How A Mens Dress Shoe Should Fit & How To Find The Right Shoe Size Online & In Store

[@SPNKr16]

Hope you see this, Raphael sir. Received my first pair of Ace Marks, no to mention never having owned "dress" shoes worth half the price, and I was unsure how to feel in general of first impression and also the fit of the shoe itself. So, thank you very much for assuring me the tightness is a positive, they're also the penny loafers, and I noticed I have a nice amount of room at the toe region. I recently tried a pair of Wolf Kanat tassled loafers (roughly half the price of AM, though very nice) and I do remember room in the toes but a snug, "like a glove" fit which just lit up a smile on my face. With the Ace Marks, not so much. A little more tight than I expected but with sheer use and wear they will conform to my feet and what I put the shoes through. Thank you very much for the tips and assurance. I was almost thinking of exchanging for wider width, or something. Thanks, sir.

[@alexisknows6513]

Thanks for the information , I am flying down to Guatemala to get custom made pair . One thing you should never do is wear same pair 2 days in a row . They need to relax ,just like a good suit. Thanks for being upfront about sponsor content ,we all need to make a living . Love this channel , I may even get a custom suit made in Guatemala with information provided on your other videos.

[@solecellarz2881]

Tracing your foot with a Montblanc. Life is good

[@godra051]

He is wearing few grand shoes..

[@monicagambino318]

Randy C 😂😎

[@DinnerForkTongue]

They were made to be used, after all.

[@rbelow1064]

😄

[@Tmanaz480]

Meh...Montblanc is overrated. He needs an Omas.

[@Iberian247]

I makes me shake my head (SMH) when I see KZbin complainers rant about sponsored videos... watch it or don’t watch it. Buy the product if you like what you see or ignore it if you don’t. Sheesh. Either way, I appreciate the information on proper sizing and what to look for.

[@147CT]

Regardless of whether or not you like the shoes in the video, the information on fit and sizing is very useful. Thanks for the excellent content, as usual.

[@tristan-bb7zj]

can you make a video where you go to a thrift store?

[@gentlemansgazette]

We could. Would be quite a bit more work, though. What would you like to see?

[@tristan-bb7zj]

+Gentleman's Gazette some kind of vlog where you walk around in one and show us some examples of good clothes and shoes and bad ones and maybe give some tips

[@Justin-yb6mf]

Gentleman's Gazette a video of you buying bargains that others overlook

[@jasonackerman8760]

I would love to see Raphael show how to find gems at a thrift store especially since that's the solution offered often for buying higher quality suits on a budget.

[@lucemus1]

That would be awesome

[@seppiluthold5014]

Good job. While I prefer Allen Edmonds or Alden these look good. I appreciate that you mentioned it was a blake rapid stitch. These are easier to repair then a pure Blake. I may try a pair.

[@golfbuddy1969]

I’m a new subscriber...some good information here. Many times, your socks will tell the story if you are wearing poorly fitting shoes. If the back heel of your sock is wearing thin, you are wearing shoes that are too large or too wide. If the sock pull tight against your toes when putting them on, your shoes are probably slightly too small or narrow.

[@root9065]

Hey Sven, very good stuff as usual. I was thinking it would be cool to see a video on leather care. For example how to take care of brown leather shoes or brown leather boots, and also what to do to maintain their color. Some people talk about brown shoe cream, others don't recommend it. I can imagine it can be quite challenging to find the right shade of brown cream in order to be sure you don't ruin the already existing color of your shoe/boot. What's your take on this kind of stuff? Thanks :) PS: You have the coolest channel on KZbin.

[@doctorx0079]

I think he's working on that!

[@romz5330]

neutral polish

[@tss81exon]

Hey sven, I am really impressed with your videos. I started dressing well and enjoying it after watching your videos. Can you suggest what type of clothes to wear during vacations and while traveling.

[@peterlewis1770]

Tracing your feet with a Mont Blanc pen. Fantastic :-)

[@westfieldartworks8188]

I know the video is about shoes...but honestly I never thought socks could play such a powerful role in over all appearance until I started seeing the Fort Belvedere brand. They accent and transition both the pants and the shoes. God those are nice.

[@TrioPack2222]

Get Allen Edmonds clearance instead. Ace is good, but AE is better.

