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

[burningbright]



HA, my wife just texts me, and is like a box from the shoe mart showed up today, wtf did you just get...? Lucky me it wa sonly Alden shoe trees this time.

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive!"

I can't shake the feeling that this will be the epitaph on my headstone (which, by the way, will be shaped like a giant cordovan long-wing).

 

[beowolf]

Namor, I emailed shoemart about the problem and forwarded you the email. I replyed to your pm.

 

[jt2gt]



Nice shoes! Where did you get them and what kind of sole?

Thanks lagsun...these are crepe soled originally from Winn Perry (I believe). Picked them up secondary.

JT

 

[Spaghettimatt]



I am sure that this has been covered, but can anyone recommend what product I should be using to treat and weather/water/snow proof my Alden 403s as best as possible? I have been using lexol to clean them, but do not know whether I should be using mink oil or sno-seal or pecards as well. Obenaufs?


Anyone have some advice?

Can anyone help here?

 

[g.michael]

Uncle, a sure sign I have read too many threads on this forum and stared at too many shoes!

 

[g.michael]



My first nanosecond reaction to reading this was, "Man, that's pathetic."

Then I was all like:




6 months from now my wife will be going into her third trimester and I'll be flat broke with 12 pairs of Aldens hidden in assorted work supply closets and various downtown bus station lockers. I'll be the most well-heeled homeless man in all of Chicago.

I thought it was just me--having shoes delivered to the office, hiding them in the trunk, bringing them into the closet after she's asleep and switching them out with older ones. She occasionally busts me and laughs, but only because she has no idea what these things cost--if she did I would be a dead man!

 

[NAMOR]



Can anyone help here?

Im not expert here but I have used mink oil and sno-seal. Both work great but mink oil is easier to apply. With the sno-seal I use a hair dryer. In terms of waterproof, i havent really noticed a difference in protection.

 

[mcarthur]



Well...thought I would finally add a pic to my favorite thread. Here is some Cigar love for you. My only shells right now. I do have others but this is the extent of my shell (although BB cordovan LHS pennys are calling). Always looking for size 8s.

Thanks everyone for all the Alden info and great pics. JT

+ 1 for cigar with argyles

 

[NAMOR]



+ 1 for cigar with argyles

haaa, at first glance i thought these were yours, mac

 

[mcarthur]



I thought it was just me--having shoes delivered to the office, hiding them in the trunk, bringing them into the closet after she's asleep and switching them out with older ones. She occasionally busts me and laughs, but only because she has no idea what these things cost--if she did I would be a dead man!

you can always respond- these are my jimmy choo

 

[PorterInjax]

Looking to get a new pair of #8 PTB's to replace my beat to hell ones. Anyone know where to get them on the Grant last? Never tried the Grant but my understanding is that it is between the Barrie and Plaza?
Thanks

 

[Beatlegeuse]



Congrats! Pics please or else we won't believe you

Pretty much standard fare around here, but it's exciting for me now that I got my first couple pairs....there will be many more where these came from I'm sure

 

[NAMOR]



Looking to get a new pair of #8 PTB's to replace my beat to hell ones. Anyone know where to get them on the Grant last? Never tried the Grant but my understanding is that it is between the Barrie and Plaza?
Thanks

thats right. not sure where you could get ptb on the grant last. would also be interested

 

[PorterInjax]



thats right. not sure where you could get ptb on the grant last. would also be interested

I have quite a few pairs of Alden shell on the Barrie. While it is "workable" for me, it doesn't truly fit. I sent a pair of older 9D's back to Alden for a refurb and asked to tighten them up to a C width as much as possible. These are the best fitting pair of Barrie lasted shoes I have. I just can't believe that this is the one last that fits most people. I am a 9.5D on the Brannock and wear a 8.5D in Trubalance, 9 in the Barrie and Plaza and 8.5D Barrie when getting unlined suede oxfords. Just crazy.

 

[NAMOR]



I have quite a few pairs of Alden shell on the Barrie. While it is "workable" for me, it doesn't truly fit. I sent a pair of older 9D's back to Alden for a refurb and asked to tighten them up to a C width as much as possible. These are the best fitting pair of Barrie lasted shoes I have. I just can't believe that this is the one last that fits most people. I am a 9.5D on the Brannock and wear a 8.5D in Trubalance, 9 in the Barrie and Plaza and 8.5D Barrie when getting unlined suede oxfords. Just crazy.

I agree with you about the barrie. Size 11.5D doesnt fit me great either; too much width. I also have size 11E which fits better but I dont like the "short/fat" look. it just happens to be very forgiving last. Its surprising that you take the same size in Plaza and Barrie.