a pair of alden wingtip boots on the barrie last I have in arabica lux.

The Wingtip boots are size 11 US D/B

My current sizing in other boots/shoes is as follows:

- Crockett & jones - connaught 2 / Last 397 - 10,5 UK E (with dress socks)
- Crockett & jones - cavendish 2 / Last 325 - 10 UK E (with dress socks, tight on right foot toes so still breaking the shoe in)
- Crockett & Jones - islay / Last 365 - 10 UK E (with boot socks) / tried 10,5 UK E, but it ended up to loose/floppy with boot socks
- Crockett & jones harvard 2 / Last 376 - 10,5 UK E feels unsupportive after break-in / 10 UK E has little toe room and might fit with dress socks after break-in (didn't want to risk it though). This last might not be for me.
- New balance made in usa 990v3 - 12 US D (Might try an 11.5 US D in the near future)
- Red wing / 8 last - 11 US D - Tight fore foot, took lot's of break-in in but can be worn comfortable with boot socks all day now
- Alden 976 longwing blucher in dark brown calfskin / Barrie last - now these are interesting. Online these were marked as 10.5 UK E and the markings in the shoe are 10.5 E/C. I'm not sure if Alden marks shoes ment for UK dealers in UK sizing or if it's an 10.5 US E/C. These fit great with dress socks although a bit close but I believe these will break-in nicely.

Some remarks about my foot:

- 29cm long
- Slightly wide (I believe I'm between a E and D on a brannock, but will check once I get the device)
- Low volume forefoot
- Right foot slightly bigger then my left foot
- Low to medium arches
- Low instep
- Skinny ankles (I have problems with gaps closing around the ankles if the boot has a small lace gap space)
- Brannock size: ????? > I always believed it to be 11.5 US D / E for heel to ball and 12 US D / E for foot length, but I will check once the brannock device arrives.

I'v also attached some pictures of my feet in the boot to show where the ball of the foot sits in the boot.

Any sizing advice on the Alden barrie last or other Alden lasts is welcome! My biggest confusion lies in the fact that Alden longwing blucher fits so nicely (although with dress socks)

Thanks in advance!