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

[sevenfoldtieguy]



So the Alden factory is back from vacation and ... they're confirming orders. Orders that include whiskey, ravello and cigar.
This doesn't mean that your favorite retailer has the shoes at the moment but it does mean that Alden has the shell and they are begining production. All is right in Aldenland (good thing too because they've apparently lost the Australian market).

FYI only: This past Wednesday I was told by Alden NYC the following: "the factory just told us they are out of whiskey leather and we should not expect any whiskey shoes for a minimum of 6-8 months."

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



...and Sky Valet is stocking Whiskey PTBs, antique edging, in all sizes from 9D - 12D.  I already have Whiskey chukkas and monks, otherwise I'd be all over them.

I would suggest calling Sky Valet before placing an order. Once I placed an order (online said it was in stock) only to find out days later it was not in stock. Another time I was just about to place an order (online said it was in stock), but I called first, and was similarly told said size was not in stock. Both times it was a whiskey model.

 

[CrackedCrab]

Snuff suede unlined PTBs on the Leydon from Epaulet.
I love them but the laces are too short, going to get some new laces today.

 

[Alcibiades]



I have the shell rainbow in chukkas, all on the Barrie. Mine are not sloppy.

Agreed. Maybe it is not as tight across the vamp, but otherwise, chukka boots fit the same as other barrie shoes and boots in my opinion. Chukkas are among my favorite Alden models, I have them in shell, CXL and suede and they get more wear than comparable high boots I have

 

[Man with Apple]

Really loving my ravello LHS.

 

[jjr4884]

Agreed. Maybe it is not as tight across the vamp, but otherwise, chukka boots fit the same as other barrie shoes and boots in my opinion. Chukkas are among my favorite Alden models, I have them in shell, CXL and suede and they get more wear than comparable high boots I have

Their shell #8 chucka leaves me speachless every time iI see a pic of it... absolutely love it

 

[mr chorizo]



^^ Mr. Chorizo, thanks and they are indeed from Alden NY. I walked in in June with the thought that there was no way they'd have a pair for me, and mirabile visu (or perhaps I should say Visa horribilis...), they had an 11E in stock. Made for a pretty easy decision.
NAMOR: thanks as well.

THOSE.ARE.MY.SIZE.

sigh....

 

[imatlas]



And to keep this post at least half on topic, Whiskey captoes:

Let this be a warning to all you n00bs: this is what happens when you spend all your money on shoes and nothing is left for socks.

 

[FrankCowperwood]



Mind blowing. My new unicorn. Ravello sortwing down, whiskey captoe bal to go!
edit: It also looks like you get as much time in the tanning beds/vacation in the south of France as much as I do

Ha ha. Yes, I don't really tan very well, though I'd be willing to spend some time in the south of France to test my mettle. A little adversity builds character, or at least I've always been told that.

THOSE.ARE.MY.SIZE.
sigh....

Ooof, you wear an 11E Hampton? That's not a happy fact in the circumstances.

Funny thing is that I sort of thought the pair I bought must have been hanging around the shop for a while. Not to feed the Alden QC complaint beast, but I would not describe them as the most pristine Alden shells I've ever purchased. Small scratches here and there. Nothing major. Or maybe they were a return.

Anyway, here's to another pair appearing soon for you, Mr. Chorizo.

Let this be a warning to all you n00bs: this is what happens when you spend all your money on shoes and nothing is left for socks.

It's very sad, isn't it? I've had to eat all my socks because I have no money for food.

Finally, some very preliminary thoughts on the fit of Hampton 11E v. Modified 11D. The Modified has a snugger, more secure fit throughout: across the ball of the foot, in the arch, and in the heel cup. The Modified is a longer shoe, so while both have plenty of space for me in the toe box, there's more shoe beyond my toes in the Modified. Definitely need to wear both more to form a concrete opinion.

I assume I could wear a 10.5E Modified, which might be a better direct comparison for 11E Hampton (in which I believe I can also wear 11.5D).

 

[BootSpell]

I've ordered a pair of these (J Crew) and am thinking that I would prefer the edging not to be black or that dark. So I'm wondering if I could carefully sand off the black on the edging and treat it with say, an antique type color dressing?

I know I'd be giving up some ability to wear the boots for dressier occasions but I don't mind that. Has anybody attempted something like this themselves?

 

[imatlas]



I've ordered a pair of these (J Crew) and am thinking that I would prefer the edging not to be black or that dark.  So I'm wondering if I could carefully sand off the black on the edging and treat it with say, an antique type color dressing?

I know I'd be giving up some ability to wear the boots for dressier occasions but I don't mind that.  Has anybody attempted something like this themselves?

Many have, there's even a thread about it. The tricky part is that you can't recolor the top of the welt. If you can live with that, you can do the edges now and change the welt when you resole somewhere down the line.

 

[mcarthur]



Really loving my ravello LHS.

nephew,
looking good

 

[mcarthur]

#8 nst saddle
argyles otc

 

[Tony Hardy]

Are the chukka still available?

 

[Tony Hardy]

Are the chukka still available?