***The official Alden thread *** - Page 2805

^^Love those Ravello LHS Uncle ^^

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcarthur 

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

ravello lhs

argyles otc
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

The best LHS Alden offers. Looks great uncle

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTYGGG 








Ravello LWB (AoC AF112) & EP.

Absolutely gorgeous gunboats

double post  

After lurking in styleforum for a few months and a rare visitation to Leather Soul Waikiki and DT  last summer, I decided to buy a pair stock Alden Indy "Dark Brown" boots from Roden Gray (I live next to Vancouver).   This is my first pair of high-end footwear, coming from Clarks desert boots, Asolo, Converse, Nike skate, and running shoes.  Now I understand why people are willing to spend the money to buy a pair Aldens.  

So here are my thoughts on my first pair of Alden after wearing it (every other day) for a few weeks since December.

Things I like:

I wear a size 10.5D for Converse, 11D for Nike Skate, 10.5 wide for Brooks Beast, 11D for Clarks desert boots, 11D unstructured Clarks dress shoe.  Despite me visiting Leather Soul, I did not try on a pair of Aldens prior to this purchase. I got wide fit, so the risk doubles whenever I buy shoes online.  Heck, I didn't know what the hell was a "last" or the difference between them.  

Based on some prior posts on this forum, I went with 10 D with medium cushion hiking socks.  The leather was soft and no breaking in time was required. The boots did stretch out a bit, but it didn't change the fit significantly.  Unlike other work boots, the upper fit snug. Overall, the boot fits like a glove.  

The leather produces a natural oily luster after brushing with Woly neutral cream.  I know it sounds weird but I have never seen a pair of leather shoes that does that after a polish.  

Creases does add to the character.  

Things that I don't like:

Laces doesn't seem durable (my intention is to treat this pair like a work boot).

QC did not impress me because there were "splinters" or "flakes" of leather remained on the top leather sole (where the welt stitching are). More at the heel.  It looked like sanding was rush. 

There were some glue or clear plastic residue left where the uppers and the heel meet but it is unnoticeable unless I am really looking for it.  

Packaging was a bit sparse. I did read somewhere that that is how they package their shoes.  I think it should come with cloth bags, not plastic bags...on top of that mine was already taken out of its plastic bag when I received it.  

Things I am neutral to:

Flat rubber sole doesn't hold up well with wet weather condition.  Will switch to commando/Raptor sole when it is time for repairs.

Dark brown colour is quite subjective.  It should be called Rusty brown.  Pictures below to illustrate my point.  

These boots should have eyelids holes on the top instead of quick lace hooks.  

The first photo is without flash in cloudy day light, and the second is with flash.

.

Overall: Happy with the purchase.  Will buy Alden again but probably non regular stock options.  

p.s. Leather Soul (W & DT) was shoe porn central, but the most memorable items were those vintage Rolex on display.