Lost on Leather Shoes
Let me start with a quote from an Allen Edmonds sales associate ~7 months ago, who I'm trying to prove wrong: "You don't have loafer feet"
Essentially, I have had a super difficult time finding comfortable leather shoes since I began my search/journey. I have mostly been trying second-hand and shopping sales, and am almost convinced now I just need to buy new. Part of the difficulty is that I have wide feet and high arches. I am 12.5E on Brannock (even this may be up for debate; sales associates at Allen Edmonds/Alden have read anywhere from D to EE width); I have historically always worn size 13 in off the rack shoes because I didn't know my Brannock size. I am particularly attracted to loafers, followed closely by bluchers and derbies.
Brands that I have tried out, in some manner: Bass Weejuns, Meermin, Allen Edmonds, Alden, Bloomingdales Mens Store (lol). I am thinking of trying Grant Stone next.
I would love folks' thoughts on how I might better find what works for me. Are there particular brands I should look into? Am I approaching sizing wrong or inconsistently?
Bass Weejuns
My intro to loafers, recommended by a friend before I knew anything. 12D was painfully tight/small, so I went with 13D (retail $135 or so). Liked the look initially, but the leather never got "comfortable" and eventually I grew to dislike the shiny, plasticky look and the raw/rough feeling lining. If I don't wear thick socks with them, they hurt badly. I can't do low-cut socks in the summer with these without my skin getting destroyed. I won't continue wearing them. ❌
6 Replies
Allen Edmonds
This is where I began to realize how good leather could feel.
* Randolph 13D from eBay ($60ish) - my first proper pair. Nice patina and soft, lived-in leather, but ultimately too long. ❌
* Park Avenue 12E from eBay ($60ish) - I wore these to my wedding, they were like-new. They fit PERFECTLY. Almost like a glove. ✅
* Drake Derbies 12D from store ($250 - returned) - a Fall 2023 derby release. They didn't offer E width but I was advised they fit me well because they had a wide last. I wore them for a bit and they murdered my forefoot and arches. Thankfully CS let me return. ❌
* Leeds 12E from store ($199 - returned) - these are a classic, black PTB. I was in love with the look. I felt some tight pinching on the sides and was spooked by my previous experience, so I returned these, too. ❌
* Randolph 12E from store ($230 on sale) - these are my daily shoes. They have plenty of room in the forefoot and vamp/arch, but they feel very loose on the sides between the heel and the strap. I wish the leather was more snug on the sides of my feet. I tend to wear thicker socks with them for a better fit. ✅
Meermin
I visited the store in NYC twice and absolutely nothing worked. they didn't stock wide sizes in store either time. the sales associates told me the shoes should hurt at first but will feel amazing once broken in ("after a couple of weeks"). An absolute no for me.
Bloomingdales
I thrifted an unlined, suede 12D pair of loafers from Bloomingdale's Men's Store. They fit like a glove, look very decent, but are extremely flimsy and don't hold up to actual walking. Ironically one of the best looking pairs of loafers I have is the cheapest, lowest quality.
Alden
I've recently gone to the DC Alden to try on several lasts.
* Van last / LHS loafer - I fit in both 12D and 12E. I have no idea which will be better. Of course 12E felt a little more loose, but I don't know if the 12D would hurt my feet over the course of a whole day. It feels silly to make $700 decision based on a few minutes in-store try on. I love the look though.
* Barrie last / bluchers - I fit 12D laced up really comfortably. But again, it was just a few minutes in the store.
* Aberdeen / split toe derbies - tried on 12D, 12E, 12EE and nothing was comfortable. The entire shoe felt so tight and constricting.
* Aberdeen / tassel loafers 12.5D from ebay ($90) - I actually got these a while ago for my wedding shower. The price was a steal and condition was fantastic, but they were actually too loose, so I returned them. (I'm not sure how to reconcile this with my in-store split toe try ons)
I’ve found that socks can make a big difference in comfort. It seems like you’re doing the right things and exploring brands at cheap prices.
The only thing I would suggest is to read the pamphlet on how to use a brannock and actually figure it out
Also ignore the AE associates, I’ve never found them to know anything
Have you tried on Meermins unlined loafers? I think they are new. I got them recently and they are super soft and comfortable.
https://meermin.com/collections/mens-unlined-loafers
Meermin Shoes
Men's Unlined Loafers
Discover our unlined loafer collection. Extremely soft, comfortable & easy to wear. Properly made with the finest materials and offered at a radical value.
Yea, this is a good idea. I'll have to go find one at a department store or something I guess. And thanks for the vote on ignoring the AE associate's remark! I thought it was weird too, as a potential customer.
I have not, just all of their other lined loafers, which were all too narrow/restricting. Have you found the unlined loafers to fit differently?
I don't know if they are wide enough for wide feet but I also had problems to find comfortable loafers in the past and they fit me well without breaking in.
Their unlined loafers use a different last than the lined ones and according to their website they should be a bit roomier in the forefoot + the leather is very soft.
Good to know thanks!