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

[unclesam099]

I don't have a pair of good dress shoes at all - what do I get for a first pair? I was thinking a shell #8 wingtip balmoral would be best for a good investment....

 

[John_]

Originally Posted by unclesam099

I don't have a pair of good dress shoes at all - what do I get for a first pair? I was thinking a shell #8 wingtip balmoral would be best for a good investment....
That or this in 8 shell would work for a first pair: http://www.theshoemart.com/cgi-bin/f...olor=Color%208

 

[PorterInjax]

second John's suggestion for the #8's

 

[PeterParker]

Originally Posted by number9dream

I wonder if the heels are different sizes? (For reference, I own the Shoemart boot in Color#8 and the JCrew Cordovan Captoe boot. Both are on the Barrie last, but the heel and overall footprint of the JCrew boot is much narrower and sleeker.) From the pic of the Epaulet boot, it looks more like the JCrew footprint, but I can't tell.

Anyone have any ideas?
The Shoemart wingtip boot has a 360 degree reverse welt. The J. Crew Captoe has a regular welt with a close heel. Based on the configurations, the J. Crew would have a narrower footprint at the heel. From the discussions about how configurations can affect the fit, the J. Crew might also fit narrower in the heel, and even in the forefoot.

 

[cimabue]

Originally Posted by jaydc7

alden monks look off...

I agree. Don't like brass buckles and don't like the aberdeen last.

 

[cimabue]

Originally Posted by PorterInjax

Uploaded with ImageShack.us Ravello Wingtip Boot from Epaulet
Does it look like the sole edges are being trimmed too closely for a boot? Anyway, will know soon enough as my short wing boots from SM are due tomorrow.

 

[MickCollins1916]

Originally Posted by harrythedog

so, i am hoping someone can help? considering a pair of 986's on the van last. i own 2 pairs, one longwing and one chukka on the barrie both 9.5d and one indy on the tru balance also 9.5d. do i go true to size and get a 10, or follow the half size down rule of thumb?

thanks in advance for any and all help!

I have personally given up completely on purchasing loafers on the Van last. I have a very high instep, and after some expensive trial and error, found that though 9E (my usual size) fits perfectly in width and length, they pinch the tops of my feet terribly. I've purchased and given up on whiskey penny loafers, #8 penny loafers and black shell penny loafers in different sizes and sold them off. Not a fan.

 

[sazon]

anyone been successful in getting 10% off Aldens from shoe mart over the phone?

 

[cimabue]

Originally Posted by sazon

anyone been successful in getting 10% off Aldens from shoe mart over the phone?


Yes.

I spoke to one of the owners, Joe. He was very helpful and efficient. Stand up people at Shoe Mart, I'd say.

 

[Dexter_]

#8 Indy boots.

 

[CHRK33]

Originally Posted by cimabue

Yes.

I spoke to one of the owners, Joe. He was very helpful and efficient. Stand up people at Shoe Mart, I'd say.

Agreed on all counts.

Just got a pair of plain toe boots in Natural Chromexcel from them. Pretty excited.

 

[Mr.K]

Originally Posted by sazon

anyone been successful in getting 10% off Aldens from shoe mart over the phone?

They did give me 10% on my 2 pairs of unlined chukkas last year since I had to wait almost 7 months for them.

 

[King Leer]

Got a pair of Chromexcel Leather Indys from a consignment store for $180

 

[lpounds]

I just pickedthese up on ebay for 61 bucks.

What I am really interested in is buying into the latest pre-order for some Alden Roy boots from Context. When I saw these on for 60 dollars I figured I would give them a try also.

Would this auction price be considered a reasonable deal? Can anyone lend some insight on the AA/B sizing?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mike f]

The AA refers to the heel size and the B is the width. They are a 12 B or narrow.