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

[triumphman]

Originally Posted by madmadigan

Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between these two boots?

http://www.barneys.com/Lace-Up-Boot/...efault,pd.html

vs.

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/s...8428/18428.jsp

Yes. One is sold through jcrew, and the other through barneys.

Also the color. One is chromexcel the other the original 405 it seems...

 

[mediahound]

Originally Posted by triumphman

Yes. One is sold through jcrew, and the other through barneys.

Also the color. One is chromexcel the other the original 405 it seems...

I think the Barney's one is also the 403 (Chromexcel) but I could be wrong.

 

[ChrisGold]

Originally Posted by 100 yrs

it's Friday, forecast for partly cloudy in Seattle which is like a sunny day here, going with the flex welt chukka...

also got an email from Blackbird, they're releasing a new Alden for those saddle fans out there:

They just added a second good looking saddle on the site.

 

[interlockingny]

Originally Posted by ChrisGold

They just added a second good looking saddle on the site.

Nice look.

 

[mcbrown]

Originally Posted by CEE88

It would be great to hear from others who own black shell cordovan shoes.

I own cap toe bluchers in black shell cordovan (happen to be wearing them today, actually - sorry, no pics at the moment). Personally, I love these shoes. They are fantastically comfortable for "dress" shoes, thanks in part to the double sole, and in part to the fact that I find bluchers far easier on my feet than balmorals. They also have great sentimental value to me, being both my first Aldens and the shoes I wore at my wedding! For me, they are exactly what I want in a black "dress" shoe.

Having said that, I wouldn't rule out calf. First, note that I have been using the word "dress" in quotes. If you want a truly dressy black shoe from Alden, you may need to buy calf; I believe that all of their black shell shoes either have broguing, or are bluchers. Second, even though my shoes are made on the Aberdeen last, no one would accuse them of being "sleek" - if you need sleek shoes and you want Alden, you probably need to look at calf. Finally, calf has its advantages over shell, including weight and breathability (which is easy to forget in the winter!).

I like my shoes. They fit my style I think, even when worn with a suit - they are surely not dressy enough for Europe, but I am an American, and they are dressy enough on this side of the pond. They are extremely comfortable, though heavy, and they are definitely of very high quality. YMMV...

 

[makewayhomer]

black shell may be better than black calf, but again to me it's a question of fund allocation. I would fill out the rest of my "shelldrobe" in other colors before hitting black

 

[Pastor]

NEW Suede LWB from the Epaulet Shop.

I do have a question about a potential problem with these shoes. The top eyelet on the right shoe is missing the metal piece. Is this a big deal? I just got the shoes today and have only tried them on. To me it dosn't seem like a big deal but didn't know if this missing piece would have any negative longterm impact on these shoes. Pics are included.

 

[ChrisGold]

Originally Posted by Pastor

NEW Suede LWB from the Epaulet Shop.

I do have a question about a potential problem with these shoes. The top eyelet on the right shoe is missing the metal piece. Is this a big deal? I just got the shoes today and have only tried them on. To me it dosn't seem like a big deal but didn't know if this missing piece would have any negative longterm impact on these shoes. Pics are included.

I would have it fixed, even if locally, as it will put more pressure on the leather, and could allow it to tear / stretch. While that is not likely to happen, if you take that chance and something does happen, it will not be fixable.

 

[mcarthur]

Originally Posted by nbernie

How do you get your cordovan to crease so little? It always seems like your shoes have very few of the characteristic creases. Does it have to do with the MacMethod polish?

it relates to your feet and the fit of the shoe

 

[mcarthur]

Originally Posted by nbernie

I'm in NH so this is actually huge for me. Case closed.

salt or road salt is very hazardous to shell

 

[mcarthur]

Originally Posted by PorterInjax

Glad to see you posting again Mac

thank you

 

[mcarthur]

Originally Posted by CTYGGG

#8 Wingtip Boots

good looking wing tip boots

 

[mcarthur]

ravello monks
argyles otc

 

[bl@ster]

Can anyone tell me how Alden's Truebalance last compares to the Grant?

 

[NAMOR]

Can anyone tell me how Alden's Truebalance last compares to the Grant?

Originally Posted by REguy