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

[Kashiwa]



I'm prob in the minority, but I feel loafers aren't worth the big bucks.

You may be in the minority, but you're not alone. PTB with the big bucks.

 

[blue collar]



Is the Mac break-in method applicable for all shoes and boots? Or cordovan only?

From what I gather his method is to make sure the fit is correct but also help break in the leather sole. Busting a new pair out if the box and hitting the city streets can put excess wear on the toe of the sole. Walkng around your house in them allows them to contour to your feet on a non abrasive surface.

 

[blue collar]



I'm prob in the minority, but I feel loafers aren't worth the big bucks. They're a casual shoe and not extremely versatile. Not that they don't have their place, the navy suede tassels are sweet for summer, but you can't dress em up. PTB can be dressed up or down, justifying more the 500+ price tag.

You maybe in the minority, but you're not alone. PTB with the big bucks.

I felt the same until I got a pair of #8 LHS. I think if you are an Alden fan at least one loafer should be in your rotation. They fill a gap that a lace-up can't. imo

 

[AldenLuver]

I felt the same until I got a pair of #8 LHS. I think if you are an Alden fan at least one loafer should be in your rotation. They fill a gap that a lace-up can't. imo

I am also in that minority, but according to what I've read, Alden's signature shoe for quite some time has been the Tassel Moc. I do not have a slip-on, but I've been seriously considering a color 8 (563) to make my collection more complete. I prefer the Tassel Moc to the LHS.

 

[mexicutioner]



I'm prob in the minority, but I feel loafers aren't worth the big bucks. They're a casual shoe and not extremely versatile. Not that they don't have their place, the navy suede tassels are sweet for summer, but you can't dress em up. PTB can be dressed up or down, justifying more the 500+ price tag.

+1

also, you should strongly consider the #8 longwing.

 

[Costa]

I spray them with Saphir spray. When they're really dirty, you can use suede shampoo (Saphir/LCA for instance). And I use a regular shoe brush (not a suede brush) to remove dust and dirt every now and then.

Thank you NOBD.

I spent a few hours searching and reading about the different opinions. I have decided to spray, but I have scoured the internet from top to bottom, and can't get the Saphir Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray anywhere (something about shipping regulation issues). I usually only buy from Saphir for shoe care products, but am going to go with AE's Suede Weatherproofing spray unless anyone had any suggestions for acquiring Saphir spray in the US?

Again, thank you for all your help.

 

[NOBD]



Thank you NOBD.

I spent a few hours searching and reading about the different opinions. I have decided to spray, but I have scoured the internet from top to bottom, and can't get the Saphir Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray anywhere (something about shipping regulation issues). I usually only buy from Saphir for shoe care products, but am going to go with AE's Suede Weatherproofing spray unless anyone had any suggestions for acquiring Saphir spray in the US?

Again, thank you for all your help.

YW. I think there are several US suppliers; here's one (forum affiliate):

http://store.asuitablewardrobe.net/shoecare.aspx

I don't see the spray in the store, but he has the shampoo (nettoyant) and he can probably order the spray as well. Other people probably know other options.

 

[CTYGGG]



Thank you NOBD.

I spent a few hours searching and reading about the different opinions. I have decided to spray, but I have scoured the internet from top to bottom, and can't get the Saphir Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray anywhere (something about shipping regulation issues). I usually only buy from Saphir for shoe care products, but am going to go with AE's Suede Weatherproofing spray unless anyone had any suggestions for acquiring Saphir spray in the US?

Again, thank you for all your help.

I've used the AE product on suede and was more than satisfied.

 

[violethour1951]

I've used the AE product on suede and was more than satisfied.

+1 I've used the AE waterproofing spray on a variety of suedes and it's worked fine.

 

[Therendition]

for a first pair of aldens, between #8 lhs or ptb, which would you get?

PTB.

 

[kgmessier]

PTB.

+1

 

[SuitedDx]

PTB

 

[PhiPsi32]

I've been using Meltonian suede protector on the recommendation of Nick from B Nelson. No complaints here.

Thank you NOBD.

I spent a few hours searching and reading about the different opinions. I have decided to spray, but I have scoured the internet from top to bottom, and can't get the Saphir Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray anywhere (something about shipping regulation issues). I usually only buy from Saphir for shoe care products, but am going to go with AE's Suede Weatherproofing spray unless anyone had any suggestions for acquiring Saphir spray in the US?

Again, thank you for all your help.

 

[Costa]

I've been using Meltonian suede protector on the recommendation of Nick from B Nelson. No complaints here.

Thank you sir.

 

[Chicagobred]

My new Roden Gray waxed reverse chamois ptb with my recently cleaned Snuff Suede ptb. I like the reverse chamois much more than I thought thought I would. They will probably end up getting more wear than the snuff suede, and will probably last longer too. It looks to be a great travel shoe, very comfortable, durable, and able to be dressed up or down should the situation require it.

Does anyone know the best way to care for this unique material? Should it be treated any different than standard suede (i.e suede spray, suede brush, eraser, suede shampoo)? Any insight would be appreciated.