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.
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.
