The online catalog photos of Mr. Smith are striking, but for me, the demarcation between the blue and black was very subtle, almost invisible in the dark or in shadow such that they looked like a solid-colored oxford without much trim. My shoe size shifts from 6-7, depending on the make and shape of the shoe, and I was pleased to discover that what I consider my true size, 6.5, was the correct fit. I've bought oxfords before and usually wear size 7 because they often run narrow. A Mr. Smith 7 was great in the toe box but I could stick in my index finger in the back of the heel. The 6.5 was a perfect and comfortable fit. By then, I decided I'd get more wear out of the shiny/matte styling of Mr. Evans, and it appeared to have a more narrow profile. Pat from OoAS said it was made from a different last than Mr. Smith, and had two widths, N and M. I chose M because my foot is definitely not narrow, and the 6.5 M is perfect. I wore it all that first day, gave it a rest, and then the remainder of the week, just running errands and seeing friends. I am in my later years, but still stride hard and fast on urban sidewalks. Such compliments! My ankle bones are lower than many people's, so I did insert a heel orthotic so the bones wouldn't rub against the collar of the shoe. It did the trick and didn't affect the sizing. The artistry put into the making of these shoes is extraordinary, and the details prove the care taken in both design and execution. Even the laces and their metal tips…
