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

[Kwaker]



The wrong size thing is inexcusable. However, why can't people wrap their heads around the fact that Alden clearly doesn't care about the other issues? If they did, they wouldn't let shoes with defects leave the factory. It's a hard concept to accept as a consumer who wants to buy their product. People have bitched about their quality control for years and it hasn't made a difference. I think it hurts their reputation, but it's their decision to make. I had a pair of whiskey LWBs with almost the same issues. I pried the plugs out from the punch holes, brushed the crap out of them to get the polish off the toe, and even used a push-pin to create one of the now iconic missed brogue holes. I guess I could've returned them rather than going through the trouble, but the odds are good I would've gotten a replacement pair with the same or different problems. Bottom line, if you want to buy Aldens the way they're currently produced, you need to be willing to accept imperfections. If you're not willing to do that, there are other brands in the same ballpark that do a better job.
What really sucks is when you get a pair of special make-ups with bad defects, especially if you love the shoes. Then you're forced to make a decision about whether to live with it or return them with the possibility of never seeing that model again. The LAST thing I would do is take Alden up on their offer of returning them for repair thanks to some of the butcher jobs I've seen. Unfortunately, I'm currently in that situation. I wore a new pair twice and the inside of the heel is tearing out. Maybe I've had too much of Alden's Kool-Aid, but I'm keeping them and will take them to a reputable cobbler when the hole gets worse.

I bought my first pair of Aldens earlier this month … a special make-up of the Indy. It was a final pair, they fit and so I wore them home.
While admiring them one evening, I was disappointed to discover that I am in your same situation. I discovered a defect that has forced me to “live with it”. The defect is a crack to the smooth surface of the CXL leather. Fortunately, the defect is on the inside ankle, so it is not obvious unless I cross my left leg. CXL leather is also very supple and lubricated and so I do not fear that the crack will lengthen or affect durability (at least, I hope not). I’m just really disappointed that I wasn’t more attuned to the known QC issues. Otherwise, I would have better scrutinized this pair, before becoming so enamored.

My next purchase will be a pair of #8 cordovan LWB. But rather than automatically go Alden, I will also consider other makers.

 

[zissou]

Two pair, ready to wear.

These, along with my cigar LWBs, are plenty of shell for my closet.

 

[ceoceo]



I got bored...lol This addiction is not good for the wallet PTB natural chormexcel from shoemart is coming next week.

So I downloaded those pics in my shoeporn folder, and just now realized, holy **** did you take those photos yourself???

Fantastic images! It's clear photography's a hobby as well.

x222222

 

[HorseHide]



These, along with my cigar LWBs, are plenty of shell for my closet.

Sure

 

[NewYorkIslander]



I understand that Leather Soul has an order of the Indy Ultimate Jumpers coming in - If you like Vanguards, I'm guessing you will like the Ultimate Jumpers, too - 
http://leathersoulhawaii.com/2011/02/03/the-ultimate-jumper-boot-lsw-lsbh/

I'm in on this pre-order, when did you hear they're coming? I heard still a ways out.

 

[advan031]



So I downloaded those pics in my shoeporn folder, and just now realized, holy **** did you take those photos yourself???
x222222

Yessir I did and thank you. It's not that hard to take a picture like it. You just need a camera (doesn't have to be a dslr, I used an X100), white seamless paper, 2 external flashes (or a reflector if you only have one) then voila.

 

[Mr.K]



I'm keying in on this shoe as my next purchase as well. Absolutely gorgeous in any image posted on here.
A whole year? I'd only looked on shoemart and it said they were out of stock, but a whole flipping year? Maybe I should just size up .5 to the (in-stock) 12 and deal w/ it...?

I tried Shoemart, but hey do not stock my size, a 5.5E on the Barrie and will not order it. I am going through Alden of Carmel. When I contacted him, he said it would be 9-12 months, but from my past experience, I am expecting 12-14 months.

 

[sazon]

my first pair of shell. Context x Alden #8 Tanker. Not liking today's rain in NYC.

 

[zissou]



Sure

...which sums up why I usually unsubscribe to this thread (and I don't mean because I don't have any willpower).

 

[mediahound]

Does anyone have experience with sending Aldens to B.Nelson for re-crafting instead of Alden?:

http://www.bnelsonshoes.com/high_grade_shoes.asp

Apparently, they only take a few weeks as opposed to sending to Alden, which can take like 4 months!

I was just thinking this might be a good alternative?

 

[blue collar]



Does anyone have experience with sending Aldens to B.Nelson for re-crafting instead of Alden?:
http://www.bnelsonshoes.com/high_grade_shoes.asp
Apparently, they only take a few weeks as opposed to sending to Alden, which can take like 4 months!
I was just thinking this might be a good alternative?

Many people on here (including the Cordovan God father Uncle Mac) has used B. Nelson with great results. They'll pretty much put whatever you want on the sole. LHS with commando or a Whiskey lwb with White Vibram and everything in between.

 

[mediahound]



Many people on here (including the Cordovan God father Uncle Mac) has used B. Nelson with great results. They'll pretty much put whatever you want on the sole. LHS with commando or a Whiskey lwb with White Vibram and everything in between.

Cool!

Now a Whiskey lwb with White Vibram? That I gotta see....

 

[CEE88]



sorry to be in no way helpful....but I grabbed a pair of these from LS when they came out and they are by far my favorite boot to wear now. They are very comfortable and look quite sharp around the office.

Your "sharp around the office" statement piqued my interest. What Last was used for the Vanguard boot - Barrie? Seems like LS has last info for every boot/shoe on its site except that one. Thanks.

 

[cloudshift]



A family holiday to the USA over Christmas ended up being an Alden pilgrimage for me on the side. It gave me the opportunity to work out my size in all the Alden lasts first hand - no more guessing. I ended up with seven (gulp, yes seven!) pairs of Aldens, 5 of them shell. Today I am wearing my Leffot Natural Chromexcel LWB's which I am really loving. I know my purchases were excessive but I justify them due to the footwear wasteland I come from (Sydney). I now know my size in the various Alden lasts - very dangerous for my bank account indeed.

Very nice! Guess we have 6 more pics to look forward to!

 

[NewYorkIslander]

I'm just curious as to how you guys wear your Aldens aesthetically. I mean, I'm in a profession where I don't need to dress a "certain way" and I feel my Alden "clunkers" offer a bit of an eccentric twist to my look. From what I'm gathering, the clunkier lasts go well with Raw Denim in an "Americana" Workwear type look, or the simple American Trad. Any feel like sharing?