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

[TO Tie Guy]



Hi guys,I want to add a suede boots to my collection. What I want is a versatile boots can easily dress up or down, and I want to pair them with slacks and jeans. I current have a black shell PT boots, color 8 Chukka, Indy 403, and a tan suede Indy. Can you guys give me some suggestions?
Is contextclothing roy boot in snuff suede a good choice? I think it is special coz it is always out of stock. What's the different between a roy boot and a normal plaintoe suede boots (I think TSM carrying a similar one).Thanks a lot,Lee

Epaulet will be re-running the Plaza lasted suede wing tip boot with brass hardware and commando sole next week.

I'm bias, but it is a beautiful boot!

 

[HenryIII]



Interesting tidbit:

I was re-watching the Epaulet Alden tour video yesterday. Floyd mentions that the price of the 975 in 1957 was $30 a pair. If you take $30 from 1957 and run it through the CPI inflation calculator, that equals approx. $255 today.

I guess Shell Cordovan has outpaced inflation, just a bit.

$30 975s today

 

[g2cdk]



Epaulet will be re-running the Plaza lasted suede wing tip boot with brass hardware and commando sole next week.

I'm bias, but it is a beautiful boot!

Thank you, I will check Epaulet next week. Is this a pre–order?

The perfect boot if you scroll up a few posts...

Than you

 

[TO Tie Guy]



Thank you, I will check Epaulet next week. Is this a pre–order?
Than you

Follow this thread or the epaulet thread and they will annouce it when they go live.

@Epaulet

 

[stevefok]

The TO Tie Guy boot has arrived...WOW! We are so thrilled with how these made up

Anyone who ordered one should have an email in their inbox and the balance payment page is here.

Follow this thread or the epaulet thread and they will annouce it when they go live.

@Epaulet

The Triple T boots are absoultely gorgeous!!! Congras to all who kopped it.

BTW, I am surprise that Alden uses the "Herat" shape medallion instead of the "Ram" medallion on this make-up. I think Ram medallion is what Alden usually uses for Plaza last...

 

[Gabru]

Alden of Madison is taking orders for a 6 eyelet wingtip chukka in color 8 cordovan shell on the Grant last. I don't see this makeup often

This surely looks different but I wonder how much is it different from a regular wingtip boot. For me, I prefer chukka design because it's easier to take on/off due to shorter shaft height and fewer eyelets (2-3).
Alden boots already have comparatively shorter shaft height, so these don't look much different (though of course there is some difference)from the shaft height perspective.
Also, these have 6 eyelets which will take away from the ease of having 2-3 eyelets like a regular chukka. I'd appreciate others' thoughts on this..

 

[devastitis]

Hi guys,I want to add a suede boots to my collection. What I want is a versatile boots can easily dress up or down, and I want to pair them with slacks and jeans. I current have a black shell PT boots, color 8 Chukka, Indy 403, and a tan suede Indy. Can you guys give me some suggestions?
Is contextclothing roy boot in snuff suede a good choice? I think it is special coz it is always out of stock. What's the different between a roy boot and a normal plaintoe suede boots (I think TSM carrying a similar one).Thanks a lot,Lee

At least from the pics, the snuff suede looks too similar to the tan suede. If you want a truly unique piece to dress up and down, I really like the Roy Boot in Earth Chamois. I was considering that, but already had the Indy Boot in Earth Chamois in hand, so decided to stay with my Indy Boot.

 

[mdubs]

Hello all,
I am truly impressed by some of the Alden collections I have seen on this thread. I'm seeking advice on my first pair of Alden boots. I have two boots to select from. Feel free to suggest other style and leather combinations based on the information below.

What I will be using them for
Daily use. I want a pair of brown lace-up boots that go with just about everything, and that don't require daily maintenance (weekly is fine). I own a pair of black toecap boots. My ideal collection will include black, cheery-brown (#8), and natural.

Where I live / background
Seattle. It often rains, and people here dress very casual and athletic. It's been a bit of an adjustment (I moved here from NYC). Some of the items in my wardrobe feel too loud, or dressy for the Pacific North West. I am a grad student, mid 30's , work in technology. I don't wear suits that often, but when I do I have other shoes for that.

