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

[NAMOR]

jslade, how big are the Aldens? I know from experience the Plaza was big at first but now I just it tts instead of taking it in the same size as Barrie

 

[jslade]

I think you're getting me mixed up with someone else, my man. I'm the guy with the LS CXL Pitt Boots, which are on the Barrie last. I'd love to have something on the Grant last, though.

 

[CHRK33]

Thanks all for the grant sizing advice. Going to jump on the new ravello captoe boot from Leffot. Much appreciated.

ugh, I would jump all over this if it was in whiskey

Namor, you getting in on the whiskey shortwing boot group buy that I am putting together? It's coming together nicely.

 

[Ahab]



ugh, I would jump all over this if it was in whiskey

Like I mentioned a few times before, I'm completely new to buying shoes that are something other than 1) sneakers, or 2) shoes/boots that don't need to be cared for. I have a few questions regarding taking care of my shoes that I could use a little bit of help on, if one or two of you would be so kind.
From what I understand, the process of conditioning my shoes goes more or less like this:
1) Wipe dust, dirt, etc. off shoes
2) Apply polish to shoes with a brush, cloth, or even old t-shirt
3) Work polish into shoes
4) Wait for shoe to dry
5) Wipe off any excess polish
6) Brush shoes with horsehair brush (?)
Where exactly in this process do I go about applying mink oil to my Pitt Boots? My goal isn't to make my boots especially shiny or anything, although if it helps to condition my boots and to keep them in better condition for as long as possible, I'm all for it. Mainly, though, I just want to waterproof them for the rain and snow.
What exactly is stuff like Alden's Paste Wax for?
Is there any reason why Alden's Horsehair Brush is considerably more expensive than Kiwi's?
I plan on picking up:
(1) Horsehair brush
(1) Kiwi Brown Polish (dark brown?)
(1) Shining / buffing cloth
(1) Kiwi mink oil
(1) Horsehair applicator (?)
Thanks for any help, guys, and I apologize in advance for the noobie questions.

OK, I do not use oil on any of my boots (yet) but you would use the oil instead of the polish. For me:

Cordovan, JUST BRUSH. If I get a scrape I just brush a lot more or use spoon to rub it out. Want to get a horn for that sometime.

Calf: This is easier but tricky to explain.

1) Wipe dust, dirt, etc. off shoes
2a) Apply shoe cream to shoes with an old t-shirt. (Leather cream contains leather dye so be careful as it will stain everything including your finger tips. Prob best to do outside. If not possible put down some cardboard or paper) - This step is not needed every time but is great for covering up scratches and scrapes. Not recommended for cordovan? I usually wax after this step but not required.
2b) Apply thin layer of wax to shoes with a brush, cloth, or even old t-shirt
3) Wait for shoe to dry (Do not wait too long. Also you should be using a thin coat which should be dried in less than a minute or two)
4) Brush shoes with horsehair brush
5) Wipe off or buff any excess polish with cloth or old t-shirt

Shoe cream should match the color of the shoe as much as possible. Wax is OK to be off. I sometimes use black wax on #8/Ox Blood shoes and it works great.

There should be a lot of videos on this and how to oil boots.

 

[NewYorkIslander]



Wow, those are really nice. I've been wanting suede boots for a long time....

Those suedes are sueet! I'm on the pre-order for the suede barrie wingtip from LS, and I can't wait!

Namor, you getting in on the whiskey shortwing boot group buy that I am putting together? It's coming together nicely.

And also can't wait for this...thanks again for setting it up !