[@travelguy6454]

I just wanted to compliment you on such quality videos. You bring a very interesting dynamic to the table and it is very refreshing. But I wanted to also at the same time challenge you by asking if possible, would you be able to give better insight on to what to do in the event that you’re completely dressed up and you somehow get a stain on your suit or pants? What is the best course of action when? Should you use club soda to blot out the stain or do you have any other recommendations for detergent when it comes to washing, to prevent ruining your outfit?

[@adamybarra3518]

Thanks for the suggestions, I just bought two pairs of Vince Camuto dress shoes and my heel slips up on every step it’s annoying. I’ll be ordering some heel cups from Amazon shortly! Thanks again.

[@doug1863]

My right foot always gives me a hard time when buying any type of foot wear and seems even worst as I have aged. The fact that I have wide feet and a high instep doesn’t help me at all

[@enniogiordano9145]

Mmm, Italian shoes that I can't get easily to Italy (60$ shipping!). There's something wrong.

[@seybertooth9282]

Why on earth would you buy shoes from America when you're sitting in the shoe capital of the world?

[@tahahadada1936]

@@seybertooth9282 people want to try new things and to show Off

[@swelarsson86]

I almost always order it online and never have problem with the size. Only thing i need to think about if i order UK made it´s 9 1/5 but if it´s like Italian or Spanish then it´s size 10. Why i don´t know

[@verveblack]

Use arrows to point at the shoe parts please. I still have no idea which specific shoe parts you are talking about sometimes.

[@goombakiwi]

I'm surprised you didn't loosen the laces up more beforepushing your foot in. I bar lace and find I can quite easily loosen and then use the shoe horn.

[@huntercat93]

The beauty of you videos was that it were not sponsored, had this video been the same you may have recommended or features better brands which could have made this video more rational and informative.

[@markn1090]

I agree. Many English shoe makers make shoes that are much higher quality than the shoes in this video for a similar or cheaper price.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Mark which ones?

[@gentlemansgazette]

+huntercat93 Why would we destroy a reputation that we built over years for a sponsored video? That makes 0 sense. We only recommend only what we think it's worthy. As we always said, these are not the best shoes but a good bang for the buck.

[@lukecage9836]

huntercat93 sponsors pay the bills. He should get paid for the work he does on KZbin.

[@lukecage9836]

Gentleman's Gazette exactly.

[@zaurike]

Is there a proper, reliable width conversion system to convert US width to UK width? Men's Brannock goes from A (narrow) to E, followed by 2E (extra wide), where D is the medium / average / standard. In the UK, at least with Loake and Barker, the men's system ranges from E to H, where F is the medium / average / standard. Would I be correct in assuming that if my US shoe width (e.g., Allen Edmonds) is a D, I should look for F width in UK shoes (in US length of 10 / UK9)?

[@FullContactDrummer]

Measuring your foot with your Mont Blanc? Nice!

[@Razzzordback]

In sneakers only 0.5 cm extra space its enough, but in dress shoe because of narrow shape 1 or 1,5 cm work better.

[@angrywargamer8836]

I came here to say that a real gentleman would make a tracing of his foot with a fountain pen ;)

[@ermvcorleone3069]

This measuring system is great but doesn't work for me. I'm supposed to be a size 10 accrding to my measurement but my shoes are always too loose at the ankle. My fit are medium wide but my ankles are extra small.

[@michaelciccone2194]

Super informative! I like your videos

[@AceofDlamonds]

Hey Sven nice video LOL. I have been finding clothes for myself for the past two weeks and I noticed the date this video was uploaded; you come up with this video when I needed it most. Cheers. Thank you.

[@KoubuPilot]

As I've experienced with my fractured talus, the swelling from an injury will also turn your oxford's 11 into a V. I have yet to tru on any shoes because until my ankle swellong finallu goes down, the size won't be accurate.

[@JonathanGrandt]

Last things first. I have never found a last that fits me just right. I have to go with close enough. I’m always open to suggestions. I have a very narrow heel with a very wide ball and toebox. I have somewhat flat arches and low profile feet. My left foot is over a 1/2 size larger than right and it causes many issues. My left foot is always trying to burst the shoe and my right is getting cut at the toe when the leather bends because of too much extra space. You know what I mean? Whenever I find the perfect last I’m going to buy 100 pair.

