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

[Papa Doble]

Does anyone wear a narrower size in:

1. barrie shoes than in barrie boots (example: 9 C PTB, 9 D Tanker)?
2. trubalance boots than in barrie boots (example: 8 C Indy, 8 D Tanker)?

 

[Beatlegeuse]

Don't want to clog up the thread with too much more NRO hate, but I think I remember someone here mentioning that they contacted the BBB regarding NRO, and then they finally got a response. Whoever that was, feel free to PM me if you don't want to post about it here again, I have a few questions....I'm still following up on a pair I paid for last year, with no ETA of when they will come in. I've been calling and leaving voicemails (nobody ever picks up) and I've emailed several times with no response. They send an automated message saying that someone will reply within one business day. Oh, they also have a bullshit chat feature on their website....no matter what time of day, if you try to use it there is a message that says "Sorry we can't chat now, but we would love to hear from you Mon.-Fri. 9:30am to 3:30pm!" I tried using this a few times during the day today and kept seeing the same message. I'm starting to think contacting the BBB might be my only option here.

EDIT - just found the number for their physical location...called 3 times and someone picked up on the 3rd call. I was told that the manager Kathleen is the one that handles orders for Alden, and she's not in the store today, but she will call Alden first thing tomorrow morning. I'll call back tomorrow and see if I can get this Kathleen on the phone. At least someone actually picked up the phone, that's progress.

 

[Dr. D]

If NRO is non-responsive then just call your credit card and have them deal with this. Tell your credit card company you were charged for something that has not shipped for months and the company won't respond to you and they will take care of it. Especially if you used Amex, they are very pro-consumer.

 

[Cold Iron]

The C&J dark brown shell shortwing blucher is sublime.

I also own the C&J for RL Marlow shell but find the fit typical of most European shoes and my feet, less than satisfactory. However I do love that shell color also.

Nick Horween calls it dark cognac as did RL before they switched to the name Marlow and the name to dark brown. It is Horween shell #449. It is also the same color as AE brown cordovan, not dark brown, and recently added as an option on the Park Ave. Strand, Norwich and Patriot. It is also the same color that was used on the Wolverine 744 which AE made.




It sits between AE dark brown and AE truffle. The Ravello surprised me it is closer to my walnut than the truffle. Now for some cigar to compare. Hmmm I do not yet have a LWB.....

 

[fiestaplatypus]



I also own the C&J for RL Marlow shell but find the fit typical of most European shoes and my feet, less than satisfactory. However I do love that shell color also. Nick Horween calls it dark cognac as did RL before they switched to the name Marlow and the name to dark brown. It is Horween shell #449. It is also the same color as AE brown cordovan, not dark brown, and recently added as an option on the Park Ave. Strand, Norwich and Patriot. It is also the same color that was used on the Wolverine 744 which AE made. It sits between AE dark brown and AE truffle. The Ravello surprised me it is closer to my walnut than the truffle. Now for some cigar to compare. Hmmm I do not yet have a LWB.....

Interesting that you say the 744 is the same color as the brown cordovan strand, as I was under the impression that they were different shades. I should probably do a family pic as well to show the AE Walnut, AE Truffle, AE Brown, AE Burgandy/#8, Alden Ravello, and Alden Whiskey in my possession. If you go on a hunt for the LWB, let me know if you spot any 12's.

 

[bespoken pa]



Interesting that you say the 744 is the same color as the brown cordovan strand, as I was under the impression that they were different shades. I should probably do a family pic as well to show the AE
Walnut, AE Truffle, AE Brown, AE Burgandy/#8, Alden Ravello, and
Alden Whiskey in my possession.

Allen Edmonds makes the 744 for wolverine on a unique last "apl". It can be recrafted just as any other AE product can. There is also a robust seconds market and can be found in the $400-500 range.

If you go on a hunt for the LWB, let me know if you spot any 12's.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



I've got to agree that the C&J shortwings look really nice. There are so many other great looking shoes available, Church's, Edward Green, and C&J just to name a couple. But until I find a brand I can wear all day and then go out dancing at night in, like I've done with my PTB's, I'll stick with Alden. For me comfort is key.

Me too, the overwhelming majority of the time. But variety is the spice of life.

I have shell from 5 different makers, and I like them all.

 

[mr chorizo]

#4 wt boot and momotaro bom003 today

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



I also own the C&J for RL Marlow shell but find the fit typical of most European shoes and my feet, less than satisfactory. However I do love that shell color also. Nick Horween calls it dark cognac as did RL before they switched to the name Marlow and the name to dark brown. It is Horween shell #449. It is also the same color as AE brown cordovan, not dark brown, and recently added as an option on the Park Ave. Strand, Norwich and Patriot. It is also the same color that was used on the Wolverine 744 which AE made. It sits between AE dark brown and AE truffle. The Ravello surprised me it is closer to my walnut than the truffle. Now for some cigar to compare. Hmmm I do not yet have a LWB.....

Thanks for the brown shell analysis. The Alden cigar shell LWB is great. It was my first Alden LWB. Wearing the black shell LWB today ....

 

[xr4ti]

Cigar LWB today. Finally getting some good weather here and able to break these out.

 

[Sidd]

Thanks I think....
after years of longing after and months of reading this forum I am now the owner of a pair of alden chromexcel indy's and the j crew cap toe cordovan no 8. Thank you all for the information I have gathered here and the opinion on these fantastic shoes... Now if they could just stop being so fantastic so my bank account can take a breather.
Next the arduous task of sifting thru the posts to find proper care instructions on caring for the cordovan (clearly a lot of opinions). Unless anyone wants to send this newb a link or tip.

Thank you all again for this beautiful and strange addiction!

 

[mcarthur]



#8 Barrie wingtip boots today

nephew,

looking good!

 

[mcarthur]



All this talk of exotic shell colors reminds me that #8 is still the king.

Leffot #8 Tanker & EP

nephew,

I like your nst boots

 

[dslonghorn4]

#4 wt boot and momotaro bom003 today

Wow, spectacular all around here. Love the pink stitching on the Momotaros.

 

[mcarthur]



Ravello LWB

nephew, +1 for argyles and gunboats