 

[HorseHide]



OK, I do not use oil on any of my boots (yet) but you would use the oil instead of the polish. For me:
Cordovan, JUST BRUSH. If I get a scrape I just brush a lot more or use spoon to rub it out. Want to get a horn for that sometime.
Calf: This is easier but tricky to explain.
1) Wipe dust, dirt, etc. off shoes
2a) Apply shoe cream to shoes with an old t-shirt. (Leather cream contains leather dye so be careful as it will stain everything including your finger tips. Prob best to do outside. If not possible put down some cardboard or paper) - This step is not needed every time but is great for covering up scratches and scrapes. Not recommended for cordovan? I usually wax after this step but not required.
2b) Apply thin layer of wax to shoes with a brush, cloth, or even old t-shirt
3) Wait for shoe to dry (Do not wait too long. Also you should be using a thin coat which should be dried in less than a minute or two)
4) Brush shoes with horsehair brush
5) Wipe off or buff any excess polish with cloth or old t-shirt
Shoe cream should match the color of the shoe as much as possible. Wax is OK to be off. I sometimes use black wax on #8/Ox Blood shoes and it works great.
There should be a lot of videos on this and how to oil boots.

If you are talking about Chromexcel boots I think you can forego a lot of the time and expense - a wipe-down after every use, shoe trees and some occasional Saphir Renovateur and you'll be all set. BTW - they charge more for the Alden horsehair brush (versus the Kiwi horsehair brush) because they can.

 

[Leighlon]

Saw this link: http://ameblo.jp/mens-gaga/

And scrolled down and noticed Whiskey Indy's at the Alden NYC store.

 

[Akeem]

What are the details on this shortwing mto boot?

Is there another thread?

 

[sellran]

Here are some pics of shoes resoled at B. Nelson. The first pair aren't Aldens so parden me for posting here. I just wanted to show off the red dainite soles on them.

Before the new soles. (With double leather).

After the new soles (Now red dainite with natural edge trim)

One more after shot

Black shell Aldens before the new soles (with double leather)

After the new soles (Now sinlge leather with low profile vibram commando soles).

 

[Mr.K]

That red dainite looks good. I am thinking of getting a pair of boots I am waiting for with a dainite for the winter.

 

[axroox]

Thanks for the head's up on the Whiskey Indy's, Leighlon. That's like spotting a unicorn. Just picked up a pair on Madison.

 

[NAMOR]



Thanks for the head's up on the Whiskey Indy's, Leighlon. That's like spotting a unicorn. Just picked up a pair on Madison.

indeed. i would probably have done the same if I was in NYC. Cant think of a better way to spend a lunch break

 

[jamesbond]



Ok, let's try this again. Purchased my 2nd pair of what looks to be defected ravello chukka boots. Last pair I bought about 6 months ago from shoemart had some funky stretch marks near the toe. This new pair (purchased from Alden SF) has a very weird dark diagonal stripe through the right shoe? Maybe I should just give up trying to acquire these? Does this look like another defect to you guy's or what?
New pair from Alden SF

Old pair from Shoemart

As with my last pair, I'm sure somebody on these forums already purchased and returned these, only to be sold back to me.

Well, talked to someone at the Alden shop today and they basically confirmed what I had already expected, last pair available and that their supposed to look like that, some pairs worse than others . Now, If you google Alden ravello chukka boot's you don't see a single pair with that type of a defect.

Guess I'll have to wait even longer for my grail shoe. If anyone knows of any place that has these in a 8.5D I would greatly appreciate the help.

 

[Dexter_]



Yeah, more or less verbatim. He was very forward about not being very open to accepting returns, and went on about it for a good minute or so when I inquired as to what their return policy was. I didn't mean to cause a **** show with my comment. The service was subpar, but I don't think going to Tom will do any good -- and frankly, what's the point? When it comes down to it, the boots that I received were, as far as I can tell, exactly what was advertised. Next time I'll get my Alden's elsewhere, and that's it. IIRC, Bryan is a personal friend of Tom's as well.
Anyway, I think Tom visits this thread from time to time, so maybe he'll see my dissatisfaction. And it really does seem like many people have had good experiences with Bryan.
Thanks for looking out, though, guys.

Not to beat a dead horse but looking at the pics, the boots do seem used and creased so its understandable that they will not be accepted for return. In all fairness, they cannot accept a used boot and sell it as brand new. I think every stockist has a similar policy.

 

[Morgan]



ugh, I would jump all over this if it was in whiskey

With about 8-12 months of wear, whiskey looks a LOT like ravello.