If The Shoe Fits

The title clearly references a shoe fitting but this could apply to any article of clothing. A common theme amongst the masses is to seek out a specific size. “I have worn size 12 since before the great war” I was once told. I’m not sure which war the fellow was referencing but I can say that he reality could and probably will change today.

              Unlike plutonium production and pharmaceuticals shoe sizing is not regulated much less the apparel that accompanies them in ones closet. There are a few reasons this is the case. One of which being is that size and wearing ease combines to create this thing better known as fit . Most clothing sizing for men is based on G.I. measurement to create sizing in order to standardize uniforms. Over the course of time this system has evolved or even some would say devolved into the myriad of sizing and more fits that we have today. Wearing ease and material choice impact the size to fit conundrum as well.

              When it comes to footwear, which has a similar life story of having a standardized system with the Brannock device is something that many have seen in their life journey through shoe stores. Whether it be by choice or by force we have seen them. The issue is not with the device but more so with the construction of shoes. Each shoe is built off of a last. A mold in which the material that makes up the shoe is wrapped around and shaped. The best of shoes are built off of wooden lasts that are made by hand for each foot of a specific client and on the other end of the spectrum there are plastic lasts made for every client. Whichever the case may be size is arbitrary and fit is king. If the shoe fits…you're smart. You know the rest.