***The official Alden thread *** - Page 1703

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Edited by onestar - 3/22/12 at 1:35pm

i don't mind the shape of the barrie chukka, the problem for me is the heel area of the barrie is so voluminous and there are only two eyelets, the fit just feels sloppy. the only chukka i have is the standard kudu on lug sole, and it's tolerable because the lug sole is so flexible. that said, if it's a good fit for you, then it will be a very versatile shoe.

To each his own I guess. I really like the way the Barrie last Chukkas look and feel. They are very versatile as you say. The simplicity really appeals to me; however I can understand the negativity if the fit isn't right for your foot.

Usually when companies do this it's to set different prices in different markets, e.g. to allow The Bureau to charge what is profitable for them in the EU without being undercut by Leffot. It's not really to their advantage to leave a market uncovered though, so I would expect that in Australia you would still be able to buy from somewhere.

Of course this doesn't take into account the various special make-ups, etc. Still, there's always proxies, ebay, B&S, etc.

I own three barrie lasted chukkas - chromexcel, cordovan and suede - they are among my favorite shoes. Chromexcel is my spring go to in the rain, whiskey is great with trousers and jeans, and the navy suede will be worn with chinos, trousers, and shorts.

They do expert work. Do not hesitate to use them.

They even do bespoke shoes there.

Yes, they're quite good. They also have stock Alden parts like the Foot Balance Heel and the Alden Commando sole.

I was afraid to ask.  I'm trying to budget my shoe purchases.

 

As for the Kudu Indy, I dropped an email saying I would be interested if they decided to restock.  And I got the reply that there were coming in a few months and I could put a deposit to reserve a pair.

 

I'll inquire again after my next pay check.

yes!

nephew,
try the six eyelet chukkas it look and fit is superior to the two eyelet chukkas

cigar cap toe boot
argyles otc

+1, although I take it a step further since I think the barrie in general is just poor for anything but a standard casual boot (minus chukka)

The 2 lace barrie chukka suffers from an identity crisis. Its somewhere in between a shoe and a boot and frankly I think it looks ugly. I once owned the black shell chukka on commando sole and would wear them to work in a business casual environment where I typically wore wool slacks. Most of my pants have a narrower leg opening so the chukka didnt jive very well. However I will say, I got complimented every time I wore them. Ive since replaced them with a Plaza lasted boot which I think goes better with both work and casual attire. A dress boot can looks great both dressed up and down(see Macs pic below).

If you are going to spend $600, go with something drool worthing like a #8 shell indy (furu, moo and alchibides posted one, but make sure to check out furo's :-D) or the official boot of this thread, the day tripper.

The barrie last is a generous fitting last which is probably why its one of Aldens most popular. Its also a reason why I dont like it. As another member alluded to, its loose in the heel and makes for a clumsy fit and is exacerbated with a 2 lace Chukka. I experienced slippage in the heel and unlike most shoes with multiple lace holes, you cant tighten the 2 laced chukka properly.

The generous fit also causes excessive creasing which is visible on just every barrie lasted shell boot.

these boots are gorgeous. im in love. Plaza last, cigar captoe, all eyelets? Dbear, spend your money on something like this. You'll never regret it
Edited by NAMOR - 3/22/12 at 9:43pm

(high five) i like the barrie by going tts, but with a C width. compensates for the clumsy fit

love the cigar boot with eyelets


don't think there is anything like that available at retail these days. would love to be proven wrong.