The contenders​

Alden Shell Cordovan #8 Indy boot
I love the interplay between formal (cordovan) and casual (work boot). I also think that the moc-toe stitching gives the front of the boot more structure, which helps to maintain the shape over the long term. This particular boot has a light colored lip around the edge of the boot (see photo below), which adds to the casual appearance. I'm little concerned about how shiny they are, but I own CXL boots and with those I find that I have the opposite problem- they get too dull too quickly. Can I expect Cordovan to even out over the long term? I've noticed that lot of Alden collectors prefer Cordovan.


Context Roy Boot
I'm aware that these boots are much beloved. They seem perfectly casual, and I love that the leather has red undertones. I'm concerned that they will look beat up after a few months, although for daily casual wear that might be fine. I'm also concerned that the leather will stretch. I already own a pair of CXL boots and they stretched more than I would have liked, even when I sized down. I'm practiced in taking care of all kinds of leather and have no problem keeping them clean and giving them a good shine every now and then. The crepe sole is appealing because it looks comfortable.

Photos​

Context Roy Boot



Me trying on a pair of the Shell 8 Indy



My Pinterest board

Not even a question, that Color 8 Indy from B+M. The hand stitched (Moc Toe) and Shell Cordovan is the epitomy of Alden. Get them and don't look back. Also seems to mesh well with your requirements based upon your local with formality and Commando for your wet weather.

As council I would strongly advise you to proceed with the shell offering. In fact, there's rarely a situation where I wouldn't recommend shell. Even if you lived in the desert - reach for the crups...except black colored crup old boy. Unless you're a minister, paulbearer, or Amish...you'd be best served with only a single pair of black oxfords in your ensemble to be reserved for funerals.

+1

Hallecks today / inside & outside

Terrific Mr. Z!!!

Some tan suede LHS today.

Killer Suedes and Trousers.

ravello tassels for me today.....

Wow, that is one model that I would love to get my feet in someday!

#8 medallion cap toe monks

Your new Alt Wien Monks are looking killer bud!

Snowy day here in MI, so office residing Color 8 LHSes today. I don't wear these nearly enough

A great choice Henry!

Luv my AF43. My first photo post here.

Good looking boots and congrats on your first shoe-fie, they seem to get addictive or something.

hello all,

alden noob here. I chanced upon an alden loafer on ebay and in italian the material stated is "Leather Cordovan" --

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/SCARPA-ALDEN-37918Y-scarpa-uomo-/172096755986?var=&hash=item6da5fdaa56

could someone help identify if it is #8 or Cigar? or even cordovan at all?

Thanks!

From those super high res photos, it looks like the stock 563 (Color #8 Shell Tassel) to me. The fading on the left loafer is very similar to how mine have faded. The uneven fading is a little weird though to me.

Alden x Brick+Mortar Reverse Tobacco Chamois Wingtip boots
- Commando Sole
- 360 Flat Welt / Antique Edge
- Eyelets and Speed Hooks

My first rev cham boots. They are comfortable as hell and I can tell they're meant to be an everyday boot in any condition. They smell like playdough. They are super oily so I expect they'll be pretty water repellent today since we're getting a little dusting of snow apparently. I'm stoked... they're a great boot and worth the wait.

Also a side note - Yenni at Brick and Mortar is amazing to deal with and has a ton of great makeups. If you haven't bought from her store before, make make sure to give her a call!

Congrats Chris, those are great looking boots and enjoy your foray into Chammy.

Taking my Indy Boots out today

Them Indy's be looking fine bud! Enjoy them!

#8 Indy's today. Getting scuffed up and discolored in all the good ways (Preemptive: no, I don't need to clean them or any advice on how to get the markings off of them).

Got some good patina already going on those Indy Boots.

Cigar gunboats 2day. These are from the recent dark cigar run, but they are lightening up nicely esp. on the vamp.

