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

Man, how long before the American taxpayer is bailing Alden out?

Originally Posted by nutcracker

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Hi long time reader, first post here. Just want to share my own Alden's wtf moment. Its a LHS loafer in #8 cordovan. Knowing Alden's issue with QC, I specifically asked the store rep. through mail to check if my shoe was in good condition before shipping (won't say which store). Paid full price, wasn't buying seconds. This is what I got. Looks likes someone at New England made a sloppy mistake, tried to correct it in a worse way. I mean, really?? And yes, I returned them, but not before I got some good photos. As told countless of times before, my advise is to buy them in person.

Different view

Yikes!!

Not to threadjack, but LS, any updates on the snuff suede flex-welt boot reorder?

Sorry if this has been asked previously, but does anyone know where you can buy replacement waxed laces for Alden boots?

Originally Posted by PartagasIV

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Not to threadjack, but LS, any updates on the snuff suede flex-welt boot reorder?

Sorry for the delay! Everyone has been asking...I'm think they're about a month away.

Originally Posted by TintoTerra

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Sorry if this has been asked previously, but does anyone know where you can buy replacement waxed laces for Alden boots?

We sell them for $5.

Originally Posted by LeatherSOUL

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This could have happened through my shops too really.
Tom, I bought a pair of your make up Alden hampton v-tip in person from LSW. Your rep actually went through a couple pairs to choose the best one without me even asking (they all looked fine to me btw), and gave me tips on what to look for in a new pair. Couldn't be happier

Originally Posted by nutcracker

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Tom, I bought a pair of your make up Alden hampton v-tip in person from LSW. Your rep actually went through a couple pairs to choose the best one without me even asking (they all looked fine to me btw), and gave me tips on what to look for in a new pair. Couldn't be happier

Cool, thanks!

What I meant to say was it's really up to the final person who touches the shoe before giving it to the customer to make sure things are fine. I really think it's up to us retailers to protect the brands that are our livelihood so in essence it's up to store owners/managers to make sure their staff feel the same way.

^That's the only way I could see this being avoided or at the factory. I don't think it's realistic to expect everyone in the process to look for these types of things though it shouldn't have passed qc at alden. Stuff like this will slip through, not saying it's excusable but impossible to prevent 100%. Retailer should have probably noticed. I'm sure they'll take care of it no questions asked if sent back.

I agree

Alden pretty much blew up and they are obviously over stretched.

This is why we pay good money and don't nickel and dime a retailer, sup Tom.

Originally Posted by LeatherSOUL

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Sorry for the delay! Everyone has been asking...I'm think they're about a month away.
Yesss Any extra size 11.5?

Originally Posted by nutcracker

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Hi long time reader, first post here. Just want to share my own Alden's wtf moment. Its a LHS loafer in #8 cordovan. Knowing Alden's issue with QC, I specifically asked the store rep. through mail to check if my shoe was in good condition before shipping (won't say which store). Paid full price, wasn't buying seconds. This is what I got. Looks likes someone at New England made a sloppy mistake, tried to correct it in a worse way. I mean, really?? And yes, I returned them, but not before I got some good photos. As told countless of times before, my advise is to buy them in person.

Different view

Horrible. Let us know how you feel about the replacement. I am looking at that exact shoe.

I am not yet persuaded that Alden's quality control has slipped. What I see is (a) evidence that Alden is selling more shoes and boots, (b) evidence that more people are forum-enabled (have good camera, know where and how to post), (c) evidence that Aldens can be rough around the edges, and (d) evidence that forum-reading has increased the scrutiny people bring to their footwear.

It could be that quality control has slipped. But it could also be that examining shoes in close-up photos, has taught a new generation of Alden customers to scrutinize their shoes and boots to a degree that Alden never experienced in previous decades. Maybe Alden's quality control has never been all that. Maybe previous generations of Alden customers rarely cared or noticed some of these cosmetic problems. Or maybe Alden's quality control is good, and has always been good, and maybe they are being punished more for their screw-ups. There's many ways to interpret the evidence.

I would be more persuaded that there is a growing QC problem were an Alden retailer to pipe up and say yes, we are finding all kinds of strange things in the green boxes these days. I don't expect that will happen, though, for obvious reasons.

In the meantime, those loafers are awful. I'd send those back in a heartbeat.

Originally Posted by Dewey

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I am not yet persuaded that Alden's quality control has slipped. What I see is (a) evidence that Alden is selling more shoes and boots, (b) evidence that more people are forum-enabled (have good camera, know where and how to post), (c) evidence that Aldens can be rough around the edges, and (d) evidence that forum-reading has increased the scrutiny people bring to their footwear.

It could be that quality control has slipped. But it could also be that examining shoes in close-up photos, has taught a new generation of Alden customers to scrutinize their shoes and boots to a degree that Alden never experienced in previous decades. Maybe Alden's quality control has never been all that. Maybe previous generations of Alden customers rarely cared or noticed some of these cosmetic problems. Or maybe Alden's quality control is good, and has always been good, and maybe they are being punished more for their screw-ups. There's many ways to interpret the evidence.

I would be more persuaded that there is a growing QC problem were an Alden retailer to pipe up and say yes, we are finding all kinds of strange things in the green boxes these days. I don't expect that will happen, though, for obvious reasons.

In the meantime, those loafers are awful. I'd send those back in a heartbeat.

if your explanation is correct, we would be seeing complaints increase about all kinds of brands/shoes. granted there isn't a catch all C&J thread, or Trickers thread, or Grenson Rose thread, but you don't see a lot of posts about QC decreasing there.

I think the simplest explanation is probably the correct one: Alden has skyrocketed in popularity, and they are cutting corners/moving fast to keep up

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

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if your explanation is correct, we would be seeing complaints increase about all kinds of brands/shoes. granted there isn't a catch all C&J thread, or Trickers thread, or Grenson Rose thread, but you don't see a lot of posts about QC decreasing there. I think the simplest explanation is probably the correct one: Alden has skyrocketed in popularity, and they are cutting corners/moving fast to keep up
I don't have an explanation -- that was my point -- the data does not really support any explanation. Those other brands do not have the popularity that Alden has right now. And, I could be wrong, but it's my impression that C&J and Grenson Rose are better known for more elegant dress shoes. Alden's top sellers before their recent surge were the Indy boot and burgundy van-last penny loafer. They did not make their name selling immaculate balmorals. This is why I wonder if Alden's QC has ever been all that. I don't know and I doubt there are many posters who have bought enough Aldens, and paid that much attention, over the last few decades, to know. Maybe some retailers with no bias or axe to grind can provide perspective. Again, not saying I have a theory or know what is happening. I am just saying that people jump to conclusions that are not necessarily supported by pictures taken by a bunch of guys with a Canon S90 and a forum membership.