The Official Alden Thread for 2016 - Share reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[AliMurtaza]



In my experience, it varies from shoe to shoe.

It is always best to try on the actual shoe/boot if possible.....otherwise you run the risk of the fit being less than ideal.

I know this is not always practical, especially when you live somewhere with limited Alden retailers.

I thought there shouldn't be any difference if both the shoe and boot are of cordovan leather and on the same Barrie last. I am only worried about the boot being tight compred to the shoe, not the other way around.

I can understand if CXL leather boot is slightly snug compared to the cordovan leather shoe on the Barrie last. Unfortunately no one carries boots in the C width. It will have to be MTO for both the cordovan and CXL Barrie last boots.

 

[ClassyCanuck]

@ClassyCanuck what exactly is the makeup?

Those are 403 Indy's in CXL.

 

[HenryIII]



#4 sw boots

Spoiler

"America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed."

 

[Rstldr]



Is the general consensus that TruBalance runs wider in the ball and toes than Barrie?

Pepper. It is in my experience, but others no doubt have greater depth of knowledge.

 

[Rstldr]



Is the general consensus that TruBalance runs wider in the ball and toes than Barrie?

Deleted. Duplicate post.

 

[Subutai]

Those Alden x Unionmade NST look slick....but $600?!?

 

[TO Tie Guy]



Those Alden x Unionmade NST look slick....but $600?!?

Spoiler

If those were boots I would have had a real problem not buying.

 

[peppercorn78]



Deleted. Duplicate post.

Thanks man.

 

[mosy]

 

[hoit1981]



really nice project. well done sir.
that's the cigar i'm looking for. your nsts are fantastic.
great buy.13E?!?!?!  that's a one in a million buy.
i don't like boots being cramped into small(ish) boxes. size 13 boots should come one boot per box.

Lol it's true, 1 Alden box per boot would work nicely!

 

[mdubs]



Something a little bit different... Someone sent me a pair of vintage Alden 986s in Horween #8 Shell Cordovan and asked if I could try to make a card holder out of them. Here is the result. I documented my entire process from deconstruction, burnishing, hand stitching to edge finishing and added a bit of commentary as well. You can find that image album here. Incredibly fun project to do and I'm pleased with the results. Let me know your thoughts!

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That wallet is epic.

I just came back from vacacions and this is what I found: - Color 8 wingtip boot plaza last (Leffot) - Cigar PTB plaza last (HL) I think the plaza last is awesome and I am sorry for the bad quality of the picture

Spoiler

The Plaza Last is indeed superb! Both your new Aldens look great!

And then keep the wallet in its box in your closet

This was the quote of the day and DV posted Color 4 boots.

My latest acquisition - arrived today. Cigar NST on the Aberdeen last. This run is actually from 2009 - the shade of Cigar on these is gorgeous!

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Congrats! Enjoy your new Cigar NSTs!

Whiskey wingtip boots from TSM's 2nd's list. 379X last. Photo's taken under office lighting so doesn't capture the depth of the shell which is stunning. Boots include small scuffs (easily buffed out), lots of un-punched-out broguing and "R" stamps on the sole. Shells are clear, and the boots seem to be well matched in shade.

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My only real complaint with these is the box that TSM provided. In my size (12.5D-13E) all Alden boxes are basically too small, which means my shoes (and especially the boots) usually come stuffed into a box which is bursting at the seams. This particular box provided by TSM is a complete joke - entirely destroyed on arrival by boots which are way too big for the box. I mean, I know these are 2nd's and all, but can't we have a better box for $599+ boots?

Yeah, those boots would do. But dang those boxes are hilarious. I do not understand the Alden boxes, drives me crazy as well.

Plaza tankers for Tanker Tuesday

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The Plaza makes everything better! Looking good Don!

#4 sw boots

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Looking superb DV!!!

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Enjoy your LWBs! Looking good! -Mike

 

[hubert]

Hi everyone, longtime lurker here. I was hoping someone could let me know whether there are any differences between the standard Alden 975 and the J.Crew version. Thanks!

 

[thromb]

Is the general consensus that TruBalance runs wider in the ball and toes than Barrie?

Pepper. It is in my experience, but others no doubt have greater depth of knowledge.

@peppercorn78 I agree with Rstldr and IME the TB is just slightly wider than the Barrie.

 

[sleepyinsanfran]

Is the general consensus that TruBalance runs wider in the ball and toes than Barrie?

Dont know about others, but I do find the trublance wider at the ball, but the barrie toe cap/puff feels higher to me than trubalance. I take the same size in both.

 

[BenLeaman]



Hi everyone, longtime lurker here. I was hoping someone could let me know whether there are any differences between the standard Alden 975 and the J.Crew version. Thanks!

Should be the same thing, just disregard the description on J Crew's website stating they are Horween Chromexcel shell cordovan....