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

[joiji]

I may have over done it a bit on my first pair of shells. I used Saphir cream, and also the Alden wax, but probably too much as there is some build up. After coming across this forum and learning about proper care of cordovan leather (less is better, Mac method, etc.) my subsequent purchases look much better.

For those that have some experience with this, what process and which products (assume one or more of the Saphir) do I use to remove the excess and start over?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Brush brush brush. If that doesn't work, brush. Maybe some buffing.

 

[Don L]

Alden DC Grant Cigar Caps on this Snow Day

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Saphir Renomat is designed to clean and remove wax and does an excellent job. I've only used it on calf, however. I'm sure it would work just as well on shell but I don't know if there would be any ill effect.

I've used it on shell with no ill effects.

 

[cfrp]

How much do the Alden belts generally sell for?

Asking for opinions here: When wearing jeans with the more jean appropriate Alden shoes - cuff or no cuff.

 

[Numbernine]

...

Saphir Renomat is designed to clean and remove wax and does an excellent job. I've only used it on calf, however. I'm sure it would work just as well on shell but I don't know if there would be any ill effect.[/quote
unless youve used reno mat before id stay away from it on fairly new shell it can be a bit aggressive i ve never had a problem with renovateur build up and it does remove wax
you could try immedietly removing it with a soft cloth just before it it dries buff and repeat ive had that work quite well a bit expensive but ive found it to be the safest most effective route .you wiil know its working because you will see color coming off. how much is sort of up to you to decide .
i am a new member here and a bit of a shell obsessive ive restored several pair of vintage shell shoes and even used a couple pair for " mad doctor" experiments. ive discovered several methods that i know to work well . just depends on the situation . I would certainly be willing to share these.

 

[Numbernine]

sorry about the horrible post above . its early here on the left coast and my kids gettiing off to school

 

[Bakes11771]

How much do the Alden belts generally sell for?

Asking for opinions here: When wearing jeans with the more jean appropriate Alden shoes - cuff or no cuff.

IIRC I think the Black/#8 was around $250 and the $Exotic was 285. I got the 35mm because I like how it looks more substantial. Sort of how Alden shoes are clunkier compared to many other brands. That appeals to me in both cases. Also, nickel buckle. I don't really like gold in general, and it would be a deal breaker for me every time.

Cuffed/uncuffed personal preference. Probably also depends on the jeans and rest of the outfit. If you had some very dressy jeans that you are wearing with a sports coat, uncuffed may be more appropriate. If you were wearing something more casual, maybe cuffed.

Just one guys opinion, not sure there is such a thing as a right answer.

Quote: Welcome. Glad to have you on board. You will likely prove to be an asset to our community.

 

[FrankCowperwood]

Ravello WT Boot

 

[Bakes11771]

Frank,

You have been killing it lately! Your shoe game is way strong!

I'd be interested in seeing a family photo at some point, if you are so obliged.

PM it if it's not sufficiently Alden focused for this thread.

 

[FrankCowperwood]

^Appreciate that, Bakes. I enjoy seeing people's photos, so I want to make sure I'm posting myself. Also trying to work on the photo quality. The above is not a prime effort, as I note it is hard to actually see the boots.

A family photo is a good idea, and there's plenty of Alden that is suitable for this thread. Will have to wait until the wife is out of the house so she doesn't see all the shoes together...

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

^Appreciate that, Bakes. I enjoy seeing people's photos, so I want to make sure I'm posting myself. Also trying to work on the photo quality. The above is not a prime effort, as I note it is hard to actually see the boots.

A family photo is a good idea, and there's plenty of Alden that is suitable for this thread. Will have to wait until the wife is out of the house so she doesn't see all the shoes together...

Amen. Not sure mine knows the extent to my collection (not that it rivals most of this thread's followers).

 

[Bakes11771]

^Appreciate that, Bakes. I enjoy seeing people's photos, so I want to make sure I'm posting myself. Also trying to work on the photo quality. The above is not a prime effort, as I note it is hard to actually see the boots.

A family photo is a good idea, and there's plenty of Alden that is suitable for this thread. Will have to wait until the wife is out of the house so she doesn't see all the shoes together...

I "LOL"ed @ this.

I'm sure that she is in someway thankful to have such a well dressed husband though.

Perhaps CTYGGG can offer a tutorial on shoe photography for the rest of us.

While the boots are hard to see, that is to be expected when you capture the whole outfit.

Amen. Not sure mine knows the extent to my collection (not that it rivals most of this thread's followers).

I'm confident you'll get there, just give it time.

Sometimes I forget how peculiar our habit is. Usually it's the wife who has to hide the expensive new shoes from the husband. My sisters think it is really weird that I post pics of my shoes on the web for others to compliment. They think its even weirder that I have an Uncle Mac (online that is, we have an "Uncle Mac" IRL as well. Heck, they even think its weird that I have a website for discussing shoes. They called it my "Shoe Blog".

I know a guy who bought a really expensive shotgun and hid it from his wife for about 6 months. Used to work with a guy who had a separate secret bank account for gambling activities. We all have our vices, shoes are much healthier than others.

 

[SLAB]

might be of interest to fellow Alden lovers in the Benelux area; I stepped in the Bellerose shop in Antwerp and saw their two collaborations on sale for 50% off.

2tone longwing shoe(brown and white), leather soles, Barrie? retail price 460 euro

black cordovan shoe, medaillon toe cap, leather soles, modified last , retail price 555 euro

so for 277 euro u can pick up a pair of cordovans; sizes were limited though

 

[Burton]



These are very nice shell belts.

I have purchased shell belts before but ultimately returned them. The multi-piece construction (which is necessary, of course) just didn't sit right with me. Just a personal thing...

But hats off to those who are not bothered by them.

I am wearing a shell belt which is not multi-piece construction. My belt is an AE belt. I have seen others as well that are not multi-piece.

 

[Bucho]

Wearing my brand new Alden Captoe Shell Color 8 with commando soles for the snow today. Honestly, my right foot is killing me where the new leather is rubbing against my ankle bone, but I assume time will heal everything.

Thanks to Cathy at Alden DC for once again sending me two pairs for size comparison. Loved the cigar shell more, but the 11.5E just fits better. I have four other Aldens in cigar, so one color 8 seemed the way to go.