You ALDEN HATERS Are Gonna Have Mixed Feelings Re: This Thread **NOW RESOLVED 2/28**

[btinl]

the same threads are coming loose on my Cordovan PTBs from Leathersoul.

 

[JLibourel]

Kinda curious: I have purchased more than 30 pairs of A-E seconds, and I have never encountered anything remotely as egregious as what the OP experienced....and yet...and yet, any number of forum "cognoscenti" will still rate Alden as a definite cut above A-E, crappy flaws like that once again being excused as evidence of Alden's "artisanal" character!

 

[Joenobody0]

Originally Posted by JLibourel

Kinda curious: I have purchased more than 30 pairs of A-E seconds, and I have never encountered anything remotely as egregious as what the OP experienced....and yet...and yet, any number of forum "cognoscenti" will still rate Alden as a definite cut above A-E, crappy flaws like that once again being excused as evidence of Alden's "artisanal" character!

I can't speak regarding the quality of AE (1sts, 2nds, or 3rds), but I do think it's funny that when stuff like this happens you get a number of people talking about "hand made shoes." There is nothing hand made on a pair of Aldens that isn't equally hand made on a pair of AEs. Additionally, I' suspect that Alden has mechanized every process possible in their factory.

 

[cimabue]

Originally Posted by gusvs

Exactly the same thing happened to my #8 longwings after wearing them just a few times. I bought them from Tassels in Hong Kong and e-mailed them about the problem a few weeks ago, but have not received any reply yet.
That's just pathetic. Apparently nobody in authority at Alden looks at SF to see these kinds of complaints. Either that or nobody at Alden can be shamed.

 

[Jack2000]

My much maligned, made in India, Duckie Brown, navy shell long wings are not exhibiting any quality issues. Brooks brothers is carrying a pair in what appears to be whiskey

 

[Dewey]

Originally Posted by JLibourel

Kinda curious: I have purchased more than 30 pairs of A-E seconds, and I have never encountered anything remotely as egregious as what the OP experienced....and yet...and yet, any number of forum "cognoscenti" will still rate Alden as a definite cut above A-E, crappy flaws like that once again being excused as evidence of Alden's "artisanal" character!

I am not "cognospaghetti" but I rank Alden over AE because the shoes are more substantial, use better materials, and wear better over time -- in my experience. But I prefer boots and brogues to anything dainty or faux Italian or decorated with little bouncy brogue spots all over the place. So I can see how AE is appealing to a different kind of customer.

I've bought maybe a dozen pair of Alden in my life and never had anything like these separation issues.

And I'd take NYR's shoes after the quick repair over a set of McNeils any day.

 

[Reevolving]

I will quote myself from another thread:

Originally Posted by Reevolving

You are quantifying your wardrobe based on price. This is a sucker's move. Spending more only guarantees one thing: You paid more. It doesn't mean you get better style and quality. Some of the stuff that is more expensive is indistinguishable from stuff that costs 1/5 the price. Some stuff that is more expensive is actually worse. Some stuff that is more expensive is actually better. I suggest you take the time to you understand WHY certain things are more expensive, and choose where its warranted, and where it's not. Your money will go a lot farther, and you won't be a sucker.

 

[NAMOR]

The white stitching comes off really easily. Had to poke it back through with a toothpick.

Similar problem to NYranger with the stitching coming undone. I sowed it back and its as good as new (boot is only 2 months old). Lub my Aldens though

 

[knowsnothin]

Originally Posted by NewYorkRanger

I'd rather pay the $12 than have to ship and wait for these to get fixed.


Bad idea. Having some local guy "fix" the problem will void your warranty. You will be in a world of hurt if the local guy screws up the "simple repair," you send the shoes to Alden, and Alden claims it cannot repair the shoes because the local guy ruined them.

Don't risk it. Contact Alden and send them back.

 

[ELG]

That B.S. I was just starting to like Aldens (I'm wearing some now). You should get a complete refund.

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

Originally Posted by apropos

Usa! Usa! Usa!

 

[JLibourel]

Originally Posted by Dewey

I am not "cognospaghetti" but I rank Alden over AE because the shoes are more substantial, use better materials, and wear better over time -- in my experience. But I prefer boots and brogues to anything dainty or faux Italian or decorated with little bouncy brogue spots all over the place. So I can see how AE is appealing to a different kind of customer.

Oh, I see now: Sissies wear A-Es, REAL MEN wear Aldens. Thank you for clarifying this matter in such a succinct, insightful manner.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Worn once... hopefully this does not get worse. It looks over-exaggeratedly bad in the third photo, but still...

Also the left shoe, inside side, like Rob's pairs. Hmmm... Is this something a good cobbler can fix? Someone up top said not to "risk it" by using a local cobbler... but I've seen some truly ****** work by Alden with fixing this exact problem. Any more thoughts on that?

 

[blofeld]

Originally Posted by Mr. Moo

Worn once... hopefully this does not get worse. It looks over-exaggeratedly bad in the third photo, but still...

that ******* sucks and is super wack. are these actually made in china? perhaps made in china would actually be better? wtf?

I have about a dozen pairs of C&Js and have never once had anything remotely close to this happen. one pair is 8 years old and has been through a resoling and the stitching is still perfect.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by blofeld

that ******* sucks and is super wack. are these actually made in china? perhaps made in china would actually be better? wtf?

I have about a dozen pairs of C&Js and have never once had anything remotely close to this happen. one pair is 8 years old and has been through a resoling and the stitching is still perfect.

I dunno... I have other Aldens (none have been shell though) and they have been fine. So far I have only seen shell with these issues... I hope these don't tear because I don't want to deal with it, especially for $650 shoes.