Looking good Cool. Nice looking Cigars. The SF makeup is always a cool twist with the Dark Edges.

The TO Tie Guy boot has arrived...WOW! We are so thrilled with how these made up

Anyone who ordered one should have an email in their inbox and the balance payment page is here.

Sam the Man! Very nice looking WT Boots sir! Glad that they came through and they look beautiful! You will have many happy snuffers!

$30 975s today

Ha, nice looking 975s Henry. You got a good deal on those, but not that good! ;-)

Cheers guys! Nice to be home again and to have more footwear to choose from than my beloved #8 Tassels...

-Mike

 

[mdubs]

Hi can someone give me some insight in this model number? I'm being told it was special order of a pair of Womens Alden. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

That is interesting, I actually would believe that claim about them being women's shoes. Alden used to make shoes for kids and women. I would contact Alden directly or talk to Adam at AoC to get more information. I have no clue if that is guys sizes or womens sizes or what... It looks like a 987 to me from that encompassing high res photo.

Try [email protected] for inquiries...

-Mike

 

[kbadgley84]



That is interesting, I actually would believe that claim about them being women's shoes. Alden used to make shoes for kids and women. I would contact Alden directly or talk to Adam at AoC to get more information. I have no clue if that is guys sizes or womens sizes or what... It looks like a 987 to me from that encompassing high res photo.

Try [email protected] for inquiries...

-Mike

I was
Thinking 987 also, I had the person measure the shoes and it is closer to men's size than a women's shoe. The only thing I can think of would be that it's an Alden make for someone else. Thanks for the help!

 

[Parker62185]



Wingtip boot on the Grant last. Color 8 with an antique edge, flat welt on commando sole.
From Brick & Mortar. Yenni is doing another run, you may be able to get in on the pre-order.

Do you or anyone have a picture of these wingtips with jeans on? That would be great to see!

 

[stevefok]

Do you or anyone have a picture of these wingtips with jeans on? That would be great to see!

I happen to have one on my IG https://www.instagram.com/p/_uBDB0FNcg/?taken-by=stevefok316

 

[kbadgley84]



That is interesting, I actually would believe that claim about them being women's shoes. Alden used to make shoes for kids and women. I would contact Alden directly or talk to Adam at AoC to get more information. I have no clue if that is guys sizes or womens sizes or what... It looks like a 987 to me from that encompassing high res photo.

Try [email protected] for inquiries...

-Mike

Wow people at Alden are really helpful, emailed last night, recieved a reply thos morning

She says its in the "Mitch" last, haven't heard of this one before

 

[Michigan Planner]



Hi guys,I want to add a suede boots to my collection. What I want is a versatile boots can easily dress up or down, and I want to pair them with slacks and jeans. I current have a black shell PT boots, color 8 Chukka, Indy 403, and a tan suede Indy. Can you guys give me some suggestions?
Is contextclothing roy boot in snuff suede a good choice? I think it is special coz it is always out of stock. What's the different between a roy boot and a normal plaintoe suede boots (I think TSM carrying a similar one).Thanks a lot,Lee

You've gotten some good suggestions here already, particularly regarding the new snuff suede wingtip boot from Epaulet. I have a pair of those headed my way and looking at the stuff you list as already owning, I think they would make a good addition you your collection as well. I don't think there is anything wrong with having both tan and snuff suede and I think Alden's snuff suede is absolutely gorgeous.

Regarding the Roy Boot from Context vs the similar boot from TSM, I think the main difference is that the Roy Boot is on the Trubalance last and has dark eyelets and speedlace hooks while the TSM version is on the Barrie last and has brass hardware. In this instance, I think I prefer the dark hardware of the Context version. FWIW, Context has a batch of snuff suede Roy boots currently in production at the Alden factory - they were confirmed back in the fall and should be ready for delivery anytime now.

One other option that I would throw out there is the unlined suede boot. I think the chukka boot in suede is an entirely different beast than the shell cordovan version. It's so much lighter and more comfortable. I live in mine in the summer.

 

[wdahab]

Whiskey snowboots today.