[@itssoeasy5536]

Check out Carmina Shoemaker. They’re about $100 more than AE but have multiple lasts and are of an excellent handmade quality, Goodyear welted.

[@arthurchou4090]

Is it possible to do a video on Peal & Co from Brooks Brothers as a review on their shoes for Gentleman's Gazette for a future episode?

[@Richloouser]

What if it folds around the ankle when you walk but tight everywhere else?

[@jschreadley876]

Why can't someone come up with a process whereby a manufacturer sends you a liquid mold system that you complete at home. Then, you send the molds to the factory and the shoes are made based on the mold. Perhaps still somewhat bespoke, but much cheaper than 2K.

[@gentlemansgazette]

The mood itself is not that helpful. You still need to make lasts that look the same for two feet that are different and you have to understand the fit preference of the customer

[@brockluetkemeyer9770]

The real answer is this is not cost effective. Most shoes are not made to order and are made in a factory based on standardized sizes.

[@didamnesia3575]

@@brockluetkemeyer9770 the real answer as you put it, is that they are talking about bespoke shoes. Custom made. Answering your way is a waste of time for everyone

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Now this is a *very* good, informative episode. I appreciate the tips and tricks.

[@TheRoadOfLoading]

Waiting for this video for so long... I always have difficulties to determine the size and end up buying the larger one. Next time i would try to take the smaller one for snug fitting. Thank you

[@kjvwarrior777]

I wear a size 13- 6E, always get mine online from certain companies, even dress shoes.

[@ianturnbow7011]

We out here chillin’ in New Balance and Nike Air Monarch kicks in size 15 5E.

[@JimmyG3237]

Great information!!! Your socks are really nice!! 🧦👌😊

[@paulmurphy42]

Do you have that exact tie in plain black? If so, where can I order it? Thanks.

[@sli8361]

Is there a trick to get the width to show on the shoe sizer document? When i download it it doesnt show the widths. Shows everything else.

[@brianagee2790]

Great timing. Was looking exactw this sort off advice as I've been in a shoe buying spree lately but also find I exchange or return more often due to sizing issues.

[@shellymommer4782]

That was awesome!!! Thank you!!! Shelly in Iowa, USA!!

[@faridbennani1066]

ich danke Ihnen für Ihre videos, die extrem behelflich sind. (fan aus Marokko)

[@wesleyjordan8349]

Sven those striped socks are fresh AF!!!! I want a pair!! They add a lot of cool factor to your dress shoes!

[@3dsublimevreality962]

Very nice vidéo sir thank You for this sharing,i love these Shoes, very wonderfull 😎😎😎❤❤❤

[@TheGamingDandy]

Some people need to calm down about this video being a "sellout" or whatever other juvenile terms you may use. Sven did not say these are the greatest shoes money can buy, he said they are good quality for the price. Just because it is sponsored does not mean it's untrue. And most of the video is about sizing shoes anyway. The brand is almost irrelevant.

[@AceofDlamonds]

TheTrueHappy The people yelling "sellout" and stuff are overcome by confirmation bias and stupidity. Judging the quality of a shoe based on some "bending" and apparent shine they see on a video.

[@jamo6079]

He does purposely mishold info like he wouldn't otherwise. For example, normally, he criticises foam because it doesn't last at all, but he didn't say that this time for the sponsor, luring his viewers to a purchase he knows is flawed.

[@vincenzom2846]

Hi Sven! Superlative video as always! I know this is a sponsored video, and as so it could be difficult for you to be truly impartial, but I would like to know your opinion about Meermin shoes compared to ACEMARKS, with respect to leather, manifacture ect.. Please don't focus on characteristics that are consequent to Meermin being goodyear welted and ACEMARKS being blake rapid , since, as a big fan of your work, I know what this difference means in terms of comfort, durability and so on. Thank you for your great work! Vincenzo

[@gentlemansgazette]

I have had a pair of Meermin's for years. I do not know how their production changed or not. It is a cordovan tassel loafer, and the leather is quite hard, but comparing cordovan to calf leather is not apples to oranges. The AceMarks last works better for my foot, and I have 8 pair of them. I really suggest you just order a pair and try them on next to each other at home. That way you can see what works best for you. The Meermin I have is a very different shoe than the AceMarks

[@torinalexander2253]

It would have been nice to give some information companies that make nonstandard sizes, e.g. narrow last or bigger sizes. For example, I wear a 15 1/2 A/AAA.

