***The official Alden thread *** - Page 3076

Quote:

Originally Posted by bespoken pa 


Checked the site, Vass isn't listed however, there is the "and others" catch all in there. If frank doesn't post it first I will give them a call tomorrow.

I had their business card on my desk for a while at my job when I was living there.  Pretty sure it was listed on there, but could be wrong.  Let me know what you find out.

Edit:  If he says he doesn't, ask if he ever did.

Edit Edit:  Also, not sure if he does the mail-order thing, but maybe.

...Maybe he should start, not a lot of demand for expensive shoes in PGH.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michigan Planner 


They are the Alpine v-tip (both the black and the brown). I just got these from Leather Soul and really dig them. I've worn the brown a few times already and have been complemented on them each time I've had them on.
I've tried Carmina from Epaulet and was unimpressed. I have yet to try Vass but will say that I have seen a few that I really like. I usually end up sticking with Alden though because, as others have said, it's relatively easy to get wider widths if needed and I usually do. I also tend to like the "blobbiness" (as some would call the Barrie last) and it fits well with my general aesthetic. Not everybody wants everything to be all sleek all the time.

those alpine v-tips are the closest i have come to appreciating alpine grain...i love the v-tip, too! on my short list, but i have some more shell models to buy first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeharo 

I was at an Alden retailer this weekend and was told: in the coming months, Alden will not allow any web sales of its shoes. Apparently Alden has told retailers that they must remove Alden shoes from online shops. I was told this is due to the lack of shell available for production at the moment. I did not ask any questions, just listened. I would have asked: all Alden or just cordovan, how can they do that, why does it matter how retailers are selling the shoes? I can see that public sentiment would be lowered if no shoes are ever available (always being 'sold out' online); therefore, removing them from online shopping would not make the public think the company has a lack of production capacity or ability. Anyway, I am not verifying his statement as accurate, simply reporting what he told me. Anyone hear anything similar lately?

I think this may only apply to displaying the rare shell offerings online.   I noticed Leffot took down their blog posts about the Day Tripper boot and Whiskey Tanker.  I inquired about it, hoping that a new pre-order might be soon, and Che told me that they we told they were not allowed to post pictures of the rare (Ravello, Whiskey, Cigar) shell colors.

Question -- how does the Hampton last fit from a comfort perspective?  My points of reference are Barrie and Modified lasts.

Thanks.

Not even pics? Damn!

In that case, looks like there is a pair of Whiskey LHS 9D available at Alden SF.  Someone better snatch them up before the Rare Shell Alden Apocalypse.

DocAlden, you know you can't resist.  you don't have anything in Whiskey yet, and from the sound of it, might not be another chance to anytime soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mediahound 

The Shell Cordovan shortage is not the fault of Alden:

 

http://horween.com/101/the-state-of-the-market/

Wow, I'm sure glad I decided recently to get most of those shell offerings that I wanted real bad.

I wonder if this is due in part to the recent but extremely hot summers we've been getting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by david3558 


I want to point out that with friends who work with leathers regularly - Cordovan prices are on the rise again. Apparently Horween's having even greater difficulty sourcing raw materials and is looking to raise costs as well. Rumors have it that the Chinese are looking to get in on this game. But seriously.

I wouldn't doubt it.

But then again it would actually make sense for them to raise prices and sell more in China to begin with.

Basically this is what most luxury goods have decided to do..

Has anyone heard from Uncle Mac in a few weeks? I haven't seen him anywhere. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bakes11771 

Not even pics? Damn!

 

In that case, looks like there is a pair of Whiskey LHS 9D available at Alden SF.  Someone better snatch them up before the Rare Shell Alden Apocalypse.

 

DocAlden, you know you can't resist.  you don't have anything in Whiskey yet, and from the sound of it, might not be another chance to anytime soon.

My dear Bakes,

You know full well I've been trigger happy these last few weeks and that I'm working on it. My wife is stressed about this house we're closing on next month. All I can do between patients is check this thread and quickly scan Epaulet, LeatherSoul and Leffot to see if anything interesting has popped up (as if you guys wouldn't mention it...). Despite all of this, here you go goading me. I'm awfully tempted. The only thing stopping me is that I needed the 9C in the cigar lhs I bought last month from Alden of DC 

You guys can see an addict from a mile away: he's always blaming others for his troubles...

I hope someone else on the forum grabs those 9D's and posts some cool snapseed pics soon!

I'm still debating about whether ~$900 is a justifiable price to plunk down for those Plaza shell 8 indy's on Frans Boone. But, I'm proud that I have broken the 5-week-long streak of a new Alden purchase on Mondays despite having driven myself batty with the Alpine Grain stain from this morning, which I'm glad to report, has faded to an imperceptible dark spot on the vamp. *sighs with relief*

Of course, guys, if you catch wind of the whiskey LWB in a barrie 8.5d, please notify me immediately!!

BTW, my thoughts on Adam/AoC: he's boundaried about the returns, but he is a thorough guy and a gentleman. I was a bit put off by the printed card stock announcing his return policy, as well as his several e-mails reminding me to not leave signs of a try-on. However, in the end, he answered all of my questions and sent me a pristine pair, which was followed up by a very inquisitive and thankful e-mail about a week after the purchase. I concur with others on the forum: I would buy from him again, but only if I had established my size from a purchase or try-on elsewhere. NB: He apparently stocks shoes not listed on his website; I think it's worth it to ask him specifically about pairs you're looking for. I had no way of knowing he had cigar LWBs a couple weeks ago. In fact, he said to me that he still has some on hand, so go for it!

Take care,

d