***The official Alden thread *** - Page 2538

In the shell Long Wing I wear a size 13 D, but in the tassel loafer, like the 664 model in both shell and calf, I wear a size 14 D. In the suede and cordovan loafers that I've posted, I wear a size 13 E, then have so consistently for over the past twenty years. Alden has been pretty consistent for me over the years, and I have no complaints in regard to quality, and basically these are the Alden shoes that look best on me.

However, I am completely ticked off that they don't make the joints that are shown from Alden Of Carmel, in my size range. I've called, and the dude on the other end of the line will say, nope they don't come in that size!

I am so jealous of you micro foot mofo's on here showing such hipness......congrats!

Just picked up a pair of Cigar LHS from the 9.5D ShoeMart irreg list

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevenfoldtieguy 

I prefer old shoes that look new to old shoes that look old. Old shoes, well taken care of, will have a tendency to look new - and that is precisiely the point in taking care of them well. Just one man's opinion ....

I agree completely given the two scenarios you presented above.  I think I am trying to advocate for the middle ground though.  If average John Doe on the street looked at a pair of 20 year old shoes on my feet and said "nice new shoes!"  I would feel inclined to correct him by clarifying that they are actually quite old, but well cared for.  I think fine shoes can be related to the concept of a "distinguished gentleman."  No one looks at a guy with salt and pepper or gray hair and thinks he is young.  A guy can age well and look more distinguished with age.  Same for shoes.  Cheap or neglected old shoes will look old.  Old high quality shoes should look distinguished through years of use and care.  If you see someone you know is old and yet they have full color hair and few wrinkles, you assume they are using dye and modern medicine to "look young."  If you see a pair of shoes that look like they just came out of the box, then you will likely make a couple of assumptions.  Either they are new, or they haven't been worn very often.  We all know that mcarthur has dozens of pairs of shoes, and from what I hear, you do too.  Therefore, you have to have shoes that only get worn a few times a year.  This is a mathematical fact.  A pair of old shoes that gets worn a few times a year will look almost new when they are 30 years old as long as they are conditioned perodically, while a pair of shoes that gets worn twice a week will look old within a few years regardless of care.  This has to be taken into consideration when looking at someone's pictures.  It isn't really fair or honest to take credit for how exemplary a pair of 30 year old shoes look if they have only been worn 10 times, nor is it a reflection of their quality.  Even cheap things look relatively new when they aren't used much.   

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcarthur 


#8 wt
argyles otc

A Classic. Very nice. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTYGGG 


NYR, looking great! I'm being nit picky here, but edge trim dressing is your friend.

Speaking of edge dressing, I need a friend.  What are good brand/color options for color 8?  Do the standard LWBs use black, or is there some sort of a dark burgundy out there?  What about for the more natural edging on, say, a ravello shoe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippyh 


You're over thinking it.

No denial here.  Most people do over-think their favorite hobbies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTYGGG 

Looking good & welcome to the forum. Try Alex, top notch.
http://www.customshirt1.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcarthur 


i like your tassel
catching up on your wsj

Thanks guys, unfortunately I am returning them to the seller due to being too tight but I couldn't resist doing a self shot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoneyWellSpent 

Nice to see some well worn Aldens!  I think there needs to be more pictures in this thread of Aldens that don't look like they are on their first wearing fresh out of the box. Something more along the lines of Simon Crompton's series of posts about "How Great Things Age" on Permanent Style. 

I made a similar underhanded remark in the past in this thread that echos your sentiments; looking at pictures of shoes that resemble a stock photo gets stale. Who doesn't enjoy the visual interest and unique story behind a developed patina? Often, I get little of that from meticulously maintained shoes, particularly shell.

That said, I think it depends on the intents and purpose of given footwear. If a shoe is intended for formal or business purposes, it should unquestionably be well maintained and preserved in a presentable, near-new-appearing condition. For more casual purposes, I want to see an aged patina. The notable caveat here is the sliding scale between what's "formal" and what's "casual" varies greatly depending on the individual.