***The official Alden thread *** - Page 2598

I love whiskey

Gentlemen,

Last night I got a great deal on a pair of color 8 shell tassel loafers. I already have a pair of color 8 tassels -- the BB model. I am on the fence about keeping them only because they will be a dupilicate. I have thought about possibly trading them. Of course they are on the Aberdeen last and they are size 9D. If anyone is interested in the trade PM me. I may just keep them under the theory you can't ever have too many pairs of tassel loafers. Not sure what I would trade them for, but I am generally a 9 or 9.5 in Alden shoes.

I would first try warm water and dish soap. Not the kind you put in the diswasher but the kind you use in the sink--that and a scrub brush.

Edited by Burton - 12/8/12 at 4:02pm

 

I am still hoping he can clarify further.  The whole break-in technique and the logic behind it is not a mystery to me.  As I said, I follow the same techniques.  The fact remains that the toes of leather soled shoes, almost without fail, show the upward curvature wear pattern (to different degrees amongst different people depending upon walking styles).  The reason I posed the original question to McArthur is because he has pointed out the some of the shoes in these photos of his are decades old.  They may well have been resoled recently enough (which he can easily clarify if that is the case), otherwise, it remains a mystery to me how the sole edges are essentially square (to use a carpenter's term).  When I posed my original question, he simply replied that they are never worn on concrete.  While possible, it would be unusual for decades old shoes to avoid concrete.  People have lives, they have commutes, they run errands, they go out to eat during lunch hours, etc.  I suspect Bucksfan is correct that McArthur's shoe collection is large enough to allow pairs of shoes to only be worn on rare occasions at best, which more than likely accounts for the almost new appearance. 

Here is my modified last Plain toe boot snuff suede supper comfortable

I agree. UPS is the worst!

quick collection shot, as i had them out for a brushing on a lazy saturday. no exotic makeups, no exotic shells. just a couple of pair that go with pretty much anything.



back row, L to R:
#8 plain toe boots, plaza last on commando sole from J Gilbert
black shell captoe boot, barrie last on double leather sole from Alden SF
natural chromexcel NST, barrie last on double waterloc sole from the ShoeMart (listed on B&S as of this afternoon, still undecided)

front row:
#8 plain toe unlined blucher, barrie last on single oiled sole from Alden SF
snuff suede flex welt chukka, leydon last on single oiled sole from Alden SF

i feel like i just want one more brown calf shoe for casual office wear, and was hoping the NST would be it, but i'm thinking about letting them go due to fit issues. otherwise i'm pretty satisfied.

hope everyone has a great weekend.

I use USPS Priority quite alot, and usually have no problem getting delivery in the 2-3 day window USPS says is standard (but doesn't guarantee). During the holidays, however, they are all over the place (anywhere from 2-5 days). If they arrive Monday it will be 5 days.

In terms of FedEx v. UPS, I would take FedEx everytime.

These look fantastic.

I appreciate Uncle's posts and use his methodology exclusively.  It is not our place to question McArthur, it's in poor taste, there.. done.  Now post something contributive .. more gentlemanly, less bark and more wag son.

These do not look like the modified.

try tassels you might like them

nephew,
wear your whiskey in good health

Agreed. On closer inspection, the waist on those shoes are much wider than Modified waist.

Looks like Alden SF has restocked ravello LWB and every size in D width appears to be available.