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

[mcarthur]



Unless you have a plethora of #8 and no black, I'd stick with number 8. I could be wrong but I do think that the black will age and patina to a sarker brown #8 color, especially with application of #8 polish, but would take a long time. I have one pair of black cordovan, BBBF LWB. I wear them occasionally. If I didn't feel the need to own at least one pair of black shoes, I;d probably get rid of them.

i agree with you that you need to own one black shell

 

[mcarthur]



Here's my AF53's after about a year or year and a half of mild use. I've left them exposed to direct sunlight for some hours and they are stored in indirect light most of the time
I truly believe that the color change is from exposure to UV light which fades the red dye. Red usually fades more than other pigments. Black shell doesn't really fade FYI
Walking and polishing won't affect the color very much. It's the light.

nice shine

 

[sellran]

Pricing question. Most shell boots are priced close to or over $700. The new Jcrew boots are $625. Seems like a good deal to me. Any ideas if this price is low?
See: http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shoes/AldenForJCrew/PRDOVR~47355/47355.jsp

 

[rennavate]

Probably lower priced because they're black shell.

 

[sellran]

Another reason to get black shell then! They not only don't show stains, etc.... They are cheaper.

 

[lagsun]

I think Black and #8 shell are priced similarly. Really depends on the style. Cigar, Ravello and Whiskey are priced at a premium....

 

[NAMOR]



Congrats to Leather Soul! I saw the new Big Black Book from Esquire and LS is mentioned as one of the best shops in the nation.

This is great. They truly are one of the best in the high end shoe business. Can't wait to visit them next

 

[wj4]



i agree with you that you need to own one black shell

This is why I got the LWBs. I rarely wear them, but you need at least one pair of black shoes!

 

[NAMOR]

i agree with you that you need to own one black shell

This is why I got the LWBs. I rarely wear them, but you need at least one pair of black shoes!

+1 and right now I have zero pairs after having 2 just 7 days ago. I sold my bb black shell ptb and then the very next day had to ship my grant captoe boot back because the back seam just continued to rip. I will especially miss the grant captoe boot. Was such a sexy boot; grant last, black shell, double leather, metal eyelets. Such great combo.

 

[wj4]



+1 and right now I have zero pairs after having 2 just 7 days ago. I sold my bb black shell ptb and then the very next day had to ship my grant captoe boot back because the back seam just continued to rip. I will especially miss the grant captoe boot. Was such a sexy boot; grant last, black shell, double leather, metal eyelets. Such great combo.

Sorry to hear about the captoes. Did you send them back to Alden? Do you care to share the details? IE, full refund?

 

[HorseHide]

Speaking of black shell cordovan boots, I've gone through my closet and sold several pairs of Alden boots that I don't wear.

I do have a pair of the Blackbird Christopherson Creamery Milkman Boots in size 9 B/D that I'm thinking about selling. Never worn, but I'm on the fence because you never know when you might need a pair of black boots!

Here's a link to the old Blackbird page:

http://www.blackbirdballard.com/Ald...stopherson_s_Creamery_Milkman_Boot_14606.html

Aggressive offers to buy could persuade me....

 

[ChinkSmiley]

I don't know how aggressive you were looking for people to be, but I'm pretty interested in taking them off your hands.

 

[scottcw]



Speaking of black shell cordovan boots, I've gone through my closet and sold several pairs of Alden boots that I don't wear.
I do have a pair of the Blackbird Christopherson Creamery Milkman Boots in size 9 B/D that I'm thinking about selling. Never worn, but I'm on the fence because you never know when you might need a pair of black boots!
Here's a link to the old Blackbird page:
http://www.blackbirdballard.com/Ald...stopherson_s_Creamery_Milkman_Boot_14606.html
Aggressive offers to buy could persuade me....

I would make an offer if you were a 10 on the Barrie last. Damn the electric fence!

 

[advan031]

Ordered my first pair of Alden from Leffot...Indy Brown Chromexcel

 

[NAMOR]



Sorry to hear about the captoes. Did you send them back to Alden? Do you care to share the details? IE, full refund?

yeah, it was too bad they couldnt hold up. even after the repair, the gap between the seems continued to widen. It looks like I will get a full refund. Here is the email i received from Alden:

Dear Mr. XX:

Thank you for your message and the accompanying photos. We agree that the repair work on these boots is not up to standard. That is the result of some miscommunication between us and The Shoe Mart. I have spoken with Ed Zapatka at The Shoe Mart and am copying him on this message. If you return the boots to his attention, he will be happy to issue a refund.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Sincerely,
Alden Shoe Co