***The official Alden thread *** - Page 2539

Originally Posted by MarioImpemba 

 

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.

Originally Posted by zippyh 

You're over thinking it.

Originally Posted by grendel 



#8 wingtip boots

Originally Posted by MoneyWellSpent 

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.   

Originally Posted by sevenfoldtieguy 


I appreciate the post, and have no particular objection to it. And for the record, I am not taking credit for anything, and I consider myself quite honest.

Originally Posted by NewYorkRanger 

#8 Captoe, Modified Last, All Eyelets
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

 

Originally Posted by fitchottie 

I need help... maybe advice.
I love Aldens and have found that my purchases have been more calf then cordovan... I would like to change that but really have no idea why. I recently purchased the Tobacco and Snuff Suede from Jcrew. I was thinking of returning these and purchasing maybe one or two pairs of Cordovan... Cigar and Whiskey or Ravello. I currently have the J gilbert Tan Wingtip boots and the advice is to wether or no a LWB in similar color is needed. I love the look of the wingtips because they are so versatile. I also thought about the cigar LWB and the Cigar Indy.. but I already have the 403,405 and Kudu... I don't think I need a fourth. My question stems from the fact that I have many airs of shoes, not just from Alden but Allen Edmonds, Yuketen, OSB , Rancourt, Quoddy, Church's , Trickers.. but it is bothersome when i do not wear them or rotate enough.. i get stuck on certain pairs mainly Aldens.

Originally Posted by Burton 

If you ask most of the people here they don't know why they purchase shell corodvan either. Sure we all come up with "reasons" - or execuses. That said, as Uncle Mac says, it is an addiction not easily understood. If you purchase one pair you will be done --think long and hard before you do there is no turning back. I sold all of my shell shoes and am now in the process of rebuilding my collection because I can't quit it.

Originally Posted by Burton 

If you ask most of the people here they don't know why they purchase shell corodvan either. Sure we all come up with "reasons" - or execuses. That said, as Uncle Mac says, it is an addiction not easily understood. If you purchase one pair you will be done --think long and hard before you do there is no turning back. I sold all of my shell shoes and am now in the process of rebuilding my collection because I can't quit it.

Originally Posted by Papa Doble 

+1

Originally Posted by MoneyWellSpent 

Mcarthur said that those wingtips may be older than me... why not just say "here is a picture of my X year old wingtips?" 

Originally Posted by mr chorizo 

run, don't walk.
ravello kirkwood boots arrived at unionmade. they should be up on the site shortly.