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

[harrythedog]

so, i am hoping someone can help? considering a pair of 986's on the van last. i own 2 pairs, one longwing and one chukka on the barrie both 9.5d and one indy on the tru balance also 9.5d. do i go true to size and get a 10, or follow the half size down rule of thumb?

thanks in advance for any and all help!

 

[interlockingny]

Originally Posted by harrythedog

so, i am hoping someone can help? considering a pair of 986's on the van last. i own 2 pairs, one longwing and one chukka on the barrie both 9.5d and one indy on the tru balance also 9.5d. do i go true to size and get a 10, or follow the half size down rule of thumb?

thanks in advance for any and all help!

For me, going with the same size as the Barrie last works for me when it comes to the Van Last.

So I would recommend going with 9.5D.

 

[Joenobody0]

Originally Posted by interlockingny

For me, going with the same size as the Barrie last works for me when it comes to the Van Last.

So I would recommend going with 9.5D.

+1

Same size in Barrie and Van here as well.

 

[velomane]

Originally Posted by Joenobody0

+1

Same size in Barrie and Van here as well.

Ditto

 

[obiter dictum]

Originally Posted by blue collar

I heard that one of the big wigs at Alden (not sure what guy) thought that the machine stitch on the cordovan indy "cheapened" the look of the boot. And decided that the Cordovan boots would always have the handsewn toe-Felt it suited the boot and leather better.
I remember reading this a while back, too. No idea if it's actually true though. I second srivats' frustration on machine vs hand stitch. Hand stitched looks awful to me.

 

[makewayhomer]

rare color Appreciation alert:

(also bad cel phone pic alert)

#4 PTB

Ravello NST

cool detail, the Horween stamp in the tongue

Ravello, #4, Dark Brown shell from C&J, Burgundy shell from Florsheim

 

[Phrost]

Anyone have experience sizing the Straight Tip Balmorals (Model #907) in the Hampton last? I tried them on in store and I fit exactly 1 size smaller than my usual shoe size. Was it a fluke or does the shoe run small for other people too?

 

[makewayhomer]

my random thoughts on colors now that I've been lucky enough to see a bunch in person

of the normally available colors, Ravello and the "dark cognac" used by C&J for RL are my 2 favorites, by far. light enough to be eye catching, but dark enough to be super versatile. cigar is very similar to the C&J color. the "dark brown" on the boots by C&J for BB is super nicer, but much closer to #8 than cigar is. whiskey is cool almost for the rarity of it...I still think its too light for someone concerned about versatility, though if you have lots of money and room, awesome!

just 1 guys thoughts

 

[makewayhomer]

what are peoples thought on the NST handsewn design in general? it's pretty casual I think, but distinctive looking

 

[srivats]

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

what are peoples thought on the NST handsewn design in general? it's pretty casual I think, but distinctive looking

I love the alden NST pattern ... very distinctive. My cigar NSTs are one of my favourite alden shoes.

 

[jhcam8]

Originally Posted by Phrost

Anyone have experience sizing the Straight Tip Balmorals (Model #907) in the Hampton last? I tried them on in store and I fit exactly 1 size smaller than my usual shoe size. Was it a fluke or does the shoe run small for other people too?

The Hampton fits me true-to-size.

 

[Joenobody0]

Originally Posted by jhcam8

The Hampton fits me true-to-size.

Hampton is one of the most "normal" fitting Alden lasts. Not narrow in the toes like the Aberdeen, not wide in the heel like the Barrie. It fits me TTS as well.

 

[zippyh]

Originally Posted by wj4

Anyone here rock Monks? If so, please post up pictures! I am seriously considering a pair to feed my Alden addiction.

Dude, you need to slow down.

But since I'm not one to talk about moderation, here's a picture of my Brooks Brothers Alden Monks.
Consider signing up for the Brooks corporate discount card (15% off) at Borders Reward Perks or something like that. It's free. Typically cordovan shoes aren't included in the Brooks sales.

 

[number9dream]

Originally Posted by blue collar

I heard that one of the big wigs at Alden (not sure what guy) thought that the machine stitch on the cordovan indy "cheapened" the look of the boot. And decided that the Cordovan boots would always have the handsewn toe-Felt it suited the boot and leather better.

I tend to agree with the bigwig. As beautiful as cordovan is, it can definitely look too smooth, too shiny and almost plasticine depending on how it is rendered. The machine stitching --- to my eye, at least --- looks too perfect, too neat, too Stacy Adams.

The rustic hand-sewing on such a prominent and iconic part of the Indy really makes them stand out as something special.

 

[wj4]

Originally Posted by zippyh

Dude, you need to slow down. But since I'm not one to talk about moderation, here's a picture of my Brooks Brothers Alden Monks. Consider signing up for the Brooks corporate discount card (15% off) at Borders Reward Perks or something like that. It's free. Typically cordovan shoes aren't included in the Brooks sales.
Haha, you guys make it hard to slow down.

I have a BB discount card already.

Signed up over the summer, but have yet to use it. Black shoes and Monks are next. Then I'm done. (Time for sneakers afterward). Edit: What last are those Monks on?