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

Respected Alden Connoisseurs:

I just received my very first Aldens! A #975 and a #403. After reading some reports of questionable QC from Alden in the past, I made sure to inspect my LWBs closely for any flaws. I found two notable areas of concern but I'm just not sure if I'm obsessing about the sort of small flaws that simply come with territory or if I'm dealing with a significant defect. If any of you on the board would be so kind as to offer your thoughts I would very much appreciate it.

Issue #1:
One of the shoes has a pretty big gap between the rubber heel piece and the leather heel and some cracking in the heel leather as well.There is some gap on the other shoe but not nearly to the same extent. I tried to capture some pictures:






Image #2 shows the cracking pretty clearly and Image #3 shows the gap well. Does this seem to be an entirely cosmetic issue or could it effect the life of the shoe? Is a return likely to result in a shoe with just as many issues? Is this something that I could easily have remedied by a good cobbler?

If it's relevant, I ordered from NRO (post reviewing my experience forthcoming).

Issue #2:
There is what appears to be some discoloration on the tongue underneath the laces. An area the size of a few quarters that looks a little darker than the rest of the shoe. Is that likely to be an imperfection in the hide or dying process what will never go away or is it something that will even out with brushing and polish etc. I suppose in the grand scheme discoloration under the laces is among the least offensive places to have something like that.

Thanks for any wisdom you might have to share!

Respect Alden Connoisseurs:

I just received my very first Aldens! I got a pair of #975 and a pair of #403. After reading a few posts and threads about questionable Alden QC I made sure to inspect closely for any defects. I found two areas of concern but I'm not sure if I'm obsessing over harmless flaws that come with the territory of if I've discovered some legitimate defects that I should deal with. If any of you gentlemen would be so kind as to offer my your thoughts on the matter I would very much appreciate it.

Issue #1:
On one of the shoes there is a noticeable gap between the rubber heel piece and the leather heel. There is also some cracking in the heel leather in a nearby area. I snapped a few photos to illustrate:





Image #2 shows the cracking most clearly and Image #3 shows the gap well. Is this normal? Is a return of the shoe likely to result in a shoe with some other flaw of equal or even greater concern? Most importantly, are these issues just cosmetic or could they have an impact on the practical life of the shoe? Is this something that could be addressed cheaply and quickly by a cobbler?

In case it is relevant, I ordered these from NRO (post reviewing my experience forthcoming).

Issue #2:Tthere is a spot the size of a few quarters on the tongue of the shoe that looks darker than the surrounding areas. I couldn't get a good picture of it, but if a picture would be helpful I'm sure I can try again later. It is particularly noticeable in direct light. Is this likely an irregularity in the hide or dying process that will remain visible or even get worse as the shoe ages or is it something that might even out with time through brushing and polishing. In the grand scheme of things I suppose that underneath the laces is amongst the better places to have this sort of flaw.

Thanks for any wisdom you might be able to share!

MarioImpemba said:

closerlook said:

don't do it!

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Lol, seriously. So annoyingly hard to try to source Tankers IMO. But Yenni/Seattle came through for me

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details please!!

Respected Alden Connoisseurs:

I just got my first Aldens but I noticed a couple of flaws that I'm concerned about. I'm not sure if I am obsessing and this is just the sort of stuff that comes with territory or if this is a legitimate flaw that I should address. If any of you would be so kind as to share your thoughts I would very much appreciate it!

Issue #1:




The first image shows some cracking in the heel leather and the second image show a sizable gap between the rubber heel piece and the leather heel. Is it purely aesthetic or could it impact the practical life of the shoe. Is this something I should take to a local cobbler for an inexpensive and easy fix? Would exchanging the shoes likely just end up with a pair with some other similar or even more substantial flaw?

If it is relevant, I order the shoes from NRO (post reviewing my experience forthcoming).

Issue #2:
Underneath the lacing of one shoe is a darker patch the size of a few quarters that is particularly noticeable in direct light. Is this just a permanent defect in the hide of dying process that will potentially get worse over time or is it something that usually evens out through brushing and polishing. I couldn't get a good picture of it but I'm sure I could grab one if it would be helpful. In the grand scheme of things underneath the laces is amongst the better places to have a flaw like this.

Thanks for any wisdom you might be able to share!

Kolecho:

Did you get the 10 1/2D? I tried to get them today in NYC... Alas...

Enjoy them!



LeatherSOUL said:

Just as an FYI and for confirmation, new makeups are taking 18 months from order placement till delivery. Previously made models can take a few months shorter. This does not include #4, whiskey, ravello, and cigar, which depends on availability and order queue.

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I think Alden can officially hire some new shoemakers. The demand is there, and will be.

I'll be purchasing my first Carmina's soon - I hope Alden doesn't lose me.



sazon said:

Just wanted to relay a good experience: Stopped by the Moulded Shoe yesterday in NYC on 39th to look at the Modified Last. I have a very flat foot so wasn't sure if this last would do me well.
Ron spent a good deal of time with me explaining how the last is shaped, who its meant for, and how it might work for my foot.
Surprisingly, even without my orthotic insert, the last was very comfy and provided very good support in the arch.
There were no shoes/boots that I was a huge fan of, but I would definitely consider this last in the future.
If you're in the NYC area, I'd recommend a visit to see if this last could do you well.

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Please see my signature.

closerlook said:

details please!!

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I emailed http://www.jgilbertfootwear.com/ and asked about their availability of several models, particularly the Tankers. Several weeks later Yenni from Seattle emailed me back saying she would have some in my size in August. People on here have suggested calling her as you will receive an answer much quicker. TSM, Leffot, Leathersoul, et al., never seem to have Tankers and if they get some in they're usually all preordered/spoken for. GL!

Dropped off by fedex this morning, J. Gilbert #4 & black saddle oxfords.

Roguls said:

I think Alden can officially hire some new shoemakers. The demand is there, and will be.
I'll be purchasing my first Carmina's soon - I hope Alden doesn't lose me.

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I love Alden, but it really seems like they need to. They no longer let you change the soles in their recrafting, and it seems like the waits are getting longer and longer. I'd love for them to even slightly raise the prices (SLIGHTLY) if they could bring back the old style of recrafting, fulfill the orders quicker, and do some MTO stuff. I know Crockett and Jones does it, I'm not sure how their volume compares, but I'd absolutely love to see it.



Renton said:

Dropped off by fedex this morning, J. Gilbert #4 & black saddle oxfords.

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Fantastic.



advan031 said:

Day tripper again....ravello FTW

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good looking ravello boot



sazon said:

The elusive Ravello today

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nephew,
good looking ravello wt boot



Renton said:

Dropped off by fedex this morning, J. Gilbert #4 & black saddle oxfords.

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enjoy wearing

whiskey wt
argyles otc