***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

^^^ I've been trying to figure that out myself.

Hello. I joined this forum just for this thread. I purchased the JCrew Indy boot, my first pair of Aldens, and love them so I also picked up the cordovan perf. toe boot. They haven't arrived yet and I can't wait! So, after placing the order I started looking into how to care for them, which led me to pick up the travel kit and the appropriate wax. I wanted to see if I could find examples/images of shoes that have had lots of wear and care and that led me here to StyleForum. And, after going through pretty much this entire thread, I decided on my third pair, which I got today from the Alden shop here in San Francisco: cigar shell longwings with double leather soles. The guy even threw in some eyelets so I can replace the speed-hooks on my Indys. I have a difficult time reaching my left foot from a few hip surgeries and the eyelets will help a lot. This is a great thread. Thanks for the input you didn't know you were giving at the time

You already have a great collection! Those cigar longwings are one of my favorites....

Originally Posted by GreatHighway

Click to expand...

Hello. I joined this forum just for this thread. I purchased the JCrew Indy boot, my first pair of Aldens, and love them so I also picked up the cordovan perf. toe boot. They haven't arrived yet and I can't wait! So, after placing the order I started looking into how to care for them, which led me to pick up the travel kit and the appropriate wax. I wanted to see if I could find examples/images of shoes that have had lots of wear and care and that led me here to StyleForum. And, after going through pretty much this entire thread, I decided on my third pair, which I got today from the Alden shop here in San Francisco: cigar shell longwings with double leather soles. The guy even threw in some eyelets so I can replace the speed-hooks on my Indys. I have a difficult time reaching my left foot from a few hip surgeries and the eyelets will help a lot. This is a great thread. Thanks for the input you didn't know you were giving at the time

Originally Posted by GreatHighway

Click to expand...

The guy even threw in some eyelets so I can replace the speed-hooks on my Indys.

Whoa, this can be done? Never heard it mentioned before. I'm guessing a cobbler would have to do it. Let us know how it works out (I love my nst's but i'd trade the dopey speedhooks in in a heartbeat).

Originally Posted by stylenoob718

Click to expand...

I think those 20% dont apply to the 3rd party brands right? or is there a special coupon I should look out for?

I've already stated a few times the coupon works on all cobrands. I've used it twice now successfully online.

Originally Posted by Trapp

Click to expand...

Whoa, this can be done? Never heard it mentioned before. I'm guessing a cobbler would have to do it. Let us know how it works out (I love my nst's but i'd trade the dopey speedhooks in in a heartbeat).

lol Like I said, I read pretty much this entire thread. Kind of embarrassing to admit, but hey, this is where I got the idea to ask. He said at one point he was using brass eyelets. It was towards the end of our conversation so I didn't want to hit him up for THOSE also

Just looked at all my alden boots and I jsut don't see how speedhooks can be replaced without major surgery being done to the boot. They're sewn under a flap of leather which is sewn under another flap of leather. All of that would have to be unpicked and then redone after the speedhooks were replaced. Matching the thread and the stitching size would probably be a nightmare. Alden would have to do the work. I wonder what the SA was talking about? Not second-guessing him per se, just wonder if there was a miscommunication.

It can be done by a cobbler. They gave me the card of a guy in the neighborhood

Originally Posted by GreatHighway

Click to expand...

It can be done by a cobbler. They gave me the card of a guy in the neighborhood

Anthony's?

Mak & CO

Originally Posted by Trapp

Click to expand...

Just looked at all my alden boots and I jsut don't see how speedhooks can be replaced without major surgery being done to the boot. They're sewn under a flap of leather which is sewn under another flap of leather. All of that would have to be unpicked and then redone after the speedhooks were replaced. Matching the thread and the stitching size would probably be a nightmare. Alden would have to do the work. I wonder what the SA was talking about? Not second-guessing him per se, just wonder if there was a miscommunication.

Hilarious. I pulled out my boots and had the same thoughts. I love the construction on these things. He just gave me the card, said to ask for Ming and to say I was sent by the Alden SA and he'll take care of me

Originally Posted by Trapp

Click to expand...

Just looked at all my alden boots and I jsut don't see how speedhooks can be replaced without major surgery being done to the boot. They're sewn under a flap of leather which is sewn under another flap of leather. All of that would have to be unpicked and then redone after the speedhooks were replaced. Matching the thread and the stitching size would probably be a nightmare. Alden would have to do the work. I wonder what the SA was talking about? Not second-guessing him per se, just wonder if there was a miscommunication.

I think it's much easier than it may seem. There's no need to open up stitching, etc. The speedhooks will need to be removed (cut) from the boot using some sharp pliers. They are mounted on the boot in a similar fashion the eyelets are except only through the first layer of leather. Once removed the eyelets can be pushed in (using rivet tool). They will just be punched through the second layer of leather.

The only thing is that the speedhooks and existing eyelets are not on the same line (distances from edge vary), so you'll have to just live with that.

Originally Posted by Trapp

Click to expand...

what does this mean

Originally Posted by jerrybrowne

Click to expand...

^^^ I've been trying to figure that out myself.
. It was a silly thing to say, but true. they are now for sale at slightly less than retail, size 10.5

Originally Posted by illumin8em

Click to expand...

.

It was a stupid thing to say, but true. they are now for sale at slightly less than retail, size 10.5

It didn't make any sense. Why are you uncomfortable with them?

Speedhooks can be removed with no fuss. I have done it to a couple pairs of boots in the past and replaced them. It looks smoother and is much less harsh on laces.