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

[SenorChang]

Just put up some Alden for Leffot navy suede longwings, if anybody's interested. Check my signature for details.

 

[Bakes11771]

I know that it is impossible for anyone to advise me on sizing over the internet, but I am curious to hear about other's experience with the Hampton (Style 9015 & 9016).

I have "normal" feet, except for a slightly narrow heel. I am 9C in Barrie, Van and Aberdeen. 9.5D in Gucci Loafers, Rancourt Blake, Rancourt Boat, Sneakers, Timberlands, ect.

Was thinking I would be a 9.5D on the Hampton. Also thought maybe I would buy 9.5D and 9.5E and exchange whichever doesn't fit.

Any input greatly appreciated.

(Maybe it would be best to just go to Alden NY and try them on, I just feel bad because I would prefer to buy them from SF and have them shipped to my PA address to avoid sales tax. Does Alden SF ship for free?)

 

[FrankCowperwood]



I know that it is impossible for anyone to advise me on sizing over the internet, but I am curious to hear about other's experience with the Hampton (Style 9015 & 9016).

I have "normal" feet, except for a slightly narrow heel.  I am 9C in Barrie, Van and Aberdeen.  9.5D in Gucci Loafers, Rancourt Blake, Rancourt Boat, Sneakers, Timberlands, ect.

Was thinking I would be a 9.5D on the Hampton.  Also thought maybe I would buy 9.5D and 9.5E and exchange whichever doesn't fit.

Any input greatly appreciated.

(Maybe it would be best to just go to Alden NY and try them on, I just feel bad because I would prefer to buy them from SF and have them shipped to my PA address to avoid sales tax.  Does Alden SF ship for free?)

You wear the same size in Barrie and Aberdeen? My thought is that Hampton runs pretty TTS. I have an 11E in it which seems to fit well vs 10.5E or 11D Barrie. But then I would also wear 11E Aberdeen.
Alden SF does not charge for shipping based on a recent order from them.

Is the style on the Hampton that you are interested in only available from SF or NY? If not and you want to try on before you buy, call Sherman Brothers in Philadelphia to see if they have the style and size in stock. There are three locations in the Philadelphia area, so they may be able to accommodate, particularly in a D width. Then you can try on and buy without sales tax and without feeling as if you are just using them for a fitting. They ship for free too, incidentally. And I believe their in-store pricing is a little lower than what they show online. May be wrong about that. I seem to recall seeing different prices on the bottoms of the display shoes the times I've visited their Center City location. And then go to Oyster House, in the same block, after you've bought the shoes and have a very nice meal.

 

[imolazhp_ci]

i size down .5 size for every single alden last except Plaza which i wear TTS.

 

[Bakes11771]

You wear the same size in Barrie and Aberdeen? My thought is that Hampton runs pretty TTS. I have an 11E in it which seems to fit well vs 10.5E or 11D Barrie. But then I would also wear 11E Aberdeen.
Alden SF does not charge for shipping based on a recent order from them.
Is the style on the Hampton that you are interested in only available from SF or NY? If not and you want to try on before you buy, call Sherman Brothers in Philadelphia to see if they have the style and size in stock. There are three locations in the Philadelphia area, so they may be able to accommodate, particularly in a D width. Then you can try on and buy without sales tax and without feeling as if you are just using them for a fitting. They ship for free too, incidentally. And I believe their in-store pricing is a little lower than what they show online. May be wrong about that. I seem to recall seeing different prices on the bottoms of the display shoes the times I've visited their Center City location. And then go to Oyster House, in the same block, after you've bought the shoes and have a very nice meal.

Frank,

Thanks for the insight. It is a stock model (perf cap toe bal) so I would expect either NY or SF to have it.

I am between NY and PA right now, but its the other side of PA (Nettleton, remember?) I've actually never even set foot in Philidelphia, believe it or not (or DC).

Actually I am more of a 9d in aberdeen. That was my mistake in my previous post. I was trying on some of my dad's old pairs last night, he has 9C and 9D. Both fit, but the Ds were more comfortable (not as tight in the heel).

If buying two pairs, NYC sales tax would add about $125, so thats why I don't want to buy them from Madison.

 

[Beatlegeuse]



I like the antique on that model as well.

Stunning!

those really are just simply amazing boots. I tell myself that don't need much more #8 in my life but those are just fantastico

These are on the Barrie, correct? Is there a pre-order coming up soon? I don't think Epaulet typically carries 6.5D...

Thanks guys! These are my only #8 right now, but I'm sure I will get another one at some point. And yep these are on the Barrie, I don't know of a pre-order for these right now, but you can always check with the Epaulet guys to see when they're planning on restocking. PM Epaulet or leftofthedial and they should let you know.

