Footwear Size Guide
We carry quite a broad range of high-end footwear options here at Clutch Cafe, and each pair is going to size differently to the next. Therefore, we’ve put together a guide to help you understand some of the sizing and fit details for the brands and styles we offer so you can make a more informed decision about what is going to work best for you.
We’ll be using US Brannock device sizing as a reference point for this, but if you don’t know your size then find the comfiest pair of trainers you own and use the US shoe size stamped on them as the next best thing. If you own or have tried any made in USA New Balance models, those are essentially Brannock size when sized correctly. Most of our footwear brands are available in US sizing which is why we’re going American here - makes it easier to translate to what we have available.
Alden
Aberdeen Last
True to Brannock size.
The Aberdeen last is one of Alden's most true to Brannock size lasts. It tapers from the ball of the foot to the end of the toe for a sleek silhouette. Whilst a shoe on the Aberdeen last runs a touch long, it's not recommended to size down as the extra length accounts for that pointier toe shape - sizing down often results in pinched toes and an uncomfortable fit. The Aberdeen has a slightly high instep and may not work well for those with low volume feet, especially with the aforementioned issues with sizing down.
Barrie Last
Brannock size / Half a size down.
The Barrie last features a higher instep and softly tapered toe shape. It’s a very nice balance between smart and casual and is often used for the plain toe blucher style. This last is a roomy one and works well when worn half a size down for many people, although if you have a higher volume foot and/or a high instep, you might find your actual size the most comfortable.
Leydon Last
True to Brannock size.
A streamlined silhouette that falls somewhere between the Aberdeen and the Barrie last. Go true to Brannock size in shoes and boots built on this one for a comfortable fit.
Van Last
Brannock size / half down for loafers.
Used for most penny loafer styles as well as our Ranger Mocs. It features a roomy heel, low instep and slightly short toe box. This does sounds like it works against the shape of most people’s feet, but it works very nicely when sized correctly. Very comfortable worn true to size for styles with an adjustable fit (i.e. laces!) but often better at half a size down for loafer styles. A few people will get away with true to size in Van last loafers, as the low instep compensates for the roomier heel. In general, most people take the same size as they would in the Barrie.
Trubalance Last
Half down / whole size down.
The largest fitting last, used for the Indy boot primarily. At least half a size down for pretty much everyone, with some people going down a full size. A close fit in the heel and arch but a nice wide open, almost square fit around the toe. The intended fit should leave plenty of space between your toes and the tip of the boot. This allows for going a full size down if you have a low instep and lower volume foot, but when in doubt stick with half a size down.
Clinch
Clinch’s specially designed lasts are part of what makes their boots and shoes so coveted. A common feature across the board is a low instep and a slim fit. This is balanced by a round toe silhouette for most of their styles, offering a comfortable amount of room in the forefoot.
CN Last
Brannock size / Half down.
The brand’s standard ‘Classic narrow’ last, used for styles such as the engineer boot and jodhpur boot. Regular D width feet can stick with true to size, whilst those of you on the narrower side will get away with half a size down. Unfortunately these aren’t very wide foot friendly, but if you’re an E width then you may get away with half a size up. You’d be better off with the CN Wide last however, which leads into:
CN Wide Last
Half down / Brannock size if E width.
A wider version of the CN last. Regular D width feet will be comfortable half a size down, whereas wider E width feet can go true to size. Not recommended for narrow feet.
HR Last
Brannock size / half down.
Used for our Cowboy boot style. It features a pointier toe, in order to fall more in line with the styling of a traditional cowboy boot. It’s subtle and doesn’t affect the fit too noticeably for most - follow the same sizing advice as the CN last.
Clinch can be harder to size than our other brands, particularly if you’re trying to figure it out online rather than in-store. Please get in touch with us if you need further help.
Danner
650 EE Last
Half a size down.
Both the Light and the Mountain Light are built around the same 650 EE Last, and in this case EE is much more similar to a regular D width. They should be comfortable form the first wear - do not size these with the intention of having them stretch and mould to your foot. You want to be feeling more of a ‘sneaker’ fit with these when you try them on. They’re designed for hiking after all, and need to feel non-restrictive enough to do so. Keep this in mind when trying them on, even if you’re only planning on walking the dog in them. Go half a size down as a general rule, unless you’ve got a wider foot.
Paraboot
Brannock size / Half a size down.
Paraboot run true to size, but what throws a lot of people off is the heel and instep on most of their styles running big. If you have a narrow foot or a low instep then going down half a size is the best option. Otherwise though, it’s best to size these based on comfort in the forefoot over anything else. A little bit of heel slip is normal, and will settle down and disappear with wear.
Yuketen
True to Brannock size.
Yuketen shoes run true to size as a starting point. The brand reference US made New Balance as a reference for sizing, which is pretty spot on. When sized properly the arch support and accommodating moccasin fit make these some of the most comfortable shoes to wear.
However, a lot of the brand’s American made offerings can be sized differently if preferred. The unlined structure and use of softer leathers mean these shoes are some of the few that can benefit from sizing for stretch with wear. You can go snugger than usual with these (down half or a whole size) and the leather and insole will mould to your foot fairly quickly. This is not to say your shoes will become too big when buying your actual size. It’s a misconception that leather shoes which fit comfortably out of the box will stretch to be too big over time - they won’t. It’s all purely a matter of fit preference and Yuketen’s construction allows you to go either way. We’d say half a size down is the most you need to go for a more secure fit, but to each their own.
Wakouwa
True to Brannock size.
Wakouwa’s deck shoes are designed with ergonomic comfort in mind, and should be fitted in the heel and arch but with plenty of room in the toe. It throws a lot of people off at first and takes a bit of time to get used to, but once you do they’re incredibly comfortable. People often go down half or a whole size to get them to fit a bit more regular, which is fine with these. If you want to wear them as intended however, go true to size. It will feel weird at first but chances are you’ll love it once you’ve adjusted - full arch support, full freedom for your toes and no slippage in the heel.
White’s
C461 Last
Half a size down.
Pacific Northwest bootmaker White’s have a heritage of making some of the toughest all-leather work boots available, originally producing heavy duty footwear for loggers, linemen, and firefighters from the late 1800’s onwards. The boots have some of the most incredible arch support you’ll find - it feels like standing on a broomstick at first, but once broken in these things offer all day comfort in an extremely durable and weather resistant package. The Semi-Dress style we carry is built around the C461 last, and is reliably half a size down for a good fit, unless you have a wide foot. You should feel a secure fit around the heel, arch, and instep. The toe should feel comfortably round and roomy, with little to no pressure on any of your toes.