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robin · Feb 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Notreknip

Is there an somewhat detailed summary/guide (even pictorial/photographic?) to Alden lasts anywhere on SF? I can't seem to find anything. It amazes me how even a city like Toronto apparently doesn't have a dependable Alden dealer so I can view these lasts in person.

If not, somebody start taking some side-by-side photos of these things so that I can compare the toe-box shapes before I spend $500+.
I threw this together awhile back with the common lasts. It kind of gives you a good idea of how they'll look, but they're all a bit different from a 3d perspective.

Notreknip · Feb 9, 2010

Thanks robin, that's the perspective I need. (Obviously it's not complete, but it's a start.)

The images on ShoeMart are decent but it's hard to coordinate 10 windows in order to be able to visually compare them.

Unless I'm missing something the Alden site is pretty much useless in terms of gaining information on toe shape and length.

Can anybody provide comparison information on Grant vs. Barrie?

mlyngard · Feb 9, 2010

Originally Posted by RFX45

Thats what I was asking earlier, because I know there are Alden Chromexel and then there are Alden x JCrew Chromexel and was wondering if gnatty's is from JCrew or just the regular Alden. Also does anyone know if there are any difference? I know the JCrew version has leather lining, not sure about the regular Chromexel Alden since my original 405 isn't leather lined.

Originally Posted by Trapp

I put this question to a SA in the Alden Shop in S.F. just last week. He said the Alden chromexel indy is the same as the J. Crew indy in every way except that the Alden chromexel is actually a darker brown. FWIW.
As far as I can tell, other than color (maybe?), it's just JCrew's typical "we're the only place you can get this ultra-unique design made just for us!" sales point that drives the $75 anal-**** price difference. If the Alden excel is the same color as my excel Docs, it promises to have some great color and tonal depth and massive character.

Originally Posted by joel_954

I assume the Shoe Mart Chrome Excel's are leather lined and the NRO Chrome Excel's are not leather lined. My Shoe Mart Chrome Excel Indy boots are #40514H, not 403.
I know you got the answer, but: "This new boot will be made on the Trubalance last and will be leather lined"

Originally Posted by iansir

I preordered the chromexcel indy's (403) from NRO about 3 weeks ago - still waiting for them to ship. Couldn't pass up the $378 plus free shipping price. They have had good communication so far when I had to change the shipping address. I'll post when they arrive.
That would be awesome. I just ordered today. They noted that backorders will be filled first with the stock they just received.

Dethevn · Feb 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Notreknip

Thanks robin, that's the perspective I need. (Obviously it's not complete, but it's a start.) The images on ShoeMart are decent but it's hard to coordinate 10 windows in order to be able to visually compare them. Unless I'm missing something the Alden site is pretty much useless in terms of gaining information on toe shape and length. Can anybody provide comparison information on Grant vs. Barrie?

Taken from earlier in the thread. Grant is on left, Plaza on right. Edit: Just noticed you're from Toronto too. I'm in the same position with regards to Aldens :/

jpm77 · Feb 10, 2010

Originally Posted by RFX45

Thats what I was asking earlier, because I know there are Alden Chromexel and then there are Alden x JCrew Chromexel and was wondering if gnatty's is from JCrew or just the regular Alden. Also does anyone know if there are any difference? I know the JCrew version has leather lining, not sure about the regular Chromexel Alden since my original 405 isn't leather lined.
The J. Crew's are actually stitched differently around the top, and heel. It's fairly subtle, but IMO, it takes a little something away from the clean lines of the 40x/Shoemart/LSH offerings.

J. Crew:

403:

Razele · Feb 10, 2010

@ Robin

Thanks for that mate, saved it for future reference.

BBSLM · Feb 10, 2010

Originally Posted by robin

Just got the longwings from J.Crew today. Very nice, and definitely much darker than the stock photos.

I was a little disappointed in the darkness, but Ive gotten used to it, and I really cant complain for $374 shipped (student discount). These are going to be in heavy rotation this s/s, and have completely replaced my 966's for casual wear - the aberdeen last is way too dainty.

jet · Feb 10, 2010

Grant ***** on plaza and barrie is still king tank.

MiniW · Feb 10, 2010

the Grant last has a pointier toe box than the Barrie, the Barrie has a rounder toe box and is slightly larger all around. Personally I found myself a good fit in 8 D in the Grant Last and 7.5 D in the Barrie. When I was breaking in my Grant Last shoes (the cap toe boots in shell), my toes occasionally got pinched together. I find the grant last pretty handsome but it won't fit everyone well. I am in a good mood so I took some pics of some shoes on the two lasts.

The black longwings are on the Grant Last (size 8D) and were a special run for BBBF, the burgundy are size 7.5D Barrie Last. And you can see from the side pic that the Barrie has a higher toe box.

jet · Feb 10, 2010

Thanks M dub, both are nice. Your pics just reaffirmed the barrie lw is the one for me.

mlyngard · Feb 10, 2010

Originally Posted by jpm77

J. Crew:

403:

JCrew also seem phobic of the contrast toe stitching. And thank you too for that. It totally satisfies the last few questions I had between the two.

Originally Posted by MiniW

]
Nice photo essay. Also much appreciated.

Notreknip · Feb 10, 2010

Originally Posted by jet

Thanks M dub, both are nice. Your pics just reaffirmed the Grant is the one for me.

FTFM

(Thanks again for the photos.) I'm more a bit more adventurous than the Barrie allows - I was deciding between the Plaza and the Grant, and I think the Grant is a perfect balance between fashion and boring IMO.

I think I might grab the #8 Cap Toe Boots from ShoeMart.

thenanyu · Feb 10, 2010

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Mens...581addb28745bf J crew Indy looks to have contrast stitching. I like its body stitching better though.

Omega Man · Feb 10, 2010

Originally Posted by Notreknip

FTFM

I think I might grab the #8 Cap Toe Boots from ShoeMart.

Are they shipping them to you? Don't recall ShoeMart ships to Canada. I could be wrong.

Dethevn · Feb 10, 2010

Originally Posted by Omega Man

Are they shipping them to you? Don't recall ShoeMart ships to Canada. I could be wrong.

They have international shipping but its insanely expensive

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