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

[Roguls]



Wearing this boot right now from Alden on Madison. Super versatile. I bought these because the need for a black cap toe arose when I returned the AE Park Avenues back to Nordstrom for garbage leather. The boot works with a suit just as well as jeans, and the creasing is somewhat controlled compared to other models because of the design of the boot.

This is why I went this route. I have the Pitt boot in black shell that I'm selling - the Grant last is just better. Hopefully special boot makeups will start to stray away from the Barrie.

 

[rick]

grant vs barrie. i have tried the grant and for me it does not fit right, and to be honest i don't think it looks very good. i thought tom also mention that a lot of people do not fit the grant last well. i am suprized that people like the grant last over barrie in a boot. i think the barrie is the perfect last for boots. just my 2 cents.

 

[incogcheeto]

I'm trying to find a pair of Alden Indys in brown leather (the 405) in a size 10 C, but I haven't had any luck so far. I tried going to Sherman bros in Philly since they have them for $395 instead of the $435 everywhere else. They said it would take 16 weeks to get a pair, and I really just don't want to wait that long. So now I'm looking at buying a pair online from either the Shoe Mart or Alden of San Fransisco. Which store should I get them from? Who has the best returns system just in case they aren't the right fit?

I also heard the Alden store on Madison ave in NYC has a friends and family sale at some point the next month or so, does anyone know when it is and how much the discount is?

 

[marg]

I love the forefoot fit of the barrie last, but the ankle area is too roomy for me. Air pushes out of the shoe, making a hissing noise. I have wide feet due to a slight bone overgrowth on the outside of the midfoot, but my feet aren't fat. Too much overall volume in the barrie for my feet. I wish there was last that was wide, but narrower in the ankle. Currently, I use a tongue pad and that works, but the shoes should fit without it.

 

[geoffmartin17]

plaza is my favourite - have three plaza #8 boots on order...

 

[Roguls]



I love the forefoot fit of the barrie last, but the ankle area is too roomy for me. Air pushes out of the shoe, making a hissing noise. I have wide feet due to a slight bone overgrowth on the outside of the midfoot, but my feet aren't fat. Too much overall volume in the barrie for my feet. I wish there was last that was wide, but narrower in the ankle. Currently, I use a tongue pad and that works, but the shoes should fit without it.

You want the Modified or Trubalance lasts. Trust me. Check the link:



http://www.styleforum.net/t/234635/alden-modified-last-if-you-wear-or-are-interested-please-read

 

[Roguls]



grant vs barrie. i have tried the grant and for me it does not fit right, and to be honest i don't think it looks very good. i thought tom also mention that a lot of people do not fit the grant last well. i am suprized that people like the grant last over barrie in a boot. i think the barrie is the perfect last for boots. just my 2 cents.

Only drawback on the Grant is the higher toe box, but it is negligible, really.

 

[Seafinch]

Anyone know of a stockist selling some Natural Chromexcel Indy Boots right now? Looking for an 8.5.

 

[jslade]

Those are gorgeous, NAMOR. You should seriously post some full-body fit pics one of these days. Your trousers + boots are always impeccable.

I'd look weird to most people walking around in dressier boots, though. It's just not something you see much in my corner of the world. I'm thinking that #8 LWB or PTB would probably be best, like mcarthur mentioned. Hit me up if you have any to fit a size 9.5D foot (9D Barrie).

 

[mcarthur]



Beautiful shoe Uncle--just got a pair myself 2 weeks ago! Color 8 in that style is a great business shoe.

thank you
enjoy wearing! please post picture of your maiden voyage

 

[ozzyboo]



Wearing this boot right now from Alden on Madison. Super versatile. I bought these because the need for a black cap toe arose when I returned the AE Park Avenues back to Nordstrom for garbage leather. The boot works with a suit just as well as jeans, and the creasing is somewhat controlled compared to other models because of the design of the boot.

Can you explain more about the problems you had with the Park Avenues? I bought the same pair during their last sale because I didn't want to shell out another several hundred dollars for the Alden black shell captoe. Haven't worn them yet....figured they would only get used for the occasional formal event, but I keep wondering if I should return them and just bite the bullet and get the Aldens.

 

[number9dream]



When you send your Alden's in for recrafting can you have them crafted to/on a different last? (ie Trubalance to Barrie?)

Also - will Alden putt any sole type you request on the boot? (ie put a sole on similar to the natural edge trim we see on many of the Leather Soul make ups?)

I know that Alden will recraft to a narrower width from the same last; however, I don't believe they will recraft to a different last. They can also accommodate requests for a different style of sole and edgetrim. In mid-June, I sent my JCrew color #8 captoe boots back to Alden to be recrafted. I requested the following modifications to the JCrew design: (1) relast from an 11D to an 11C; (2) add a double waterlock sole with antique edgetrim; and (3) because the leather around the speedhooks was starting to tear, I asked that the speedhooks be removed and replaced with eyelets. I received the boots back today and could not be happier with the results. All of my requests were accommodated and the boots look fantastic!

 

[NAMOR]



I know that Alden will recraft to a narrower width from the same last; however, I don't believe they will recraft to a different last. They can also accommodate requests for a different style of sole and edgetrim. In mid-June, I sent my JCrew color #8 captoe boots back to Alden to be recrafted. I requested the following modifications to the JCrew design: (1) relast from an 11D to an 11C; (2) add a double waterlock sole with antique edgetrim; and (3) because the leather around the speedhooks was starting to tear, I asked that the speedhooks be removed and replaced with eyelets.
I received the boots back today and could not be happier with the results. All of my requests were accommodated and the boots look fantastic!

this is news to me. Could you post pics? Sounds like an awesome makeup

 

[lagsun]

There was discussion here last month I think that Alden will now only recraft to the original style. No special requests any more. Best to check with Alden before sending your shoes in.

 

[applky]

I'm trying to find a pair of Alden Indys in brown leather (the 405) in a size 10 C, but I haven't had any luck so far. I tried going to Sherman bros in Philly since they have them for $395 instead of the $435 everywhere else. They said it would take 16 weeks to get a pair, and I really just don't want to wait that long. So now I'm looking at buying a pair online from either the Shoe Mart or Alden of San Fransisco. Which store should I get them from? Who has the best returns system just in case they aren't the right fit?
I also heard the Alden store on Madison ave in NYC has a friends and family sale at some point the next month or so, does anyone know when it is and how much the discount is?

16 weeks is not bad for Aldens.

Narrow widths are generally done via special order or pre-order. I would contact the Alden stores (NYC/DC/SF) to see if they have what you want in stock. Also get in touch with ShoeMart. They have a good relationship with Alden, and Ed Zapatka generally can give you good information about delivery.

EDIT: It looks like ShoeMart has the shoe you want in sock right now: http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-me...ld_m_indy_boot_high_top_blucher_workboot.html