If youre lace up boots (in that case a pair of alden indys) are a bit tight in the instep will that area tend to stretch a bit? Or does that indicate needing a wider size? Ive worn my pair around briefly on carpet in case i need to return them. They feel good other than that tightness on my instep. It isnt super painful while wearing but when i take them off my instep is a bit sore.
Boot tightness question
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Sorry, but one thing confuses me about your question; the instep is covered by the blucher/derby style open throat with lacing, so wouldn't you be able to adjust the lacing so it's not as tight?
As to the rest of your question, I'm sorry to not have personal experience with the boot, but in general the boot should break in to a fairly significant degree, particularly if the upper used is Horween Chromexcel which is a softer and compliant hide. But that begs the question, how tight are they? There are limits to stretching, and I'm concerned these are causing you discomfort after removal. If they're grossly too snug, you'd probably be better off looking at another size.
I purchase my footwear via mail order, and I've sworn off Alden because I just can't find comfortable last/size fits. Brand fans insist you need to be fitted in person, and not having done that, I have to accept their experience. But since I can find other footwear I like even better, for less, it doesn't make it personally worth the bother.
As to the rest of your question, I'm sorry to not have personal experience with the boot, but in general the boot should break in to a fairly significant degree, particularly if the upper used is Horween Chromexcel which is a softer and compliant hide. But that begs the question, how tight are they? There are limits to stretching, and I'm concerned these are causing you discomfort after removal. If they're grossly too snug, you'd probably be better off looking at another size.
I purchase my footwear via mail order, and I've sworn off Alden because I just can't find comfortable last/size fits. Brand fans insist you need to be fitted in person, and not having done that, I have to accept their experience. But since I can find other footwear I like even better, for less, it doesn't make it personally worth the bother.
Ill try adjusting the lacing more. I only wear em around a few minutes on carpet as im debating whether or not to return em. The next width up just feels a bit wide and clunky on me. These are painful but i noticed slightly more snugness than id prefer when i tried em on late in evening when my foot was swoll the most i guess. Just sucks theres no Alden dealer near me as trying to get a proper fit in their boots is driving me nuts
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Yup, I find Alden's sizing/lasts quite different from any other make I've tried. They're unusual.
One thing I've learned is I can't wear all my socks with all my footwear. I've got crew socks (And others.) just a bit too thick for wear with some, and others that benefit from being worn with that added thickness. Typically, boots like the Indy are going be worn with fairly thick socks. Maybe thicker socks would work for you with a broader or larger size?
Also, if you're walking around at the end of the day in new footwear that hasn't warmed up, it's a very different story from putting them on in the morning and letting them warm up as your feet expand slightly during the day. You might also try wearing them with thinner socks, and see what you find.
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^ exactly! If you have to ask it means that you already know the answer. I realize you’re in a locale where Alden may not be readily available, it it’s not worth the risk.
It may also mean that the true balance last just isn’t for you. Something to consider.
It may also mean that the true balance last just isn’t for you. Something to consider.
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If I recall your prior post, you bought a 10C boot although your size is closer to 11 than 10.5, and normally is a D not a C, apparently taking online advice to size down in Indy boots. Predictably the boot does not fit very well.
Your course of action seems self-evident.
Your course of action seems self-evident.
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If he sized down a half a size, as Alden recommends for the Indy Boot(s), that could be the problem. When I first bought my Indy boots, I made the mistake of sizing down and had to return the original pair and up size to my regular size. 
The boot is a 10.5C Not a 10C. Obviously that would be far too small
I did try my regular size recently. It will work but its definitely roomier than i prefer. My heel can move side to side a bit. When i tighten laces the gap is almost completely closed. I dunno. Maybe this last just isnt for my foot.If he sized down a half a size, as Alden recommends for the Indy Boot(s), that could be the problem. When I first bought my Indy boots, I made the mistake of sizing down and had to return the original pair and up size to my regular size.
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One of the main problems I've encountered in trying to get a good fit in Alden footwear is that most of their lasts have, what for me, are exceptionally broad heels. And having a comparatively narrower heel, it's why I find many English lasts suit me quite well.
Which english lasts? Maker?
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I've found it to be a general characteristic of most English lasts across a variety of makers. The heels relative to the forefoot width tend to be significantly narrower than both AE and Alden, but particularly so, Alden.
Though there are exceptions with some English boot lasts made with broader heels, and a tendency at least for many Trickers' country lasts to be so made also.
The general shape and proportion of a last can often be better discerned from photos of the bottom of the soles.
This is the Alden Indy -
This is a Cheaney Jackie III chukka on Cheaney's 125 last -
This is Crockett and Jones' Islay boot -
And a comparative difference, though to a lesser extent, can even be seen in some Portuguese made boots. (Portugal can be a good source for less costly quality footwear.) This is Herrings Portuguese made, Blake-stitched, Coleford model -
In all four instances the ratio between heel and forefoot is significantly greater than Alden's Indy boot. I.e., the Alden Indy boot has broader heels. (And waist, also.)
Yea the bottom two look perfect. !
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Glad you find them appealing.
Pretty much everything Crockett and Jones makes is fine quality, but it costs accordingly.
Herring's Coleford is a handsome boot, and remarkable value priced at only $182. But while a fine boot for the price, I'd likely consider upgrading to Herring's Churchstow model, though roughly twice the price. (Though don't forget that you can get a 10% AAAC discount on any Herring branded footwear.) That additional money buys you Goodyear construction, much finer materials and manufacture by Carlos Santos, one of Portugal's premier makers.
Herring also sells Carlos Santos branded footwear as well.
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Apparently and predictably a 10.C is still too small.
Would be perfect if my instep wasnt so high
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