The Official Alden Thread for 2024 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[Calvin as in CALVIN]

Brogue 5ZP

 

[CLH03]

Rainy day footwear

 

[Ancestral Star]

A couple of questions for our resident Alden experts...

Do you find your lined vs. unlined Aldens fit any differently?

And how have your unlined shoes held up over time? I'm interested in getting the snuff or tan PTB but am fearful that they will end up looking like this after a couple of years. View attachment 2181007

From my experience, yes, with enough wear they'll eventually look exactly like the image you posted, even when stored with shoe trees. They're unlined so they don't really have much structure. And lighter suedes always attract some level of schmutz. Fitted right, however, they wear real nice. Almost like socks. But beware of the single leather sole, it's not very hard-wearing. I find that I feel every every pebble I walk over.

 

[shoetree]

Tobacco chamois indy x aom

 

[Hisheirness23]

Maiden voyage for these Navy Nubuck "Greenwich" Wingtip Boots on WTW! My favorite Wingtip boot style has to be the "Greenwich" from Leffot. 9 eyelets, Double Waterloc soles, antique edges, and 360 reverse welt!

 

[tuna roll]

From my experience, yes, with enough wear they'll eventually look exactly like the image you posted, even when stored with shoe trees. They're unlined so they don't really have much structure. And lighter suedes always attract some level of schmutz. Fitted right, however, they wear real nice. Almost like socks. But beware of the single leather sole, it's not very hard-wearing. I find that I feel every every pebble I walk over.

This echoes my experience with the unlined suede Chukka’s. Supremely comfortable, sock-like feel. But the flex soles feel too flimsy for urban use. You can feel everything under it.

Nothing a resole for something more robust couldn’t fix I guess? I wonder if someone tried this.

 

[overtone]

Looking to purchase my first pair or Alden shoes, a pair of unlined LHS. I wear an 8.5E in AE (Park Avenue). A store local to me carries Aldens but not in wide sizes. They can order them in for me but won't offer a refund if they don't fit. Should the 8.5E fit?

Thanks

 

[Hisheirness23]

Looking to purchase my first pair or Alden shoes, a pair of unlined LHS. I wear an 8.5E in AE (Park Avenue). A store local to me carries Aldens but not in wide sizes. They can order them in for me but won't offer a refund if they don't fit. Should the 8.5E fit?

Thanks

If they have an 8.5D you may wanna give that a try, first. I'm assuming these loafers are on Van last, but sizing advice with loafers are extremely case-by-case as factors like instep, heel width, high arch or flat feet, can all affect sizing. Even I've found wearing loafers with or without socks can make a difference in fit.

If your local shoe store carries Alden, they will know how to properly size you. Have them put you on a Brannock and go with their advice. I would think 8.5D would be a good start since 8D is both narrower and shorter than your AE 65 last (however, 8.5E and 9D in 65 last have the same volume).

Best of luck and welcome to the Alden fam!

 

[Vincent George]

Whiskey
View attachment 2181063

Love the mended pants. I love to mend garments, too.

 

[coolarrow]

Looking to purchase my first pair or Alden shoes, a pair of unlined LHS. I wear an 8.5E in AE (Park Avenue). A store local to me carries Aldens but not in wide sizes. They can order them in for me but won't offer a refund if they don't fit. Should the 8.5E fit?

Thanks

I would go to Alden DC or San Fran or Shoemart and get your sizing dialed in esp. for loafers. The Van last is a tricky fit. I take a different size in calf vs. shell, which is another factor to consider.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

For @Shoenut, since I know he loves this boot. I love these too, but just not on rainy days.

 

[serbarristan]

Snuff drew me to Alden and keeps delivering. Man, if Leffot ever runs the villager in snuff again, I’ll have a very similar buddy pair for these.

 

[Sheepdog]

First wear for this new pair from Brick+Mortar. I'm a fan! Wish they'd offer these in color 8 also...

 

[jellyroller]

View attachment 2182053

First wear for this new pair from Brick+Mortar. I'm a fan! Wish they'd offer these in color 8 also...

Very sharp, I love them. I've never tried the Plaza last...

 

[Hisheirness23]

I would go to Alden DC or San Fran or Shoemart and get your sizing dialed in esp. for loafers. The Van last is a tricky fit. I take a different size in calf vs. shell, which is another factor to consider.

Curious what size difference you have between shell and calf with Van loafers?