***The official Alden thread *** - Page 1669

Do Alden still make the Brooks Bros cordovan penny loafer?

Cheers.

I agree with you 100%. I wanted to order a pair, but I have no love for the commando sole on shoes. I can understand boots, but it think it ruins a good looking shoe to have the rubber on the sole.

I don't believe Alden of Carmel ever had the Ravello Longwing Blucher on the Commando Sole. It sounds like they are going from Crepe to double leather.

Seems like I'm in the minority with non-Alden largely outnumbering my Aldens 5:1; however, I do have 4 pre-onders that should be coming in the next 12-18 months

All Weather Walker update: Since I bought them two months ago, I have probably been wearing them about once a week on average, plus every day for a recent 5 day trip to LA. The verdict: they are a fantastic beater shoe and I'm glad I purchased them. And I'm glad I waited to get them on sale, because I can't justify spending $450 on beater shoes.

The good:

• Incredibly comfortable for long distance walking, as you would expect from a Barrie-lasted shoe on crepe soles.
• The crepe sole is versatile over a variety of terrain, including sand and rock - see photo.
• The alpine grain is extremely rugged. Dirt and mud brush off easily, and usually don't stick to begin with. Scratches and scuffs from hard wear are barely visible. It's not completely water-repellant but it dries quickly (I'm not sure why this is, but the effect is noticeable).
• The intense squeaking I noticed out of the box went away eventually.
• It's a very versatile color for casual wear - basically like Ravello.

The bad:

• It's not a "sexy" shoe. Do not expect your $300+ purchase to generate compliments from members of the fairer sex.
• It's not a "clunky/cool" shoe. Do not expect your $300+ purchase to generate hipster cred like you might get with a pair of funky boots.
• It's not a "dressy" shoe. Do not expect your $300+ purchase to be suitable for wearing with anything nicer than cotton chinos.
• As a reminder, it's on the crepe sole. I happen to like it, but if you hate it you will hate these shoes.

The verdict: If you want a rugged, practical walking shoe you could really do worse than this. But I see exactly why this shoe is not popular on this board - it does not have "a look" like more popular (at least on SF) Aldens that you can get for just a little more money, like say a Ravello LWB or even a plain old Indy boot. For me, having a comfortable shoe I'm not afraid to beat on is a huge benefit, and I have definitely found my new default travel shoe. For that I'm happy to have spent $300 or so (but not $450!).

81% of the shoes/boots in my current rotation are Alden (13 pair out of 16). That percentage is about to go down some too since I have a pair of moccasins from Rancourt that are due to arrive tomorrow and am considering a pair of the beefroll penny loafers in navy cordovan from Rancourt as my next purchase as well. I'm also thinking of further reducing my inventory and throwing my Alden for J. Crew plain-toe boots up on the B&S since I've only worn them twice I think (size 7.5 if anybody is interested).

So, the laces on my Indys were about to snap (I think because I tried taking them off once without fully undoing it), so I walked into the Alden store in SF with the intent to purchase some laces, and they gave them to me for free!  I know it's a small thing, but was surprised.  

 

Anyways, got a chance to try on the Cordovan Chukka in color 8, and was pleasantly surprised.  I've had my eyes on those things, but never seen them in person or tried them on.  My intent is to wear them with both jeans and trousers.  I assumed it would be versatile enough to go with both, but I really blew me away when I tried it on.  Now I have to get it...but it's going to be like 7 bills after tax, so maybe in a while, but definitely my next shoe.

I'm interested in everyone's thoughts here... Which one of your Aldens tend to get the most compliments from women (as we know, a lot of what is popular on styleforum may not necessarily be the most popular in bars or whatever)? For me it is

1) Cigar captoe boots
2) J Crew Suede PTBs
3) Ravello taseels

I expect my ravello longwings and both navy suedes will also get a lot of attention (I haven't worn these that much)

My RL cordovan wingtips also get a ton of compliments from women.

Here are all the Alden BB cordovans: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatSectionView.process?IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=225&section_size=&section_color=&sortby=newArrivals

 

 

Mediahound,

Thanks for the reply and link. Unfortunately BB does not say who makes the loafers. I have asked them who does but am still waiting for a reply.

From the wardrobe discount blurb: "offer and does not apply to men's cordovan Edward Green or Harry's of London shoes"

Thanks.

All of the shoes in that link are made by Alden. 

By far, my PTB color 8. Next was my brown CXL Indy Boots. Next were my natural CXL Tanker Boots (I no longer own the boots though).

 

I called Brooks Brothers Store and the wardrobe event goes on thru today.  I ordered cordovan and was given the discount AFAIK.  At least that's what the store manager told me.  FYI.

nephew,
go for it!

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