[@Tmanaz480]

I find that if a shoe fits well I need a shoehorn. Also, good brands usually offer more half sizes.

[@CreachterZ]

Thanks! I don’t know the correct terms here. What size of a gap should you have between the laced sides of your shoe? How much of the tongue should show?

[@itssoeasy5536]

5mm at the top eyeloop is ideal.

[@kuldipsingh366]

There seems to be a gap at the back at 11:13, does that mean that shoe is too loose?

[@boltthrower3215]

What can I do, when my heels in my c&j‘s are so stiff that I get blisters???

[@anpaage]

Great video, thanks! Regarding all the criticisms about a sponsored video, I think it would be great for you to let us know what the weak points of AM are, so that we make a more informed decision

[@McLOVIN_456]

You just did one mistake... You wear black trousers, with brown shoes... that‘s actually a no go, especially with this kind of shoes 😁✌🏽

[@bruce9108]

Hi Sven, Thanks for another good video. Very helpful. Do you have any experience with Paul Parkman? They have some really interesting styles, but a bit pricey.

[@keggerous]

Shoes are always too tight in the waist for me. My feet seem to be very strange. The ball of my foot isn't the widest part of my foot. It's the area behind my ball. Every dress shoe I wear, or nice leather boot is almost always too tight in that area.

[@jeremybaker8626]

What tie knot are you using in this video?

[@sachinbalusu8032]

Hi Sven, as always a good informative video, i have been following your videos from a long time and building my Wardrobe with proper clothing, i have question for you what is your view on Allen edmond shoes, i have couple of them bought those after seeing your 5 shoes every man should have Video .I bought a loafer and Oxford shoes , Just wanted your view on Allen edmonds

[@michaelciccone2194]

The socks are nice!

[@michaelciccone2194]

I have to look for such a pair to go with my new Edmonds tassled .black loafers+patent leather shoes All go nice with some nice dress slacks + suits!!

[@michaelciccone2194]

Really nice to get a "heart' reply. I just purchased my Edmond shoes near Grand Central Station, NY

[@tahahadada1936]

Very nice

[@robbgregorrichard1009]

Hello, Your video is interesting as always. As we are many guys to look for upgrading our wardrobe, it could be nice to have a video about how to take care of our shoes. I mean, how to polish and shine leather shoes. I learned that in the army but not everybody has such background. What do you think?

[@jdorman2583]

I wish you could buy similar quality shoes for women as they have for men. Carmina is the only brand I know of that makes women's Goodyear welted shoes.

[@Jay78910]

Look up "the office of angela scott"

[@steverocksyo]

My foot is 11 inches which is size 11 but I have never worn a size 11 dress shoe ever, they're too big. Maybe my pen needs to angle inward to 10.5 which is what I wear.

[@jamesty8623]

im us 5 size, any idea what brands shall i go for ? oxford, derby, boots, brogue ?

[@nacionalista1779]

What’s the brand of your tweed jacket and do you know where I can get it? Thanks great video very helpful

[@airborneSGT]

One of your best videos!

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Manny Bamberg thanks

[@leanderdato4764]

Do you have any tips for guys with small feet? I have a EU 38 with a super slim heal but the front is much broader. Where I live I can't find shoes below EU 40

[@avimench1]

hi Raphael, great work. what do you think about Bally shoes? the Swiss/Italian....thanks a lot, really.

[@SirBlade666]

Are there any options (besides bespoke) for someone who has a foot that's too high to wear oxfords without a huge V? Going for a bigger shoe till I can close the V means a shoe that's way too loose. I must have tried dozens of brands without success.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+SirBlade666 not really, just wear Derbies

[@jacquesautorita3204]

Get brands with high instep, there were some places like Stefano Bemer or George Cleverleys that offer such shoes, just do some research , there are shoe companies with shoes for such high feet

[@mikalrain]

SirBlade666 There are solutions for you, friend! Like Jacques said, you need to find shoes with high instep. Most brands have different lasts/models, so go on a discovery trip. Don't buy online (until you've found out which models fit). Finding Oxfords might take some effort, but it'll be worth it. An alternative solution is derbies, but you still need to try out in person. Not all derbies have high instep/more room. Yet another option is going for boots. That will surely rid you of the problem. If your taste/climate/job allows boots, this may be the way to go. Good luck!