 

[BootSpell]

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!
I like the antique on that model as well.

Bakes, yes, I use the Woodlore Epic Twin-Tube trees in most of my boots. But I also use the AE/JAB full-toe trees in some of my boots as well (usually those that are a bit narrower or have pointier toes). Here are some approximate measurements. I am an 8D TTS and for reference, am 7.5D in the Alden Barrie and 8D in the AE 1-last. I use size Small in both the Epic and AE trees. These measurements are for the size Small trees.

Width (approximate at the ball of the foot): Epic - 3.375" (3.125" with the spring compressed) and the AE - 3.125"
Girth (circumference at the ball of the foot): Epic - 8.75" and the AE - 8.125"
Height (the Epic comes up much higher and therefore IMO better for boots): Epic - 2.5" and the AE - 1.875"

Hope this helps.

 

[stevent]



And a shell family picture.

I think I need to add more variety shells/boots. Maybe some whiskey and NST.

Great photo, looks quite similar to mine in terms of boots to shoes ratio

 

[stevent]

If you were to keep just one of the black captoes which one would it be? Don't need two captoes in the same color. Also can't decide if I want to keep the J. Crew captoes, still can't get my head around #8

 

[FrankCowperwood]

Bakes: Interesting. Sounds as if 9D Hampton is a possibility for you, though I understand that the Aberdeen is supposed to be a longer than usual last. Strike the Philadelphia advice. Not practical. It would be painful to pay all that sales tax on a stock shoe when PA has none.

advan031: That's a great collection. I really like all the plain toe/minimally adorned boots. Really beautiful.

 

[FrankCowperwood]



Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

If you were to keep just one of the black captoes which one would it be? Don't need two captoes in the same color. Also can't decide if I want to keep the J. Crew captoes, still can't get my head around #8

I'd keep the one on the right with the single row of stitching. The double row looks odd to me. Not used to seeing it. On the other hand, it does have the virtue of being different.

 

[Olifter]



I know that it is impossible for anyone to advise me on sizing over the internet, but I am curious to hear about other's experience with the Hampton (Style 9015 & 9016).

I have "normal" feet, except for a slightly narrow heel.  I am 9C in Barrie, Van and Aberdeen.  9.5D in Gucci Loafers, Rancourt Blake, Rancourt Boat, Sneakers, Timberlands, ect.

Was thinking I would be a 9.5D on the Hampton.  Also thought maybe I would buy 9.5D and 9.5E and exchange whichever doesn't fit.

Any input greatly appreciated.

(Maybe it would be best to just go to Alden NY and try them on, I just feel bad because I would prefer to buy them from SF and have them shipped to my PA address to avoid sales tax.  Does Alden SF ship for free?)

I have both of those (9015 and 9016) and they are 10D. My LWBs are 9.5D. I think they all fit well, but I especially like the LWBs on the Barrie in terms of comfort. I am not sure I can say why, double sole, blucher style?

 

[tmw]



One of my all time favorite Alden boots. Too bad they won't do the antique edge with black shell anymore!

I love that boot also I wonder why they won't do the antique edge anymore

Gentlemen....sometimes we need to take matters into our own hands. These arrived in the mailbox yesterday and were purchased at the Alden Shop in NYC. A bit of elbow grease and some walnut stain and voila:

My last pair of the same boot (see below picture) were recently sold because they were too tight. They came with a single leather sole and no storm welting (the J. Crew make-up from last year) so I had B. Nelson put on a double leather sole and add a storm welt and stain them in an"Antique" finish. A different look than today's project because the welt was also done in the lighter finish.

I actually love the way both pairs came out but today's project was much cheaper.

 

[adamha21]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for an Ultimate Indy Boot in CXL. Commando Sole is a must. Does anyone know who stocks and/or restocks one regularly other than LS (already contacted them)?

Thanks for any help!

 

[smdbitchh]

Gentlemen....sometimes we need to take matters into our own hands. These arrived in the mailbox yesterday and were purchase at the Alden Shop in NYC. A bit of elbow grease and some walnut stain and voila:
My last pair of the same boot (see below picture) were recently sold because they were too tight. They came with a single leather sole and no storm welting (the J. Crew make-up from last year) so I had B. Nelson put on a double leather sole and add a storm welt and stain them in an"Antique" finish. A different look than today's project because the welt was also done in the lighter finish.
I actually love the way both pairs came out but today's project was much cheaper.

looks awesome!

what did you use to remove the black? and would the walnut stain be necessary..did it look ok before you applied it?

how much did that cost from B nelson?

reason im so curious is because I just picked up a pair of black shell boots that I love but wish the edging was that color for some contrast.. or I could just wear the current soles down and have it done in about a year at b nelson