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

[shaunw]

The ones I seen in a store did not look that good, Last years looked great, but when I had on a pair of Cigar captoes the comparison to the 744 wasn't even close to Alden's finish.

maybe it's just me but I'm not a big fan. It looks like a work boot (construction boot) but then it has the punched detail on the cap toe. The toe area is so big and wide it almost looks like a steel toe boot. For me it's a weird combination.

 

[Alcibiades]

When it comes to Wolverines, I like the plain toe versions (chromexcel and cordovan) a more than either the punched toe captoe or some of the brogue versions they have. They are shaped like work boots instead of Alden style "dress boots"

 

[stevent]

Saw some ravello modified last lwb with metal eyelets in Japan today, ridiculously nice and pretty sleek but no size above 9.5

Price was 100k yen not too bad I guess
Bro took dslr photos so will post it in a bit

 

[Michael Haines]



The ones I seen in a store did not look that good, Last years looked great, but when I had on a pair of Cigar captoes the comparison to the 744 wasn't even close to Alden's finish.

I have this boot and a cigar alden boot and love them both but honest the wolverine gets more compliments

 

[MoneyWellSpent]

I agree with DpprDr. You can sometimes notice Alden leather bottoms/double bend are relatively quiet and feel almost soft when walking up stairs. Alden buys their outsole bends from a company in Wisconsin that has really nice veg tan bends. When holding one in your hand they are extremely flexible. But I have heard A.E. used these outsoles in the past on some styles as well. I own some non Alden leather sole shoes that have a much stiffer sole and is quite a bit louder when walking, so I think that could be part of it.

I have tried to find out in the past who AE and Alden get their outsoles from (referring to non-JR soles of course), but to no avail. Do you know the name of the company in Wisconsin?

 

[MoneyWellSpent]

regardless, what makes the loudest sound is usually the heel first striking the ground. the rear portion of the dovetail on AE shell offerings is pretty much the same rubber used for their calfskin toplifts. this rubber is significantly harder than Alden toplifts' rubber, and, as a result, my AEs are all much louder than my Aldens.

I think this is spot on. The hardness of the rubber toplift on AE's general shoe offerings is much harder and makes a much more distinctive "clacking" sound when it hits the floor. The dovetail heels have a softer rubber insert.

 

[Shiny]



PSA: Hate to bring up non-Alden items, but The Wolverine 744 Ltd. Horween Cordovan (Beautiful Color) almost a #4 Currently listed in many sizes 30% of regular $750 price These are not seconds I think they are $530-$550 I got the 721 last year and the shell was beautiful and since Allen Edmonds makes Wolverine's Shell Offerings, they are made beautifully. With the way that shell is being bought up by the Chinese ( as explained to me by Alden, you probably won't get a first quality boot at this price again) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wolverine-1...10?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item2578b4cf42

The captoes from those look a little funky IMHO.

 

[SuitedDx]



If his Daltons and Strands are not shell then they have a rubber heel....

The top is rubber but I think the heel stack should be leather. It is interesting because it could be material or construction that's the reason.

 

[Roguls]



Saw some ravello modified last lwb with metal eyelets in Japan today, ridiculously nice and pretty sleek but no size above 9.5

Price was 100k yen not too bad I guess
Bro took dslr photos so will post it in a bit

Fantastic. Which store?

No US 10s in any style?

 

[Roguls]



The captoes from those look a little funky IMHO.

"Scalloping" at edge of the cap is silly imo.

 

[sazon]

To all of you gentlemen who got the Cigar Atoms…they are gorgeous. Congrats and wear in good health !

 

[rydenfan]

FYI, apparently Shoe Mart has changed their ordering policy and every order is now signature required. Some may want to change their shipping address as a result of this...I know this is a major pain for the order I have with them as it is shipping to my house and nobody will be their to sign for it.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



To all of you gentlemen who got the Cigar Atoms…they are gorgeous. Congrats and wear in good health !

+1

 

[turkey_sandwich]

Commando sole is over-rated. Just topy if you're that worried. I like to simply add toe taps. Leather soles, when broken in, give great traction.

I am hoping to be able to use the shoes in Chicago winter without ruining them with salt/wiping out. Will a commando not enable me to do so?

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



When it comes to Wolverines, I like the plain toe versions (chromexcel and cordovan) a more than either the punched toe captoe or some of the brogue versions they have. They are shaped like work boots instead of Alden style "dress boots"

I find the look to be that of a work boot as well.