Welcome to our Alden Fit Guide, where we explore the art of matching your feet with Alden's esteemed collection of shoes. Renowned for their superior craftsmanship and excellent quality, Alden shoes are not just a purchase but an investment in enduring style and comfort. Originating from New England, Alden has been a beacon of classic American shoemaking since 1884, and its commitment to excellence is evident in every pair.
This article will review the factors affecting the Alden fit and give you advice about how to try on your Alden shoes once they arrive.
Why is Finding the Right Alden Fit So Crucial?
It's simple: the right Alden fit ensures unparalleled comfort and enhances the durability of your shoes. Alden boots and shoes, crafted with premium leather and meticulous attention to detail, are designed to mold to your feet over time, creating a fit that feels bespoke. But the journey to the right fit starts with understanding Alden's unique sizing and lasts and how these elements interact with your foot shape.
The Relationship Between Alden Sizing and Alden Lasts
When embarking on your journey to find the best Alden fit, the first step is understanding the concept of shoe lasts and their pivotal role in Alden sizing. A "last" is a mold around which a shoe is constructed, shaping its width, depth and overall fit. Your Alden loafer, shoes, and boot sizing will depend on the Alden last used to build your footwear.
Generally, Alden shoe products built on these lasts will run true to size:
- Aberdeen
- Hampton
- Plaza
- Copley
- Leydon
- Tremont
- Van
Alden footwear built on the following lasts usually run a half size large and should be sized down (i.e., a U.S. 9.5 is the same as an Alden 9):
- Barrie
- Modified
- Trubalance
Understanding Alden sizing is essential to finding a shoe that looks exceptional and feels tailor-made for your feet. As you explore our Alden collection, you'll find that most product descriptions will indicate the specific Alden last and whether the footwear runs true to size, which you can use as a guide in selecting your own shoe size.
Once you find a last that works, you can typically be confident that other shoes built on that last in your width and size will fit the same. Here is a nice visual of the different lasts that explains how they are shaped and tend to fit:
Factors Affecting Your Alden Fit
It's not just the width and length of your foot that affect your Alden fit. Several key factors influence the fit of a shoe, each playing a crucial role in ensuring comfort and support. The instep, or the upper middle part of the foot, significantly affects how snugly a shoe fits over the foot's arch. A higher instep may require shoes with more room to accommodate the additional volume.
The arch type — whether flat, normal or high — dictates the level of support needed, with different shoes designed to cater to each specific arch to promote proper alignment and reduce strain. Heel size and shape also impact fit, as a mismatch can lead to slippage or excessive pressure on the front of the foot. Together, these elements help determine a shoe's overall fit and comfort, highlighting the importance of considering each aspect when assessing your Alden shoe fit.
Because of all the variables, there is no one overarching Alden size guide.
Determining Your Alden Fit
Finding your perfect Alden fit starts with understanding your shoe size. If you have a good pair of dress shoes, you can usually use that as the basis for determining your size in Alden shoes. But there's only one surefire way to ensure the best Alden fit for your foot. You need to visit a reputable, professional shoe retailer, like our shop in Norwalk, Connecticut, to have your foot measured and assessed. An experienced shoe expert can help you find the right Alden shoe or boot for your foot.
Trying On Shoes to Ensure the Ideal Alden Fit
Once you have your Alden size in hand, the next crucial step is the actual try-on. This is where you truly determine the fit and feel of the shoe. Here are some best practices and tips for trying on shoes to find the right Alden fit:
Best Practices for Trying On
- Time of day — Your feet naturally expand throughout the day. It's generally best to try on new shoes in the evening or late afternoon when your feet are at their largest. This helps ensure the best fit throughout the day.
- Appropriate socks — Opt for the type of socks you plan to wear with your Aldens. Thickness can significantly influence how shoes fit, so this step is crucial for accuracy.
- Initial feel — As you put on the Alden shoes, notice the initial feel. They should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight. Alden's quality leather will conform to your foot over time, but it shouldn't pinch or constrict from the start.
- Proper treatment — Try your shoes on a soft carpet, never outside. Use a shoe horn and be careful not to crease the shoes. Walk naturally with minimum flexing. Be sure not to bend the shoes before putting them on.
Assessing the Fit
- Toe room — There should be about a finger's width of space between the tip of the shoe and your longest toe. Your toes should never feel cramped or touch the end of the shoe.
- Width comfort — Your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe without feeling squeezed. However, it shouldn't be so loose that your foot slides side to side.
- Heel fit — A little heel slippage is standard in new leather shoes, but it should not be excessive. Your heel should fit snugly against the back without slipping out as you walk.
- Instep fit — The instep should not feel painfully pressed by the shoe. It should feel secure but comfortable, without any undue pressure.
Addressing Common Fit Issues
- Tight toe box — If the toe box feels tight, you may want to consider a shoe with a wider or more rounded last.
- Loose heel — Grips can help, but it's often better to try a different size or last that fits more snugly around the heel.
- Pressure on the instep — Shoes with a higher vamp or a different lacing system may offer more instep room.
Remember, a new pair of Aldens may feel firm at first. Quality leather takes time to mold to your feet. However, they should never be painful or overly tight from the beginning. Trust your comfort as the primary guide; it's the best indicator of a good fit. And you can always contact us to speak with an Alden shoe expert for assistance.
How To Properly Try On Alden Shoes
This video was created to give some advice on how to try on Alden shoes that you ordered online to ensure you have the right fit, and to keep them in premium condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alden Fit
As a player in the $387.7 billion footwear market, The Shoe Mart is ideally situated to answer your questions about Alden sizing. Read on for additional Alden fit information.
Do Alden Shoes Fit True to Size?
Many Alden shoes fit true to size, although a handful of lasts should be sized down.
Are Alden Barries a Full Size Down?
Alden Barries usually run a half-size large and should be sized down. If you wear a U.S. 10, you'll likely need a size 9.5 for shoes built on the Barrie last.
How Can I Be Sure I Get the Right Alden Shoe Size?
It is strongly recommended that you visit a reputable shoe retailer like The Shoe Mart to have your foot properly measured to be sure you select the correct size and width for your Alden shoes.
Trust The Shoe Mart for Your Alden Shoes
The Shoe Mart is committed to helping you find the right Alden fit. We have a comprehensive collection of Alden shoes and extensive expertise in fit and style. If you find your Alden purchase isn't quite right, our returns program allows for free exchanges. Shop now and discover everything Alden shoes offer.
