Question About Alden 405s

[tnjyoung]

Hello everyone,
I have a question about the fit of Alden shoes, particularly the Alden 405 boot. I have read countless articles, reviews, posts that Alden runs large. I am normally a spot on 11D in a shoe and when there is a variance I need an 11.5D. Since these run large (or at least that is what I have read) and one is told to order a 1/2 size smaller than "normal" do you think an 11D would work for me? My rationale is that if I sometimes need an 11.5 the 11 would be spot on and lets face it, I haven't worn a 10.5 since early high school...Thoughts?

 

[BigFitz]

I don't know how much this helps, but I measure as a 10.5D but often get size 11 because they feel better on my feet as I have a high arch. I went to the local Red Wing dealer to check out a pair of Beckman 9016. I mentioned this to the salesman there and after measuring me, suggested I get a pair of 10.5's. They had to order them as they don't carry that model in stock and the salesman said if they don't work out when they come in, that it would be no problem if I didn't get them. Don't know if you have a Alden dealer there in Deutchland, but if you could find one, maybe they would be able to be as accommodating for you as Red Wing was for me.

Welcome aboard!

 

[tnjyoung]

Thank you for your reply. I was introduced to this site by a friend last year when I was in Germany. I need to update my location as I am now in the States.

 

[1911 Man]

I wore a 9D for years, but the last little while have been buying 9.5D in most shoes, as I get a better fit. Maybe my feet grew? The 9.5 Alden 405 was too big, so I went with a 9, and it's perfect.

 

[tnjyoung]

Thank you. This helps a lot.

 

[coloradorider]

Hello everyone,
I have a question about the fit of Alden shoes, particularly the Alden 405 boot. I have read countless articles, reviews, posts that Alden runs large. I am normally a spot on 11D in a shoe and when there is a variance I need an 11.5D. Since these run large (or at least that is what I have read) and one is told to order a 1/2 size smaller than "normal" do you think an 11D would work for me? My rationale is that if I sometimes need an 11.5 the 11 would be spot on and lets face it, I haven't worn a 10.5 since early high school...Thoughts?

Hello - I think the 11D would work for you based on your experience above. The 405's I've seen are built on the Trubalance last which tends to run 1/2 size large (even compared to other Alden's). I wear a 11.5D or 11.5C in the Barrie last and a 12D or 12.5D (or C) in the Aberdeen or Hampton last. Google images for "Alden lasts" and you'll find the following picture so you can compare lasts among Aldens... For comparison - I wear an 11.5 medium in Red Wings Heritage styles (Beckmans and Iron Rangers) and find the Alden Barrie last fits very similar to this (that is - 11.5 Red Wing Beckman is similar to 11.5 Alden Barrie lasted shoe for my foot).

 

[tnjyoung]

Thank you. I will be placing my order in a couple of weeks. Now to decide on a color. As an Indiana Jones fan I am tempted to go with the reddish (Brown) but I really like the Natural Chrome Excel too. I will be pairing these up with a new Schott Leather G1 that I just purchased like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schott-G1-style-leather-bomber-jacket-/161090476624?pt=US_CSA_MC_Outerwear&hash=item2581bd9a50

 

[53Effie]

As a comparison in my case. My Iron Rangers and Redwing GT's are 10.5D and so are my 405's and the fit is quite good. I kind of vary between 10D and 10.5D depending on the manufacturer.

 

[tnjyoung]

That is great news. Thank you!

 

[tnjyoung]

Anyone care to comment on the jacket itself or the color they would recommend as a match?