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

[Beatlegeuse]



I got the same shoe from the Shoemart seconds list. Yes, Leydon. Definitely not Barrie as advertised on the Alden Madison Ave NY website.
I got a pair of 403s in 11.5C, just a bit tight, and they were seconds. The right was 1/4" or more shorter than the left. The stitching that's halfway down the boot on the right shoe was 1/2" lower than the left. They've been returned, so beware if you buy them from TSM.
I need to try a 12C sometime. Hoping that it works, the C looks a lot better than the D (IMO) in Trubalance.

My 403s are a 12C, and I think they look a little better than a standard D width too. It's still a clunky boot, but I think the slightly narrower width helps them look just a tad sleeker. Although, I still think a C in the Trubalance isn't that different from a D in a Barrie-lasted boot. Ideally, I would like something even narrower for my 403s...maybe a while from now when they are ready for a recraft, I will have Alden switch them to a B.

 

[lagsun]



I got the same shoe from the Shoemart seconds list. Yes, Leydon. Definitely not Barrie as advertised on the Alden Madison Ave NY website.

YMMV as I recently got Shoemart seconds that were lined, Barrie lasted snuff suede PTBs as advertised on the Alden Madison Ave website.

 

[Dbear]

Yes.

Thanks much. Last question...I see lined and unlined for suede chukkas often. Are there unlined and lined versions of the cordovan chukka? (I know, could be a really dumb question). Just wondering b/c the retail on the barneys version is slightly less than the rest...and I just want the "normal" version I've seen online everywhere.

 

[NAMOR]

#8 Chukka http://www.skyvalet1.com/Alden-Shell-Cordovan-Chukka-Boot_p_202.html

 

[CTYGGG]

PTBs

 

[amftx]



Thanks much.  Last question...I see lined and unlined for suede chukkas often.  Are there unlined and lined versions of the cordovan chukka?  (I know, could be a really dumb question).  Just wondering b/c the retail on the barneys version is slightly less than the rest...and I just want the "normal" version I've seen online everywhere.

I've never seen an unlined cordovan chukka. The one at Barney's is the version everyone else has, and the same one you see in my avatar. Looks like maybe Barney's hasn't adjusted their price much like everyone else has. They were all retailing around $600-$615 a year ago. Catch it before it goes up. Do it. Now.

 

[Dbear]

^ thanks man. Good to know. Since I've heard that the barrie last is a bit odd for some people's feet, I kopp'd 2 sizes yesterday.

 

[mediahound]

Speaking of PTBs, I'm wearing my BB Aldens (black shell, M58 last) today:

Dont let anyone tell you that you can't wear black shell with jeans, even though they go equally well with a suit!

 

[lagsun]



^ thanks man.  Good to know.  Since I've heard that the barrie last is a bit odd for some people's feet, I kopp'd 2 sizes yesterday.  

LS just posted they restocked their 6 eyelet chukkas in #8 and black if you're interested. Some people don't like the way the regular 1339 2 eyelet chukka fits (including myself) :

http://leathersoulhawaii.com/2012/03/22/alden-shoe-six-eyelet-chukka-restock-lsw-lsbh/

 

[NAMOR]

Not a fan of Barrie lasted Chukka. Might be my least favorite Combination. Make it calf and you've got yourself one of the least attractive shoes with all of the Alden price.

 

[Dbear]

Not a fan of Barrie lasted Chukka. Might be my least favorite Combination. Make it calf and you've got yourself one of the least attractive shoes with all of the Alden price.

Any specifics? I've read here and there in this thread about how people don't like chukkas or barrie or such, genuinely curious. Do you dislike the last from an aesthetic point of view, or comfort?

I'm just getting in the game w/ Alden's and only have the Indy boot (see avatar, lol). So, as of right now, I value versatility. I picked cordovan color 8 for the versatility in color and durability. And the chukka because I intend to wear it with jeans, chinos and trousers. Basically, a lower/sleeker profiled shoe than the Indy that can be worn in a lot of occasions. I intend to beat it to death and see what happens.

 

[onestar]



Regardless of who they are owed by, two weeks ago I confirmed my order with them and they didn't say a word about me being located in Ontario, Canada...

That would be correct. Alden is allowing retailers to ship only within North America thus Canada is still OK. For the rest of us, it looks like we're out of luck.

 

[onestar]

.

 

[100 yrs]



Any specifics?  I've read here and there in this thread about how people don't like chukkas or barrie or such, genuinely curious.  Do you dislike the last from an aesthetic point of view, or comfort?

I'm just getting in the game w/ Alden's and only have the Indy boot (see avatar, lol).  So, as of right now, I value versatility.  I picked cordovan color 8 for the versatility in color and durability.  And the chukka because I intend to wear it with jeans, chinos and trousers.  Basically, a lower/sleeker profiled shoe than the Indy that can be worn in a lot of occasions.  I intend to beat it to death and see what happens.  

i don't mind the shape of the barrie chukka, the problem for me is the heel area of the barrie is so voluminous and there are only two eyelets, the fit just feels sloppy. the only chukka i have is the standard kudu on lug sole, and it's tolerable because the lug sole is so flexible. that said, if it's a good fit for you, then it will be a very versatile shoe.

 

[onestar]



Any specifics? I've read here and there in this thread about how people don't like chukkas or barrie or such, genuinely curious. Do you dislike the last from an aesthetic point of view, or comfort?

I'm just getting in the game w/ Alden's and only have the Indy boot (see avatar, lol). So, as of right now, I value versatility. I picked cordovan color 8 for the versatility in color and durability. And the chukka because I intend to wear it with jeans, chinos and trousers. Basically, a lower/sleeker profiled shoe than the Indy that can be worn in a lot of occasions. I intend to beat it to death and see what happens.

To each his own I guess. I really like the way the Barrie last Chukkas look and feel. They are very versatile as you say. The simplicity really appeals to me; however I can understand the negativity if the fit isn't right for your foot.