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

[Michigan Planner]



Been stalking this forum for awhile and I'm thinking of finally getting my first pair of aldens...however I'd like to not break the bank on the first purchase, what are your opinions on:
http://www.unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Cape_Cod_Beefroll_Penny_Mocc_Burgundy_410_220.html

and any suggestions on other shoes near that price range? On a college budget, so value is key.

for that kind of money, and with that kind of shoe in mind, I'd go with Rancourt.
primarily because they're unlined (and they make handsewn loafers for many other companies)

I would agree with the Rancourt suggestion. I have two pair of Rancourts (beefroll penny loafer and the ranger moc) and have been very pleased with them, especially as a slightly less expensive alternative to Alden. The crew at Rancourt has always been very quick at answering questions for me and guiding me into the correct size as well. I have seen it on the internet (so it must be true) that Alden's Cape Code Collection, like those posted above in the link to Unionmade are actually made by Rancourt so that might be one thing to consider. Another piece of food for thought is that Rancourt is generally pretty willing to do special make-ups for you so if you really like one of their shoes but want it on a different sole or maybe with different color stitching, that could be an option.

 

[zazaza]



I would agree with the Rancourt suggestion. I have two pair of Rancourts (beefroll penny loafer and the ranger moc) and have been very pleased with them, especially as a slightly less expensive alternative to Alden. The crew at Rancourt has always been very quick at answering questions for me and guiding me into the correct size as well. I have seen it on the internet (so it must be true) that Alden's Cape Code Collection, like those posted above in the link to Unionmade are actually made by Rancourt so that might be one thing to consider. Another piece of food for thought is that Rancourt is generally pretty willing to do special make-ups for you so if you really like one of their shoes but want it on a different sole or maybe with different color stitching, that could be an option.

I still can't get over the Navy Shell Beefrolls you posted in the Rancourt forum. so amazing.
how are they treating you?

 

[localman]

Just bought some tan unlined chukkas off the shoe mart irregulars list to replace the perfect ones I just returned due to the unsightly wrinkling on the heels. It's going to be interesting to see if these are in better condition than the first quality ones I just bought.

The J. Crew ones posted as new are clearance center / outlet purchases (have the black mark). Others may be trying to flip for small profits since J. Crew codes of 15-30% off worked on Aldens online until December or so. J. Crew also gave money back to some people who complained about random issues (seller with bigger feet posting here recently) and are also making profit. Not really a unfair / bad thing as people value the shoes with their own valuation but that's a potential reason why there are so many J. Crew models.

I think stevent's statement is reckless and comes off as quite pompous. Why give all potential buyers a generally negative overall feeling about buying anything J.Crew secondhand or even BNIB? The boots I'm selling were purchased through the J.Crew website at full price. Thanks for generalizing every single person selling J.Crew as some kind of scamming, scheming, and just generally deplorable individual which seems to be OK so long as the buyer realizes that he's being ripped off. It's a nice hatchet job.

Instead of scarlet letters maybe anybody selling J.Crew can "have the black mark"?

 

[FrankCowperwood]



Just bought some tan unlined chukkas off the shoe mart irregulars list to replace the perfect ones I just returned due to the unsightly wrinkling on the heels.  It's going to be interesting to see if these are in better condition than the first quality ones I just bought.

I think stevent's statement is reckless and comes off as quite pompous.  Why give all potential buyers a generally negative overall feeling about buying anything J.Crew secondhand or even BNIB?  The boots I'm selling were purchased through the J.Crew website at full price.  Thanks for generalizing every single person selling J.Crew as some kind of scamming, scheming, and just generally deplorable individual which seems to be OK so long as the buyer realizes that he's being ripped off.  It's a nice hatchet job.  

Instead of scarlet letters maybe anybody selling J.Crew can "have the black mark"?  

Doubt he meant to cause offense. Personally, I was wondering about the long lists of shoes/boots on offer in various sizes. I guess that could all be people trying to work out their Alden size. A popular and necessary activity, I suppose. I'm trying to hold off on buying Cigar PTBs or chukkas in 10.5E in the spirit of finding out if that's my best size. Really, why do I want to know?

Hope The Shoemart chukkas work out for you.

 

[SuitedDx]



Are these balmoral boots? If so, I've never seen such a thing before. I'm going to guess that they're not. Nice looking, anyway.

They are balmoral boots made from #8 shell from Horween. Got them from D.C. Lewis (they have an affiliated thread here on SF). They are nice high boots (a little higher than Alden's) and a dressier alternative to my Alden boots.

 

[ElDave]

Can anybody offer insight on how long it generally takes to receive an order from TSM?

 

[zazaza]



Can anybody offer insight on how long it generally takes to receive an order from TSM?

I'd wager that this depends largely on where you are located.
I receive my orders the next day, but thats b/c I live one state away.

 

[ElDave]



I'd wager that this depends largely on where you are located.
I receive my orders the next day, but thats b/c I live one state away.

I'm in Chicago and waiting on a pair of ravello chukkas is downright painful!

 

[Therendition]

Plaza last, Black shell

Those look great.

 

[sazon]

^Thank you !

 

[Michigan Planner]



I still can't get over the Navy Shell Beefrolls you posted in the Rancourt forum. so amazing.
how are they treating you?

They are holding up superbly... in my closet.

Unfortunately, after that first day of wearing them, we have hit a bit of a cold snap and the weather hasn't really been what I like for wearing loafers.



Oh well... it should warm up again soon and I can hopefully put some of the boots and heavier shoes away for a few months and really get some more use out of the loafers.

Oddly, even though I've only been able to wear them once, I've been debating contacting Rancourt and inquiring about a second pair of shell loafers - this time as a two tone weltline penny loafer with a green cordovan strap and sides and then tan cordovan for the top... just what I need, another pair of shoes.

 

[mcarthur]



Would PTB's and Longwings be a good shoe with chinos/Kakis?

i do! of course, with argyles

 

[mcarthur]



April showers bring May flowers, and little welts on my shell cordovan shoes.

I've had good results with the Pegasus leather on the Black & Tan Indy boots from Epaulet, but I can't really wear them with a suit. What do my fellow Alden lovers wear on rainy days?

use overshoes- the best protection for leather shoes

 

[mcarthur]



Plaza last, Black shell

nephew,
good looking boots, enjoy wearing

 

[GQ1]



Been stalking this forum for awhile and I'm thinking of finally getting my first pair of aldens...however I'd like to not break the bank on the first purchase, what are your opinions on:
http://www.unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Cape_Cod_Beefroll_Penny_Mocc_Burgundy_410_220.html

and any suggestions on other shoes near that price range? On a college budget, so value is key.

I have the exact same shoes and they're very well made and very comfortable. Highly recommended.

Please note, they run half a size big so order half size down from your regular size. All the best!