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

[CTYGGG]



Hey guys, i bought a pair of Cordovan Chukkas from a german dealer.

Just a quick question: Is this how the Cordovan shoes usually come out of the box, with lots of polish still on it ?

That's bloom, excess oils come out of shell over time if they aren't worn. Buff them with a flannel cloth and you will be good to go.

 

[zbix]

That looks like an intense case of "bloom." It should brush off, and if needed, a quick pass of venetian or reno should get it back to normal. Either way, I'd say that shoe has been sitting for a while.

 

[dusttruffle]

Have to say, Alden's customer service is fantastic. Very helpful.

Emailed them about this and received a prompt reply. Model 14302 is a women's shoe.

 

[BeSpiffington]



If you want advice on specific styles, it would help if you described your needs (conservative business dress, business casual, casual, etc.).

One piece of general advice is to take this process slowly, because you're likely to continually refine your preferences, and you don't want to buy a lot of nice shoes only to later realize you prefer a different aesthetic.

"A wise man speaks the truth".

 

[BeSpiffington]

Cigar LHS today w/ Marcoliani Merino OTC

 

[Olifter]



Hello everyone! I am new to SF and I am extremely happy that I found it. I have decided to get serious about my appearance and my clothes. I am pretty much starting my dress shoe collection from scratch and I wanted to ask for pointers on where to start and what brands to purchase . Any pointers?

That is going to be tough to answer. I suppose the first thing to do is decide what you need, how many shoes, styles, etc. Of course, personal preference enters into this.

So, I'm a professional in my late 50s. If I may, I'll assume you are probably much younger. Starting out in my 20s, I couldn't afford expensive shoes, which I'll define in today's dollars as over $100. Now in my 30s I could.

If I could do it all over again, or give advice I wish I would have had then, I say get the best you can afford. There are several reasons, first, if you take care of them (and if they cost you $700 you will) they will last a very long time and are actually cheaper in the long run. Plus, they can be recrafted. Second, it is better for your feet. You'll be an old guy some day. As someone on my feet most of the day, I was forced to buy good shoes in my 40s. Third, dependent upon your career type, I think quality, well cared for shoes make a statement.

Last, this is an Alden thread. I have some Allen Edmonds I wear, I really like them, and two pair of old (one refurbished) Johnston & Murphy, made in USA, but my go to, top of the line favorite shoes are my Aldens. if you decide to go with shell cordovan, which I understand lasts forever, definitely go with Alden.

 

[Krissly]



That's bloom, excess oils come out of shell over time if they aren't worn. Buff them with a flannel cloth and you will be good to go.

Thanks alot guys, that was really interesting and helpful.

 

[100 yrs]



What is the difference between double oak leather outsoles and double oiled waterlock sole? I am very interested in a brown CXL chukka and TSM has the oak leather available and Leather Sole (who does the water lock) does not have any available. I am curious what the difference is and if it is worth waiting for?

i called before ordering these from TSM the other day (did not have a description yet). the fellow on the phone told me they had the double waterloc sole (picture seems to confirm). so i believe the description up there now is in error, probably copied and pasted from another chukka model. i think the double oak leather sole is the normal double leather sole. i'll confirm friday when the shoes arrive.

waterloc vs. oak

vs.

i'm actually surprised TSM was able to produce this model, it always seemed like alden was pretty good about letting retailers have claims to a particular custom make-up (i.e. non stock shoe), and as you mentioned leather soul had previously done this one. although i'm even more surprised a brown cxl chukka isn't a standard model.

 

[El Argentino]



agreed. 10 pairs in just over a year has me considering an intervention 

HOLY BAJEEZES. You done got bit bad by dat dur Alden bug.

There is a lot of personal preference involved.  Buy and wear what appeals to you, rather than buying what strangers on the internet tell you is cool.  Style should be an expression of yourself, not an attempt to fit in and participate in the latest trend.

However, at the same time, what is considered bad taste in clothes is pretty widely accepted.


Edit:  Not accusing you of doing this.  Just making a point.

Been said already, but this is great advice. One of my favorite aspects of this thread on SF is the relative level of "tolerance" that exists in comparison to other threads. Not every shoe here is everyone's cup of tea, but it doesn't bar respect amongst commentators and the mutual appreciate most have here. Sure, you see a lot of Cigar LWBs, for example over the last few pages, but everyone posting such has gravitated to that look based on their own personal preference, and now have found a place to express that.

If OP chooses to indulge in Alden, you're welcome here to chat, comment, ask questions. But move into Alden because it resonates with who you are / who you want and aspire to be. Not because they're getting blog hits, or are suddenly trendy, etc. It will be much more fulfilling for you, buying one pair of shoes you love for $500, and then really loving them as opposed to racking up a ton of pairs that you collect for show's sake.

(Not wanting to imply kwhitelaw in this at all)

 

[yesssir]

Hey Alden peeps, I came across a good deal on a pair of Alden longwings on the barrie last. If one foot is a 11C and the other is a 10.5C on the brannock would a 10D work on the barrie last or would they be too small? Thanks guys.

 

[Alpina]

agreed. 10 pairs in just over a year has me considering an intervention

This habit is relatively cheap, especially if you are still considering a boat!

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Hello everyone! I am new to SF and I am extremely happy that I found it. I have decided to get serious about my appearance and my clothes. I am pretty much starting my dress shoe collection from scratch and I wanted to ask for pointers on where to start and what brands to purchase . Any pointers?

If you buy Aldens, you should try to get to a brick and mortar store that allows you to try on various models in various lasts. One thing is almost certain - you will not wear the same size across all Alden lasts. As I understand it, there are a few men who do, but very few on the whole..

 

[rydenfan]

i called before ordering these from TSM the other day (did not have a description yet). the fellow on the phone told me they had the double waterloc sole (picture seems to confirm). so i believe the description up there now is in error, probably copied and pasted from another chukka model. i think the double oak leather sole is the normal double leather sole. i'll confirm friday when the shoes arrive.

waterloc vs. oak

vs.

i'm actually surprised TSM was able to produce this model, it always seemed like alden was pretty good about letting retailers have claims to a particular custom make-up (i.e. non stock shoe), and as you mentioned leather soul had previously done this one. although i'm even more surprised a brown cxl chukka isn't a standard model.

Very interesting! If you could let me know on Friday that would be great as the waterloc would be my preference. I am surprised as well that brown CXL is not a standard offering...

 

[rydenfan]

Hey Alden peeps, I came across a good deal on a pair of Alden longwings on the barrie last. If one foot is a 11C and the other is a 10.5C on the brannock would a 10D work on the barrie last or would they be too small? Thanks guys.

I would think too small

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Quote:
Sign me up... 11 pairs in a year and a half!