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

[HorseHide]



A good, but troubling point if it's true. I get the concept of exclusivity for the rest of the shoe/boot, but the sole? Really? I mean often in these cases when we're talking about resoling we're talking about a person's safety. Anyone on here who has had the unfortunate opportunity to try and walk on a sheet of ice or even a really dry powder snow knows what they're in for with a leather sole and it ain't good.

You'd think a shoe company based in a region known for their sucky winters would be very aware of that and relate to a person who wants a commando sole instead of bruises or strained muscles from trying to keep one's balance.

I'll have to check out B. Nelson's re-soling.

I think trunks is giving way too much credit to Alden (and their relationships with vendors) - IMO this is a situation where they have more current work than they can adequately handle and something has (or, as some people are experience from a QC perspective, many things have) to give. When they offered one color edge trim/welting things were easy. With the explosion in Alden "one-offs" they haven't added people or modified control systems and we are all seeing the results. Now I am not an Alden apologist (I have spent all summer dealing with the challenges of their ever-evolving restoration policy) but in this economic environment I can understand why they may be reluctant to expand capacity - I can understand it but I certainly don't appreciate it.

Burning bright - I too am intrigued by B. Nelson but let's not forget Brooks Shoe Service in our (my - and I'm assuming yours unless City by the Lake is referring to Cleveland) backyard. They do amazing work as well. Talk to Mike.

 

[burningbright]



I think trunks is giving way too much credit to Alden (and their relationships with vendors) - IMO this is a situation where they have more current work than they can adequately handle and something has (or, as some people are experience from a QC perspective, many things have) to give. When they offered one color edge trim/welting things were easy. With the explosion in Alden "one-offs" they haven't added people or modified control systems and we are all seeing the results. Now I am not an Alden apologist (I have spent all summer dealing with the challenges of their ever-evolving restoration policy) but in this economic environment I can understand why they may be reluctant to expand capacity - I can understand it but I certainly don't appreciate it.

Burning bright - I too am intrigued by B. Nelson but let's not forget Brooks Shoe Service in our (my - and I'm assuming yours unless City by the Lake is referring to Cleveland) backyard. They do amazing work as well. Talk to Mike.

Maybe I'll give them a call and check them out. Do you know off-hand what they have in the way of commando-type soles?

And please, you really think I would admit to living in Cleveland?

 

[Michigan Planner]

I was going to order the two-tone longwings from Unionmade and they already sold out of my size. I knew I should have pulled the trigger yesterday!

 

[mcarthur]

ravello lhs

 

[beowolf]

NAMOR, check your pm. I sent you the information you will need to return the boots for repair.

 

[Achillus]



ravello lhs

This would look great if the added tassels on.

 

[ghdvfddzgzdzg]

Here are the #8 chukka boot leather questions I had a few pages back, now with pictures:

Is the color variation on the front half of the boot on the left a problem?





Is this darker, duller area just in front of where my big toe knuckle would be, which appears to be some sort of blemish, a problem?





Will these issues settle in time as the leather ages? Do these issues merit trying to return them?

 

[lambchop]



Here are the #8 chukka boot leather questions I had a few pages back, now with pictures:

Is the color variation on the front half of the boot on the left a problem?


Will these issues settle in time as the leather ages? Do these issues merit trying to return them?

That looks totally normal to me. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[jhcam8]



Here are the #8 chukka boot leather questions I had a few pages back, now with pictures:

Is the color variation on the front half of the boot on the left a problem?



Will these issues settle in time as the leather ages? Do these issues merit trying to return them?

It may just be your photography, but I don't know what in the hell your're talking about. All the shells I've had, except black, change shades in areas, some more than others. It adds to the character of the leather, imo. If you dont' like that look then stick to calf or shark or stingray or croc/gator - see the G&G thread.

 

[hkpm]

Here are the #8 chukka boot leather questions I had a few pages back, now with pictures:

Is the color variation on the front half of the boot on the left a problem?


Is this darker, duller area just in front of where my big toe knuckle would be, which appears to be some sort of blemish, a problem?


Will these issues settle in time as the leather ages? Do these issues merit trying to return them?

today i bought my first alden, a #8 long wing B
the salesperson told me that for #8, the wrinkle on the shoes and stretched part of the shoe when you're wearing them long enough, will become so-called "de-colourised"
this is perfectly normal and it is one of the reasons people buying #8, the black cordovan does not have this property.

 

[Joenobody0]



Here are the #8 chukka boot leather questions I had a few pages back, now with pictures:

Is the color variation on the front half of the boot on the left a problem?





Is this darker, duller area just in front of where my big toe knuckle would be, which appears to be some sort of blemish, a problem?





Will these issues settle in time as the leather ages? Do these issues merit trying to return them?

They look totally normal. If you don't like this look then shell isn't for you. On the other hand your shoes could use about 50 hours of brushing. Hit them with a damp cloth, then a dry one. Then buff until you get sick of it. They will look a lot nicer after a few rounds.

 

[Beaniecooper]

Does anyone have experience with Hampton last in E width? I wear 9.5D in Barrie/Trubalance or 10D in Plaza. Thanks.

 

[Joenobody0]



Does anyone have experience with Hampton last in E width? I wear 9.5D in Barrie/Trubalance or 10D in Plaza. Thanks.

I find the Hampton to be no narrower than the Plaza - though it is somewhat shorter. If you take a 10D in the Plaza you might be able to get away with a D in the Hampton.

 

[gnatty8]



A good, but troubling point if it's true. I get the concept of exclusivity for the rest of the shoe/boot, but the sole? Really? I mean often in these cases when we're talking about resoling we're talking about a person's safety. Anyone on here who has had the unfortunate opportunity to try and walk on a sheet of ice or even a really dry powder snow knows what they're in for with a leather sole and it ain't good.

You'd think a shoe company based in a region known for their sucky winters would be very aware of that and relate to a person who wants a commando sole instead of bruises or strained muscles from trying to keep one's balance.

I'll have to check out B. Nelson's re-soling.

I've decided to go this route, and have already exchanged e-mails with Nick at B. Nelson. I just can't bring myself to paying close to 200 bucks for Alden to do a resole I'll have to live with, as opposed to what I want. I'll post some pics here when I get them back.

 

[NAMOR]



I've decided to go this route, and have already exchanged e-mails with Nick at B. Nelson. I just can't bring myself to paying close to 200 bucks for Alden to do a resole I'll have to live with, as opposed to what I want. I'll post some pics here when I get them back.

+1