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

[Alcibiades]



If there were ever a picture that could convince a hand stitching fan to consider machine stitching on the Indy boot, this is it.

I dunno - for this particular look, I wish the stitching were more flush with the color of the rest of the boot. I think I prefer the hand stitching on cordovan Indy boots and the machine stitching on leather/chromexcel (machine stitching tends to blend into the CXL/leather Indy boots over time, which I like)

 

[Papa Doble]



I dunno - for this particular look, I wish the stitching were more flush with the color of the rest of the boot. I think I prefer the hand stitching on cordovan Indy boots and the machine stitching on leather/chromexcel (machine stitching tends to blend into the CXL/leather Indy boots over time, which I like)

That's fair.

 

[misterjuiceman]

If there were ever a picture that could convince a hand stitching fan to consider machine stitching on the Indy boot, I wager this is it.

Yep, hand-stiching kind of always turned me off of most of the shell Indys. This looks fantastic.

 

[advan031]



Yep, hand-stiching kind of always turned me off of most of the shell Indys. This looks fantastic. 

Same here! I would like some Indy in cigar shell with machine stitching. It makes the shoes looks sleeker imo.

 

[MickCollins1916]

Whiskey Indys today...with hand stitching.

 

[Bossman101]

Greetings -- new to the forums here and wanted to get your expert opinions.

I'm looking for my first pair of Aldens, and am interested in a shoe/boot that can be worn casually (with jeans mostly, but also chinos) and also worn almost year round (definitely fall/winter, but also spring, maybe summer).

I like the idea of a suede boot, and there are two that caught my eye, a suede chukka boot from Barneys (Style 102216842, not sure if I can link here!) that seems to have a rubber Goodyear sole, and another available from Shoemart and other retailers with a wood heel (Shoemart style 1492). What differences other than the heel exist between these boots, and which is better, in your opinion? Does the wood last a long time before looking worn?

It seems like 1492 will stretch over time. Can the unlined boot be worn in cold weather, and does it work in more spring-like temperatures?

I'm also thinking about the PTB in Tobacco (Style 9431S). It doesn't seem like too many people talk about this - what's everyone's take compared to the two boots above?

Thanks in advance your your help -- I want to make my first Alden purchase a good one. On a side note, any good sales that usually take place in January?

 

[Bakes11771]

Anyone know of a shoe tree that has an toe even fuller than this version?



Looking for both width and a higher instep.

 

[Bakes11771]

Greetings -- new to the forums here and wanted to get your expert opinions.

I'm looking for my first pair of Aldens, and am interested in a shoe/boot that can be worn casually (with jeans mostly, but also chinos) and also worn almost year round (definitely fall/winter, but also spring, maybe summer).

I like the idea of a suede boot, and there are two that caught my eye, a suede chukka boot from Barneys (Style 102216842, not sure if I can link here!) that seems to have a rubber Goodyear sole, and another available from Shoemart and other retailers with a wood heel (Shoemart style 1492). What differences other than the heel exist between these boots, and which is better, in your opinion? Does the wood last a long time before looking worn?

It seems like 1492 will stretch over time. Can the unlined boot be worn in cold weather, and does it work in more spring-like temperatures?

I'm also thinking about the PTB in Tobacco (Style 9431S). It doesn't seem like too many people talk about this - what's everyone's take compared to the two boots above?

Thanks in advance your your help -- I want to make my first Alden purchase a good one. On a side note, any good sales that usually take place in January?

Personally, between the two I would favor the Shoe Mart version. That is a leather sole, not wood, and it can be replaced. Also, the edges can be dressed if they need to be. Not sure where you live but suede might not be suitable for the winter. PTB in tobacco would be more appropriate for snow and slush. Unlined is not as warm as lined in the winter, typically thought of as a spring/summer characteristic.

If you can only choose one, the PTB might be a better year round selection, but I like the chukka better for a 3 season shoe.

If you can get 2 pairs, consider the unlined chukka from TSM and maybe an Indy, perhaps the Kudu that Phi Psi has mentioned. (though it might not get produced right away, if at all.)

Good luck.

I'll be curious to see what advice others will offer.

 

[BootSpell]

Anyone know of a shoe tree that has an toe even fuller than this version?



Looking for both width and a higher instep.

My favorite shoe trees are the Woodlore Epic twin-tube trees. They are wider than the AE/JAB (Woodlore?) full-toe shoe trees which I have also. Not sure if it has a higher instep as I haven't compared measurements.



https://www.cedarvillestore.com/p-14-mens-epic-twin-tube-shoe-tree.aspx

I picked up 4 pair on a special not too long ago --- 4 pairs for the price of three.

 

[OfficeLinebacke]

Yes there is, as of now there will be every year.

When will this year's be and how much?

 

[Beatlegeuse]

Epaulet #8 Brixton....there was some discussion about antique vs dark edging on #8 - I like both, but I really prefer the antique for this particular model.

 

[Bakes11771]

My favorite shoe trees are the Woodlore Epic twin-tube trees. They are wider than the AE/JAB (Woodlore?) full-toe shoe trees which I have also. Not sure if it has a higher instep as I haven't compared measurements.

https://www.cedarvillestore.com/p-14-mens-epic-twin-tube-shoe-tree.aspx

I picked up 4 pair on a special not too long ago --- 4 pairs for the price of three.

Thanks, I saw those and was wondering about them. Is that what you use in your boots? That's what I'm looking for, a good tree for some boots that I have. If you have both and don't mind comparing the instep, that would be splendid!

Epaulet #8 Brixton....there was some discussion about antique vs dark edging on #8 - I like both, but I really prefer the antique for this particular model.

I like the antique on that model as well.

 

[Papa Doble]



Whiskey Indys today...with hand stitching.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Tasty. Is Leather Soul the only retailer that's offered a whiskey Indy with machine stitching?

 

[Factor Xll]

Would a 8.5 trubalance be comparable to a 9 in Barrie? According to the size chart, the trubalance is a slightly wider last. So in terms of width, how comparable are those two sizes?

 

[imolazhp_ci]



Would a 8.5 trubalance be comparable to a 9 in Barrie? According to the size chart, the trubalance is a slightly wider last. So in terms of width, how comparable are those two sizes?

an 8.5 trubalance would be comparable to an 8.5 barrie.