The Brannock Device is the industry standard for measuring foot size. As you can see in the picture, it measures both length and width, with separate heel cups for the right and left foot. Unfortunately, these measurements don’t mean shit.
Every shoemaker builds shoes on their own proprietary lasts. For those of you don’t know, the last is essentially the shape of the shoe. Turn any shoe over, and look at the sole. You’ll have a pretty good idea of its last shape. Some are wider than others, some more elongated. Knowing the way a particular maker’s lasts fit your feet is far more valuable than knowing your Brannock size.
My most recent Brannock measurement was taken roughly six months ago. The result was the same as it’s been for the past TWENTY years; 12D. And, while the majority of my sneakers are size 12, my dress shoe collection (which includes offerings from Allen Edmonds, Church’s, Crockett & Jones, Grenson, Italian-made shoes from PRL and Paul Stuart) does not feature a single size 12D. Yup, the Brannock device is the industry standard in an industry in which there is no standard.
reposted from the tumblr.
