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

[green garden]

Does anyone know if Alden makes the tan suede Dover in the Leydon last? Or just Barrie?

Try looking at NRO. It's in the Leydon last.

http://www.northriveroutfitter.com/alden-plain-toe-blucher-in-tan-suede-limited-edition/

 

[green garden]

90% of everything is barrie.

alden just doesnt have a great selection in it's stores/sites, very limited.

Kinda sad, if you dont want something on barrie, then the only chance you have to get it is through group MTO (they even cut off individual MTO this year/last year). and even when you order it, it can take a year or more for the order to be fulfilled. (unlike carmina or vass where its 2-3 months)

makes me sad because I would order from them a lot more if not for the above problems.

Most of J Gilbert's make-ups are in the Plaza. You may want to try and look at those.

 

[mcass]

Thanks to all of you - great call on NRO. To answer one of the above questions, I didn't have any issues with fit. I just grew to dislike the lack of sleekness of Barrie - especially compared to my 1493 Leydon chukkas.

 

[mcarthur]

whiskey lhs

 

[mdubs]

Spoiler

whiskey lhs

Looking good as always Mac.

 

[BeSpiffington]



whiskey lhs

Very nice Uncle!

 

[mcarthur]



Looking good as always Mac.

nephew,
thank you

 

[mcarthur]



Very nice Uncle!

nephew,
thank you

 

[chipshot]

Without wading through tons of Aden posts .. Is the 405 Indy Shell #8 hand stitched.? Does this stitching pattern make for more circulation say apposed to a plain toe?

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

90% of everything is barrie.

alden just doesnt have a great selection in it's stores/sites, very limited.

Kinda sad, if you dont want something on barrie, then the only chance you have to get it is through group MTO (they even cut off individual MTO this year/last year). and even when you order it, it can take a year or more for the order to be fulfilled. (unlike carmina or vass where its 2-3 months)

makes me sad because I would order from them a lot more if not for the above problems.

Actually, Alden DC, Madison, San Fran, TSM, etc... all have a wide selection of non-barrie lasted shoes. While you are correct that MTOs are almost impossible to come by, there are many sleek-looking available Alden lasts out there (it may require some looking). Additionally, the leydon last wouldn't be my first choice for the dressier, sleeker look. BB's M-58 and M-75 lasts are excellent. The aberdeen and plaza lasts are great. I spent last weekend in NYC and found plenty of sleeker Aldens on lasts outside of barrie at Alden on Madison, Leffot, Citishoes, J Press, and BB to name a few. If you're looking for a sleek dressy look, Alden has options. But if Carmina or Vass have what you want with greater availability, have at it. But you will not get the classic American-made shoe/look with Carmina. And that my friend, is perfectly fine if that's your choice. It just isn't mine. TBH, I don't mind the wait times because I can not afford to acquire everything I want all at once. The demand and lack of supply actually paces me well and gives me time to decide that I do not need another very similar variation of color 8. Patience is a virtue!

While I am on the subject, I might as well complete the rant...

I find it disturbing that someone would ship American-made classics to some Spaniards to steal/replicate lasts/shoes/boots that have become uniquely American. I am not normally a nativistic jingo, but I'll support the American-made classic because I actually prefer it to the more expensive European producers.

I know this may rub some of you the wrong way, but disagreement and preference is healthy and perfectly acceptable on a thread that is as civil and friendly as this one.

My friends, all the best...

 

[clee1982]

Well, I would like to have the long wing shell cordovan on something other than barrie without MTO for starter...

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Well, I would like to have the long wing shell cordovan on something other than barrie without MTO for starter...

BBBF has had a black shell LWB on the grant last in recent years. Not the easiest to find though.

 

[clee1982]



BBBF has had a black shell LWB on the grant last in recent years.  Not the easiest to find though.

yea, there is one on ebay in 10D, nothing wrong with black shell, but certainly not my priority

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

I'm not sure that the LWB works well on a sleek last. You'd get something like the AE Larchmont, which makes no sense to me... But that's me and my opinion though; I like the barrie last.

 

[mediahound]



I'm not sure that the LWB works well on a sleek last.  You'd get something like the AE Larchmont, which makes no sense to me...  But that's me and my opinion though; I like the barrie last.

Exactly, it would look like a little kid shoe or something like that if it was on the leydon.