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

[PipersSon]

This is not really off topic - I want to make sure that my first Alden shell boot is not the same color as the boot I already have, which is this one.

So what is the color on the C&J boot for BB? Is it Color 8?

Thanks for the help.

 

[PipersSon]

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

A really nice boot from Unionmade just came in. #8 on plantation crepe

That is the f*cking dog's bollocks.

 

[HorseHide]



That is the f*cking dog's bollocks.

Is that a good or a bad thing?

 

[Alcibiades]

Rank these plantation crepe sole options in terms of versatility, overall impact, etc

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shoes/casualbootschukkas/PRDOVR~19204/19204.jsp

http://www.unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Armstrong_Cordovan_Wingtip_Boot_in_Color_8_2319.html

http://leffot.com/2011/08/08/black-grain-longwing/

Want t be able to wear it on casual friday, out to a fall tailgate, out at night, etc.

 

[jhcam8]



This is not really off topic - I want to make sure that my first Alden shell boot is not the same color as the boot I already have, which is this one.

So what is the color on the C&J boot for BB? Is it Color 8?

Thanks for the help.

They're both a burgundy shade so even if the BB's aren't Horween shell, you'll still have a similar boot.

 

[NAMOR]



They're both a burgundy shade so even if the BB's aren't Horween shell, you'll still have a similar boot.

+1. consider your Alden color 8 void, filled. I had to return the BB C&J boot because it was too similar to my color 8 plaza last captoe bootause it was too similar to my color 8 plaza last captoe boot

 

[PipersSon]



They're both a burgundy shade so even if the BB's aren't Horween shell, you'll still have a similar boot.

+1. consider your Alden color 8 void, filled. I had to return the BB C&J boot because it was too similar to my color 8 plaza last captoe bootause it was too similar to my color 8 plaza last captoe boot

Thanks guys, I guess I'm not going to get that Unionmade boot.

 

[PipersSon]



Is that a good or a bad thing?

Just the f*cking dog's bollocks.... a very good thing.

 

[vivalet]

You have RM Williams boots down under! And living in LA, RM Williams boots get comments too. They were my habit before Alden took over!

G’day to all. This is my first post on SF. I’m from that footwear backwater also known as Sydney Australia. Years ago when I lived in LA I owned a pair of tassel Alden’s and loved them. Since then, my footwear has been pretty grim, comprising the odd boat shoe and loafer I picked up during the occasional trip stateside. Shoes available in Australia are appalling.

Having discovered this forum, I have ordered a pair of Ultimate Indy’s from Leather Soul, guessing that my size is 10.5 since my other USA shoes are usually size 11. I am travelling through Hawaii in December before heading to the east coast for Christmas. Leather Soul has said that I can swap my size over in their forward-order if necessary, when I see them in Waikiki.

During my visit to their store I plan to work out my size in all the various Alden lasts so that in the future I can order over the Internet with confidence (at least while the Aussie dollar remains so strong). This will involve a serious amount of time and notation on my part in the store – I have to work out a way of slipping in there without my wife. She will flip if she sees how much these babies cost and will be particularly distressed if she gets wind of what I intend to purchase in the future! I’m really hoping to pick up some shell boots or chukkas in the store to kick-start my collection.

I can fully relate to kippy. I know I will be getting the shoes delivered to my office address and surreptitiously using the trunk (we call it a “boot”) of my car as a footwear wardrobe! I’m already doing this with a couple of Aero jackets I have bought. One of them I keep at the office and it only gets an airing when I am away from home and family. I know I’m pathetic, but what can I say.

This forum is great but a total disaster on the family budget

Cheers

 

[Spaghettimatt]



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.

Great. Does sno-seal darken the leather moreso than mink oil? I feel like Obenaufs would probably darken it the most.

 

[vivalet]



Rank these plantation crepe sole options in terms of versatility, overall impact, etc

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shoes/casualbootschukkas/PRDOVR~19204/19204.jsp

http://www.unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Armstrong_Cordovan_Wingtip_Boot_in_Color_8_2319.html

http://leffot.com/2011/08/08/black-grain-longwing/

Want t be able to wear it on casual friday, out to a fall tailgate, out at night, etc.

for impact? no question the Armstrong.

1. Unionmade Armstrong
2. Leffot Longwing
3. JCrew Suede -- also consider the context rough roy instead of this one, better for all kinds of weather.

But they are all so different, you could get all three! (keep two pair in the trunk!)

 

[burningbright]

Hmm...975 longwing vs. Unionmade Armstrong wingtip? I just got the J. Crew #8 perforated cap toe boot so I don't know if I need another pair of #8 boots, but man, those Armstrongs look great.

 

[lagsun]



Hmm...975 longwing vs. Unionmade Armstrong wingtip? I just got the J. Crew #8 perforated cap toe boot so I don't know if I need another pair of #8 boots, but man, those Armstrongs look great.

If you're looking for a #8 wingtip boot but don't like the crepe sole then AoC has them with a commando sole on the Leydon last here. I also noticed he has an overstock AF74 #8 pebble grain wing tip boot, Barrie last, commando sole in 11.5D for $575.

Also Epaulet has the Brixton Ravello wingtip boot for pre-order in 12D. No speedhooks, barrie last and double leather soles. Rumor is he will do it in Cigar too.

BTW, I'm in no way affiliated with AoC or Epaulet. I just like looking at their Aldens multiple times a week

 

[keithp3521]



Rank these plantation crepe sole options in terms of versatility, overall impact, etc

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shoes/casualbootschukkas/PRDOVR~19204/19204.jsp

http://www.unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Armstrong_Cordovan_Wingtip_Boot_in_Color_8_2319.html

http://leffot.com/2011/08/08/black-grain-longwing/

Want t be able to wear it on casual friday, out to a fall tailgate, out at night, etc.

Are we voting? I hate the suede boots from J Crew. They look old and worn out already; and very casual. IMO, you'd look frumpy in them. The Leffot LWBs are fine, but if you're getting black wing tips, I'd go for the Alden of Carmel version with commando sole. The Unionmade #8 boots are awesome. I want a pair myself. They look fantastic, dressy but can also be dressed down and I love the idea of those boots with a crepe sole. Sir, you have my vote: the Unionmade #8 wing tip boots with crepe sole.

 

[enigma77]

Are we voting? I hate the suede boots from J Crew. They look old and worn out already; and very casual. IMO, you'd look frumpy in them. The Leffot LWBs are fine, but if you're getting black wing tips, I'd go for the Alden of Carmel version with commando sole. The Unionmade #8 boots are awesome. I want a pair myself. They look fantastic, dressy but can also be dressed down and I love the idea of those boots with a crepe sole. Sir, you have my vote: the Unionmade #8 wing tip boots with crepe sole.

Not to be a downer but I think the Unionmade boots look too chunky on that crepe sole... Would prefer just a regular pair of 975s (#8 longwing bluchers).