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

[ToledoStyle]

I want your wingtip boots bad been looking for some for awhile now

 

[burningbright]

Shouldn't there be a Shoe Mart list going out soon?

 

[cyc wid it]



Shouldn't there be a Shoe Mart list going out soon?

In theory, but I wouldn't know for sure. I didn't receive the last two on my gmail (not even in spam folder), and had to request them. Think this has happened to other gmail users as well.

 

[CHRK33]

Heard from the horse's mouth, a new seconds list should be coming out in the next two weeks.

 

[WhoKnewI]

Thanks for the shoe tree link.

The wingtip boots are from J Gilbert. they were a preorder that I paid for months ago and just got last week. You can check to see if they have any left.

 

[NAMOR]



Hey all, I'm going to be picking up my first pair of Aldens in the next couple days (either form shoe mart, or in person at Alden DC) and had a quick question. If I have decided on these shoes (Cap Toe Balmoral Oxford Shell Cordovan), is Shoe Mart my best bet online? (Price, Customer Service, etc). Also, I was looking for anything in Natural in a 8.5 or 9 but unfortunately think they're pretty well sold out. Though if anyone happens to know of anywhere, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

I haven't tried on the Hampton last so I cant really speak to fit but you can check out the sizing chart in my sig (thanks REguy). Since this is your first pair, I recommend picking them up in person, if you can. The lasts can be tricky and what better way to lock down your size than by having a real life professional size you up/give you advice? I have purchased several pairs from the Shoemart, and a few from their seconds list and they have pretty good C.S. by Alden's standards. They offer no frills, cut to the chase, no sig ("regards"), kind of customer service. Additionally, theshoemart offers free shipping and you dont have to pay sales tax if outside of CT. My advice, go visit Alden D.C for some personal service. You may or may not find what you want there in which case you can always hit up TSM.

Now, as far as color goes, if you are buying a brand new pair at full retail, I would recommend that you take a home run swing and go with an exotic color like cigar shell. I say this for several reasons;

1st, Cigar, Ravello, Whiskey Cordovan are rare colors and usually can only be found if purchased new a full retail. Since you are already paying full retail (im just assuming you are) I would recommend shelling (pun intended) out a few extra Jackson's and get a rare cordovan color. You will not be disappointed. The shoe that you want is also offered in Cigar for just a few bucks more.

2nd: Black Shell Cordovan can be found on B&S/ eBay much more often and at a greater discount than other shell colors. Just about every other week, you can find a few black shell cordovan in your size. Also, you probably saw some of the other guys talking about Alden seconds lists from the shoemart. You can find a lot more Black Shell than other cordovan colors. Shell Cordovan from the seconds list run $400 + $10 for shipping.

 

[HorseHide]



The shoe that you want is also offered in Cigar for just a few bucks more.

I agree with most everything Namor says but I do believe that the shoe you want is only available in Cigar at the ShoeMart. The Cigar cap toe which Alden SF and Alden DC currently have in stock is a blucher (not a balmoral) and it is built on the Aberdeen last. IMO it is a better shoe but I prefer bluchers to balmorals (I have a high instep) and I like the Aberdeen last (it is a little longer and sleeker - for Alden, at least).

 

[slack tide]



I haven't tried on the Hampton last so I cant really speak to fit but you can check out the sizing chart in my sig (thanks REguy). Since this is your first pair, I recommend picking them up in person, if you can. The lasts can be tricky and what better way to lock down your size than by having a real life professional size you up/give you advice? I have purchased several pairs from the Shoemart, and a few from their seconds list and they have pretty good C.S. by Alden's standards. They offer no frills, cut to the chase, no sig ("regards"), kind of customer service. Additionally, theshoemart offers free shipping and you dont have to pay sales tax if outside of CT. My advice, go visit Alden D.C for some personal service. You may or may not find what you want there in which case you can always hit up TSM.

Now, as far as color goes, if you are buying a brand new pair at full retail, I would recommend that you take a home run swing and go with an exotic color like cigar shell. I say this for several reasons;

1st, Cigar, Ravello, Whiskey Cordovan are rare colors and usually can only be found if purchased new a full retail. Since you are already paying full retail (im just assuming you are) I would recommend shelling (pun intended) out a few extra Jackson's and get a rare cordovan color. You will not be disappointed. The shoe that you want is also offered in Cigar for just a few bucks more.

2nd: Black Shell Cordovan can be found on B&S/ eBay much more often and at a greater discount than other shell colors. Just about every other week, you can find a few black shell cordovan in your size. Also, you probably saw some of the other guys talking about Alden seconds lists from the shoemart. You can find a lot more Black Shell than other cordovan colors. Shell Cordovan from the seconds list run $400 + $10 for shipping.

I agree with most everything Namor says but I do believe that the shoe you want is only available in Cigar at the ShoeMart. The Cigar cap toe which Alden SF and Alden DC currently have in stock is a blucher (not a balmoral) and it is built on the Aberdeen last. IMO it is a better shoe but I prefer bluchers to balmorals (I have a high instep) and I like the Aberdeen last (it is a little longer and sleeker - for Alden, at least).

Thanks very much for your help, guys. This is everything I could have asked for. I appreciate the perspectives and suggestions as I think I was a little quick to jump on the black shell balmoral captoe and not explore other options while potentially paying full retail. I'm going to be researching all day today, then should be heading to Alden in DC tomorrow. Thanks again for the thoughtful replies!

 

[BuddyJ]



buddy, those look great. whats synthetic about them?

They're suede but the toe caps and quarters are vinyl. It strikes me as strange that they'd make shoes with synthetic materials, but if you consider that at one time that type of thing was new and exciting I guess it makes some sense. I contacted Alden just to verify that they're legit and they said they're from the early 70s. Not bad for 40 year old shoes.

 

[number9dream]

Does anyone have any pics of any Alden boots in black cordovan with a nice patina? I would love to see how the black shell cordovan ages on a nice pair of Aldens.

 

[mcarthur]

ravello nst
argyles otc

 

[NAMOR]



They're suede but the toe caps and quarters are vinyl. It strikes me as strange that they'd make shoes with synthetic materials, but if you consider that at one time that type of thing was new and exciting I guess it makes some sense. I contacted Alden just to verify that they're legit and they said they're from the early 70s. Not bad for 40 year old shoes.

looks like real leather from here. would have never guessed they were vinyl

 

[oboy_oboy]

A token post to say I just kopped my 1st pair of Aldens (via the Bay). Color 8 shell Longwings. Very excited, esp for the price I got. So, now I can browse this thread as an owner. big star...

 

[NAMOR]



Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

ravello nst
argyles otc

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

is summer really already over? :/

A token post to say I just kopped my 1st pair of Aldens (via the Bay). Color 8 shell Longwings. Very excited, esp for the price I got. So, now I can browse this thread as an owner. big star...

congrats! pics when you get 'em in?

 

[kgmessier]

A token post to say I just kopped my 1st pair of Aldens (via the Bay). Color 8 shell Longwings. Very excited, esp for the price I got. So, now I can browse this thread as an owner. big star...

Nice way to start your collection. That was my first Alden as well.