[@anpaage]

At least a last of Crownhill in Spain has a high instep, apparently good quality for the price too

[@mikalrain]

anpaage That's correct. I've been to the store and can confirm.

[@rodrigocarneiropereirafran8521]

Great video! It's a shame I can't find these brands en Brasil

[@ChrisLee-UK]

I've always bought a size 9 to 9.5 UK but according to the chart, it says I'm a 12 to 12.5 UK :o I'm at a loss as I desperately need some Brogues for an up and coming event...

[@JM.TheComposer]

Very practical and informative. Thank you Rafael!

[@grahamhardin8]

Thank you! This is just what I️ was looking for! I️ was wondering about the laces thing!

[@mrkongsimr]

HI thank you , very helpful . Most of mine shoes are a bit loose I think I've never tried a size narrower which is what I will do next .

[@AJB_313]

My feet are biggest 1st thing in the a.m., so I'm constantly exchanging shoes because I never know if they actually fit until I try them the next morning.

[@bartvanroy2562]

That's impossible. After a night sleep your feet are always the smallest. Your feet grow during the day because of walking around and having your weight on them all day. That's why you always have to try on shoes in the pm.

[@roofchees9]

wearing the new green tie i see. I think I need one.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+roofchees9 yep, I really like them. Have a closer look in the shop.

[@amitfromisrael5006]

I have AM shoes the D width is too narrow, and I sent them an email lets see how they handle, as when ordering I specifically asked for E width

[@marcogonzalez4615]

Great video, I think you’re channel is extremely underrated and deserves more attention.

[@markbarnes6626]

I have a special problem. I have artificial legs. The feet are not like a normal biological foot. Shoes have to be stable and very tight or I could stumble and fall. Do you know of any good dress shoes that would work for me? I haven't been able to find any.

[@Glass-Eye25]

What if my feet can’t fit in the hole? And I’ve already gone a whole size up :o

[@dragonmaster7841]

Great information. I understand the sponsor aspect of videos for money but feel these vids are very biased. I would prefer you push your products more than companies you would not necessarily use yourself.

[@aronpresquito8191]

Great informative video!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks

[@styzoom]

So you wear 11.5 US, but the table converts this to EUR 45.5 and I don't think that is your true EUR size.

[@bartvanroy2562]

11.5 us is 45.5 eur. I have a 10.5 us. This is a 44.5 eur

[@godra051]

Do you have video how to break in shoes propperly? Is it enough just wearing them?

[@DinnerForkTongue]

I can only recommend wearing them on your own time, so ypu can remove them to give your feet a breather now and then. As time goes on, you can wear them longer and longer, and eventually they'll be great to use for the whole day.

[@moneybatalvi8130]

Hello dear sir where are you from?

[@SVAhil]

Hi what about slip on dress shoes

[@monicagambino318]

Beautiful shoes all of them

[@kevin-jg5nq]

The problem I have with shoes is that I wear an “A” width. My feet are very narrow.

[@Roadsidemagician]

Good stuff sir. I very much enjoy watching and learning. Keep up the good work -Cruz

[@davidcooke7744]

I have to get a extra wide shoes with a high instep almost imperceptible.

[@philmcchrystal1670]

Surely dress shoes are black patent leather shoes, I think your talking about formal shoes

[@gcmacyman]

Very nice socks !!!

[@erovere1]

Parabéns pelos vídeos, Sven. O sistema Brannock é mesmo o melhor e dá um número acima para mim em comparação com os métodos tradicionais, explicando porque antes os sapatos ficavam apertados . Sugiro você postar um vídeo sobre sapatos masculinos (ou acessórios) feitos de couros exóticos (tubarão, arraia, peixe-lobo, jacaré, canguru, cobra, lagarto, etc).

