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

[kwhitelaw]

I sized down a full inch, 11.5 normally to 10.5, for an alden boot barrie last.

I'm looking to pick up a pair of alden plaza last oxfords. Based on a graphic it seems I should go "tts" with this last, do you think I could make a 10.5 plaza work then? I'm on the wider foot end of the spectrum.

Any thoughts appreciated, thanks!

I wouldnt try to size down to 10.5 in plaza if your TTS is 11-11.5..

I have a thin foot IMO and there'd be no way I could size down .5, let alone a full size, in plaza.

 

[Dbc0919]

That's because they're already charging an unreasonable 150 bucks for the service. 8-10 weeks?

There are many quality cobblers that can handle Aldens, and will be more accommodating to the customer.

For shell cordovan full recrafts, I have used 3 cobblers:

Alden - 159, JR resole, bags, trees, 8 - 10 weeks; officially they say 6-10 weeks and, as posted here earlier, some have had them back in 6 weeks
AE - 150, JR resole, bags, trees, 3 - 4 weeks
BNelson - 150, JR resole, bags, trees, 2 - 4 weeks

I have used each of them various times, and have also had AEs and Aldens restored at BNelson (as well as other brands). They have all done a nice job.

Personally, I don't really care about the turnaround time.

I am to the point where I use Alden for Alden, AE for AE, and BNelson for others (e.g., vintage Florshiem or Hanover).

In my experience, the one great thing about using Alden for Alden and AE for AE is that the shoes are returned as if they are a brand new pair. It makes the money spent and the wait time totally worth it.

Alden only does recrafts with the same materials as the original (no changing leather sole for commando, for example). So this might mean a guy has to go elsewhere. AE allows a person to switch things up. BNelson, of course, has a variety of options.

Alden uses j. Redenbach soles? Hadn't heard that before.

 

[Kashiwa]



I doubt this will work unless the Barrie D is way too wide for you. Most would go 12D or 12E from 11.5D Barrie

Thanks. I more or less knew this, but would love to believe otherwise.

 

[Bakes11771]

With all this discussion of re-craft/restoration, does anyone have any experience with having loose stitching repaired?

I have asked this question once before, but only got one response, and am curious to hear others. I know that Nick at B Nelson lists it as one of the services that he performs during his restoration, but I'm curious how it comes out? Good as new? Or is it more of a 'best they can do' scenario?

The one response I did get the last time I asked this question mentioned that Alden replaced the one stitch all the way through the lining to the inside of the shoe. Is this the only possible way to repair a loose stitch?

Has anyone ever had 'good as new' results?

 

[christoffer78]

Super! Thanks. Great forum, great thread

 

[CTYGGG]



cigar lhs
argyles otc

Looking sharp in your cigar LHS.

Excellent CTY!  You and a few others have represented the NST quite well over the last week or two.

Thank you sir.

nephew,
looking good in your nst

Thank you.

CTYGGG, almost all of your posts refer to "EP". What is EP?

Epaulet, most likely referring to the pants.

Correct, Epaulet is indeed EP.

 

[Alcibiades]



maiden voyage of my color 8 tassel loafer first time in my life to wear tassel

You wear them well

 

[Alcibiades]



Can anyone comment on how the Leydon last fits when going from TB / Barrie size up a half size and down a width on a pair of the unlined chukkas?
(i.e. I'm looking at going from TB / Barrie 11.5 D to Leydon 12C).

You would need a 12D... I wear 9.5E in Barrie and the 10E suede leydons fit me (with a tiny bit of snugness in the width)

 

[MrDV]

#4 atoms x leffot

in the shade


direct sunlight

 

[CalceoAdamator]

Black 6 eyelet cap toe shells today...on Plaza last...

 

[2doubleu]



#4 atoms x leffot

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

in the shade direct sunlight

These are a thing of beauty... thanks for sharing.

 

[hanoiboy]

http://db.tt/VZOTzfT9

 

[Steel28]

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

#4 atoms x leffot in the shade direct sunlight

I knew this day will come when two people will wear Leffot Atoms. Lovely pair Mr.DV. Cigar Monday for me:

 

[Steel28]

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

cigar lhs
argyles otc

Looking great Uncle Mac.

 

[MrDV]



http://db.tt/VZOTzfT9

Nice boots. Carmina does ruby shell very well.