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

[LeatherSOUL]



+1
This just simply can't be true. Not offering recrafting would be almost suicidal

+2.

 

[Alcibiades]



Updates:
Makeup looks like it'll be: Flat welt, blind eyelets, double sole thickness, antique edgetrim. It's currently 4 Waterlock vs. 5 Commando vs. 2 Leather (but leather and waterlock look essentially the same...).

Dudes should just buy the Darlton

 

[kippy]



Unionmade has some on a brick sole, and I believe Epaulet is going to have some version of what you're looking for in the spring.

I saw the Unionmade model this evening on display and on the feet of the salesperson who helped me. They looked wonderful and this is coming from someone who does not really like Indy's or even red brick soles. Very cool looking combination.

 

[Trinitrogen Oxide]

Not specifically alden related but just wondering about The Shoe Marts free shipping, is it insured for the full value? I'm about to order some expensive Shell aldens and need to know if I need to upgrade the shipping...

 

[Matto ELITE]

Out on their maiden voyage today; my Cigar LWBs which I picked up from Shoemart at the end of last year. Can't believe the great colour tones that Cigar displays.

Dumb question, but those are shell cordovan, right? I was looking at those this evening. I heard that there was also a PDF sizing guide that Alden came out with.

 

[onestar]



 


Dumb question, but those are shell cordovan, right? I was looking at those this evening. I heard that there was also a PDF sizing guide that Alden came out with.

Yes, they are definitely Shell Cordovan. Haven't heard about the PDF sizing guide. Sounds like it could be useful.

 

[Trinitrogen Oxide]



 


Dumb question, but those are shell cordovan, right? I was looking at those this evening. I heard that there was also a PDF sizing guide that Alden came out with.

Are you sure your not talking about this? http://i.imgur.com/yEYy9.jpg

 

[Matto ELITE]

That's awesome info. Modified/Barrie last so if I rock a 10 usually, 9.5D sounds like it will be my best bet. 680 usd seems to be the going price on the LWB cigar model

 

[barabara]

My custom-made boots.
Whiskey Cordovan

 

[number9dream]



+2.

Killing the recraft program would be such a serious misstep that I can't believe it is true. Tom, do you have any confirmation on this?

 

[zippyh]

According to my buddy at Alden SF, Alden will no longer be offering one-off custom orders. Shops can do custom runs/collaborations, but the shoe +$300 program for custom specs is over. Alden will also stop producing belts. The mail-in shoe rehab program is also coming to an end. This is all because the factory cannot keep up with their regular orders and want all hands on the production line.
As a side note, does anyone know where I can find a tan suede Indy boot?

I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous. That means you hire more workers because you have obvious demand for your product. You don't shave off details that customers have expected for years.

You seriously think it's as simple as that?

 

[wj4]



You seriously think it's as simple as that?

+1. The goal is stay viable in the long run..not short.

I'm sure Alden knows they have the market by the balls when people are waiting over a year for shells.

 

[1wb]



Killing the recraft program would be such a serious misstep that I can't believe it is true. Tom, do you have any confirmation on this?

FWIW, I note that references to the restoration program have been removed from both the Alden and Alden SF sites.

 

[robin]

^ FWIW, the info has been off the site for some time and I just recently received recrafting kits after inquiring if the program was still being offered.

 

[makewayhomer]

Alden doesn't want to recraft your shoes, they want to sell you new ones. they make much more money selling new shoes.

that said, not sure I completely buy the story. my understanding is that a huge part of the backup is with raw materials (ie shell). the lead time for custom makeups is much, much shorter with calf/suede than it is for shell, it's not like every shoe is 18 months behind. just rare shell colors