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

[digga]

Yo yo yo yo yo.

So.

I finally managed to get a pair of BBBF shell longwings which I've wanted for basically ever and they're awesome shoes and feel great. Fit is excellent, need a break-in but already quite comfy. However, after wearing them for one day (bought new in box), I have discovered a problem, depicted in yonder video:


See how the right shoe creases perfectly, but the left seems to have one crease at the vamp, and then the next few inches of leather are stiff enough such that they do not crease and instead a crease forms in the middle of the toe cap over the broguing? Apparently the leather over the lower part of the vamp before the toe cap is unwilling to bend, and the path of least resistance is simply to push that patch of leather forward over top of the toe cap, creating a lump.

Any input or ideas on this? I already emailed aldenshoe.com but I have no idea what their email response habits are or if I even directed the inquiry to the right people.

Those are defective, get rid of them now. I have a pair did the same thing, and it got really bad. Alden confirmed that they are defective, but they have yet to replace them. I'm not sure how they are planning to repair my shoes, but I don't see how they can reverse the damage that has been done to the leather.

Here is what it will look like eventually, these shoes where used for 4-5 months.

 

[epc2]

Sizing question:

On the Barrie last (1/2 size down) I can use a D width but it's a snugg fit until they stretch a bit,E works better on some models ,Trubalance D (very good fit), but I'm interested in a model on the Aberdeen last but I've never tried a shoe on that last , when going TTS with the Aberdeen widht wise does it feels narrower than Barrie 1/2 size down , wider or about the same?

The shoe I'm interested in only comes in D widths.

Thanks.

 

[ironclad]

ironclad - awesome boots! You are very lucky to have found these!

Thanks for the compliment, Sazon. Very lucky indeed!

Wow, new Cigar boots. Your next move should involve a lottery ticket. Great boots enjoy!

I don't play the lottery, but maybe you are on to something... Thanks.

welcome to the forum
wear the cigar in good health

Thank you, Uncle Mac.

those cigar indys are amazing. I can grab a pair from fransboone right now but the crepe sole kills it for me..

great score from TSM

I considered the same thing from Fransboone, but I didn't want to go through the hassle of buying, shipping, then re-soling. I got lucky at TSM -- right place, right time.

Congrats on a great find... wear in great health my friend!

Thank you, sir.

Great looking boots. I hope they don't go for sale online soon, I'm trying to hold out for plaza cigar boots. I know pipe dreamssss.

Cigar on plaza would be amazing.

 

[ironclad]

Since I'm new to the forum, I figure I should post some pictures of my shell family. Of course, it is quite small and young compared to many of your great and legendary collections. I took these outside yesterday morning with my phone, so the color may not be 100% accurate. But should be fairly close. Not pictured are my 405 Indy and black calf Indy from AoC.

 

[mcarthur]



Since I'm new to the forum, I figure I should post some pictures of my shell family. Of course, it is quite small and young compared to many of your great and legendary collections. I took these outside yesterday morning with my phone, so the color may not be 100% accurate. But should be fairly close. Not pictured are my 405 Indy and black calf Indy from AoC.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

nephew, thanks for posting your good looking boots

 

[Don L]

Whiskey Wednesday

 

[mcarthur]



Whiskey Wednesday

nephew,
+1 for gunboats and argyles

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Since I'm new to the forum, I figure I should post some pictures of my shell family. Of course, it is quite small and young compared to many of your great and legendary collections. I took these outside yesterday morning with my phone, so the color may not be 100% accurate. But should be fairly close. Not pictured are my 405 Indy and black calf Indy from AoC.

Fine looking family my friend. Welcome to the forum and wear in great health your beautiful boots!

 

[OlafG]

I'm torn between getting the LWB in #8 or Cigar. Which one is the nicest/most versatile?

 

[hoit1981]

^ What size are you, and where are you finding a LWB in Cigar?

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

I'm torn between getting the LWB in #8 or Cigar. Which one is the nicest/most versatile?

You need both. But if you can only have one and versatility is the determining factor, King Shell VIII with dark/black edge is your royalty. If you know you will acquire both, I'd pull the trigger on the Cigar if they are available and seek out the color 8 when the funds have been replenished.

Good luck my friend!

 

[FrankCowperwood]



You need  both.  But if you can only have one and versatility is the determining factor, King Shell VIII with dark/black edge is your royalty.  If you know you will acquire both, I'd pull the trigger on the Cigar if they are available and seek out the color 8 when the funds have been replenished.

Good luck my friend!

What he said.

 

[Papa Doble]



I'm torn between getting the LWB in #8 or Cigar. Which one is the nicest/most versatile?

I think for most people, cigar with dark brown edge trim is as versatile as #8 with the typical black edge trim. Cigar with antique edging is probably not as versatile, though it is certainly nice.

 

[OlafG]

11E in Barrie, pretty sure about that. I have the Indys in 10.5EEE, 9432S in 11EE and unlined suede blucher in 11E.

I found the Cigar LWBs on eBay 11E. I think I'm going to kop them, slightly used but should still have a lot wear left in them.

 

[BeSpiffington]



Since I'm new to the forum, I figure I should post some pictures of my shell family. Of course, it is quite small and young compared to many of your great and legendary collections. I took these outside yesterday morning with my phone, so the color may not be 100% accurate. But should be fairly close. Not pictured are my 405 Indy and black calf Indy from AoC.

Your off to a great start with such nice looking boots.