[@rosslane2014]

I can’t take this Ace Marks commercial seriously. In one of your videos you speak about how foam wears down quickly and cork is the way to go. Now you talk about about how Ace Marks foam is the way to go.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+Ross Linton I think you do not understand how shoes are constructed. Cork is under the leather insole, and here there is passing on top of the insole. Many makers do that. What's bad is to have foam in the place you usually have cork.

[@2pakiMakabeli]

300 dollars for blade stitched lol. You were suppose to bring balance, not join these youtubers who are paid by sponsers. You taught me about good year welt and now I'm watching videos about blade switched videos.

[@gentlemansgazette]

+2pakiMakabeli I think right now they sell them for $235. Goodyear is good, and I like it too. But not everyone wants the stiffness of Goodyear and I understand that. These can also be repaired. If something is not balanced because you disagree I suggest you make your own videos ;)

[@2pakiMakabeli]

I understand that. I live in London so I could go barker and buy quality shoes for less than £200. Don't see why ace markers or paul smith shoes are better especially since they cost a lot more. The sponsor part was a ajoke but my point was I could watch your videos knowing you spoke without a sponsor so what you said was truth, it was unbaised and not paid for. Most of your videos are like that now ofcourse, I just ignore the sponsored one or I'd take it with a pinch of salt knowing it's sponsored. In other words, it seems everyones sponsored now lol. Still, I watch your videos and love them too. Merry christmas.

[@BeyondLumination]

Just because it’s sponsored doesn’t mean it’s a bad video. If for example, this video was about Crockett & Jones and was sponsored, does that mean C&J is now a bad quality brand? No! In addition, your 200 is in British Pounds which would be $277USD. Factor in VAT compared to US taxes (which are lower in many states) there would be a bigger discrepancy. Now, although Sven has said a higher price in his video, at the time Ace Marks was going for much lower. There are many discount codes online which would bring it closer to $200USD. Also, they had 2 Kickstarter campaigns that had the shoes for $180USD. I’d say you’d be very hard pressed to find a better value for money. I for one am glad Sven was sponsored to talk about a value for money brand like this as he gets paid AND the general public has a brand to go to for a better quality shoe. However, I agree with you saying at $300USD is less worth it. I also think $300USD is a higher than it should be. But at around $200USD it’s definitely a solid shoe for its price.

[@SPNKr16]

4 years later the Ace Marks fad is finally dead. As an absolute dress shoe beginner, I gave in to it and paid dearly (they are still painful to wear). Nobody wears nor talks about Ace Marks anymore. Finally people are talking many other brands, old and new. When this video was new, it seemed like there almost no other brands out there - that's how much people were talking about Ace Marks it was bleeding ridiculous.

[@J4G8]

Thanks

[@RexExLiberi]

Does ACE MARKS sell to the UK or Italy?

[@lolly4961]

RexExLiberi they ship everywhere if you pay the shipping and taxes

[@gentlemansgazette]

Sounds like it www.acemarks.com/shipping

[@Acemarksshoes]

All our shoes are made from 100% Italian materials and are handcrafted, hand-dyed, and hand-burnished by 4th generation Italian artisans in our factory in Italy. We are a US based direct to consumer company. This means we cut out the middleman so you don't have to pay for retail mark-ups. We pass the savings on to you. We currently do not have a fulfillment center in Europe yet but as we continued to expand we do see this in our near future. This is why items ship to us in the US then back to the EU.

[@anpaage]

I presume there is a tax issue too? if you manufacture in Italy and sell them in Europe without tax, you would have to pay taxes to import them into the US, you cannot skip import taxes everywgere

[@nitina8564]

Ace marks have a lovely Collection of shoes. Anyone looking for shoes just given them a visit once is what I would recommend. I love shoes n ace marks is one of my favorites at the moment. A great video.. details r good knowledge is great n is pretty helpful. Thanks n keep up the good work.

[@trayahzz537]

Amazing pennyloafer and socks

[@Only2GendersCommonSense]

When did they start making shoes made out of "ledder"?

[@currypac]

Quality inner sole Cusion sock Room to flex toes

[@gljay]

Wonder if they have 14E?

[@gentlemansgazette]

Looks like they do. Just reach out to them.