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

[coolarrow]

I don't know this for sure but I would guess retailers like Leffot and Leather Soul sell more Alden's than J Crew. Also, J Crew focuses on selling models that aren't that rare or that have ample raw material available. It's not like J Crew is hoarding whiskey, cigar, or ravello models. J Crew has fewer stores overall than you think and their men's business is very small compared to the women's business.

To add to this, only the Manhattan and downtown Boston J crew stores have "on hand" Alden models. Everything sold by J Crew Alden besides that is online.

 

[mediahound]

Thats the most flawed logic ever.

"My $400 dinner last night was a bargain since it would have cost me $1200 at a michellin star restaurant"

This argument would only work if Aldens were a lot inferior to the $1,500. John Lobbs. They are not. Hence, they are a bargain in comparison.

 

[Numbernine]



I was at an Alden retailer this weekend and was told: in the coming months, Alden will not allow any web sales of its shoes. Apparently Alden has told retailers that they must remove Alden shoes from online shops. I was told this is due to the lack of shell available for production at the moment. I did not ask any questions, just listened. I would have asked: all Alden or just cordovan, how can they do that, why does it matter how retailers are selling the shoes? I can see that public sentiment would be lowered if no shoes are ever available (always being 'sold out' online); therefore, removing them from online shopping would not make the public think the company has a lack of production capacity or ability. Anyway, I am not verifying his statement as accurate, simply reporting what he told me. Anyone hear anything similar lately?

If this is true it will certainly solve everyones issues with AofC

 

[Mr. Moo]



This argument would only work if Aldens were a lot inferior to the $1,500. John Lobbs. They are not. Hence, they are a bargain in comparison. 

Wait... what? LOL.

 

[jdpirtl22]

seems I might have to speed up the last couple pairs I'd like to get..

any horror stories ordering from fransboone, shipping into the states? they have a couple pair that I've been eyeballin

I bought ravello indies from them last year and had a great experience. They cleary mark item was made in the US and I had no problem with customs. I have heard others did in the past thoguh...

 

[shaunw]



I bought ravello indies from them last year and had a great experience.  They cleary mark item was made in the US and I had no problem with customs.  I have heard others did in the past thoguh...

Yea i think its a crapshoot, my package was marked up the same way but i got pinched for the customs/import fees anyway

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Quote:
While Adam and the AoC policy seems to be uptight and stressed about their sales, he was more than accommodating in his own way. I ordered a pair of Cigar LWB more than a year ago from Adam. When I tried on this pristine new pair they were clearly too big. However, trying them on one time made some creases that showed up instantly. I had not even laced them or walked in them. After requesting an exchange, I shipped them back sweating bullets thinking Adam would send them back to me with a note about their return policy. I received the the new size that fit perfectly and all was well. BTW, the second pair that fit perfectly had signs of people trying them on (slight creasing and previous lacing) but I didn't care. They were perfect and I was grateful to Adam even though he stressed the hell out of me for about a 10 day stretch waiting for the second pair.

With that said, I will only buy from AoC if I am certain of my exact size and if that particular shoe is not available anywhere else. With their shipping charges and their pricing, just about everyone else is noticeably cheaper anyways. I still give Adam a thumbs up. I think his stress stems from the stereotypical Alden buyer who frequently buys, returns, buys, returns, etc... not the easiest way to run a business.

Lastly, I don't see anything wrong with what Yenni wrote in that e-mail. No offense MediaHound, but your "in other words" translation is a bit unfair. She very politely and pleasantly explained the reality of the pre-order/MTO.

 

[violethour1951]

This argument would only work if Aldens were a lot inferior to the $1,500. John Lobbs. They are not. Hence, they are a bargain in comparison.

Alden's notorious QC issues, for one.

 

[balmoralsoccer]

Here's a shot of my entire collection:

michigan--is the front left the ls v-tip blucher?

 

[Alcibiades]

Cordovan John Lobb (or Edward Green) cost twice as much as Alden cordovan (even after recent price in in increases for Alden). In addition, lasts are typically different. I'm not sure what the purpose is comparing the two.

 

[mediahound]

I received the the new size that fit perfectly and all was well. BTW, the second pair that fit perfectly had signs of people trying them on (slight creasing and previous lacing) but I didn't care.

You should have asked him why he sent you a pair that had clearly been tried on when his own policy states returns of those are not even allowed. So, how was that possible?

 

[mediahound]

Cordovan John Lobb (or Edward Green) cost twice as much as Alden cordovan (even after recent price in in increases for Alden). In addition, lasts are typically different. I'm not sure what the purpose is comparing the two.

Exactly. And they are not worth twice as much, hence Aldens seem like a bargain in comparison.

 

[balmoralsoccer]

David Beckham in some Aldens:





from: http://www.upscalehype.com/2013/03/david-beckham-wears-alden-beige-suede-chukka-boots/

how are they so sure that they're aldens? don't numerous other designers also make suede chukkas?

 

[AriGold]



This argument would only work if Aldens were a lot inferior to the $1,500. John Lobbs. They are not. Hence, they are a bargain in comparison. 

Alternatively you could see Lobbs as a ripoff.

 

[mediahound]

how are they so sure that they're aldens? don't numerous other designers also make suede chukkas?

You can tell by the stitching:




http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-me...ld_m_unlined_chukka_boot_flex_welt_suede.html