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

[MickCollins1916]



No haven't noticed that at all, but then again, all my shoes are topy'd except for the 403 Alden Indy and my unlined suede PTBs

Thanks man, appreciate the feedback.

Ravello LWB today.

 

[blue collar]



No need to send them anywhere; it's just a scuff. Use a bit of elbow grease and you'll be fine. With a damp cotton tee shirt and horsehair brush I could remove about 90% of what I see there
Just takes time is all

I dont know if a agree with that. Thats like saying you could fix a scratch on your car, that is down to the metal, with compound and a polisher alone. Not going to happen.

I know the 'method' works for most cordovan issues but I dont think the method will fix a scuff that large. There is actual material (and color) removed from the toe of the shoe/boot. You need to put the color back back into the leather via paste wax or cream.

 

[blue collar]



Gorgeous, Just gorgeous!

I love the light colored welt . Are those from Alden SF? My shoe mart make-ups have a much darker welt.

 

[mediahound]

I dont know if a agree with that. Thats like saying you could fix a scratch on your car, that is down to the metal, with compound and a polisher alone. Not going to happen.
I know the 'method' works for most cordovan issues but I dont think the method will fix a scuff that large. There is actual material (and color) removed from the toe of the shoe/boot. You need to put the color back back into the leather via paste wax or cream.

Watch this video at 8:00:

 

[mothball]

For those of you with the suede chukkas, how have they aged? I'm a little concerned with their durability since they're unlined. Thanks!

 

[furo]



I dont know if a agree with that. Thats like saying you could fix a scratch on your car, that is down to the metal, with compound and a polisher alone. Not going to happen.
I know the 'method' works for most cordovan issues but I dont think the method will fix a scuff that large. There is actual material (and color) removed from the toe of the shoe/boot. You need to put the color back back into the leather via paste wax or cream.

The tanning process is more involved than applying a coat of paint on a car. Typically leathers are dyed all the way through if the tannery is worth their weight in salt, and I'm guessing that Horween fits the mold.

edit: after seeing the video it looks like their dye is external and not quite as penetrating as I once thought, but even still, I'd be able to get 90% of what was in those scuff pics out with just a tee shirt and horsehair brush:



You can still see the smooth contour of the toe box is completely in tact; there are no deep cuts or gashes.. it implies a very minor scuff that isn't penetrating at all from what I can see.

 

[pic9809]

beautiful. not all cigar LWBs come with the lighter trim right - where are these from?

First day out with Cigar LWB

 

[Ahab]



I wonder if a deerbone would help me with this...

I had this happen with my Darlton Wingtips after wear five or so. I did not have the deer bone so I used brown leather cream on them and brushed. You cannot even notice now and some of my scratches were over the brouging. It should come out fine.

[COLOR=99000A]Does anyone know if the #4 cap toe boot from Shoemart is all eyelets or does it have speed laces?[/COLOR]

Also to reply to some of the concerns regarding the crepe soles. I personally am not a fan. The leather is not a concern for me since that is to keep the toe of your foot from catching the carpet. I just do not like the way they look. The rubber part looks dirty out of the box and just gets worse. Since Alden restoration will not change the soles anymore I am going to send mine to B. Nelson shoes and have a different sole put on when they wear out. The problem is that the crepe lasts forever. I think that Alden patented the crepe soles in the 30's? Long lasting, tough as nails, comfy.

I picked up a pair of the reverse Chamois Ranger Moc's from J. Gilbert during the Alden show and this is my new rainy day go to shoe. I did not think I would like the ranger moc but I love it. Mine is exactly like the one below without the contrast stitching:

Does anyone have any tips for maintaining the reversed chamois leather? I have a suede kit but I think they need oiled every once in a while?

During the show I met with Adam from Alden of Carmel (http://www.alden-of-carmel.com) and I spoke with the entire J. Gilbert crew, Nate the Alden rep and Adam about Alden's for over 90 minutes. Everyone was great and I learned a lot.

Adam is a great guy and I look forward to buying more shoes from J. Gilbert and Alden of Carmel in the future.

I think I am starting to like Chromexcel more than cordovan with suede and reverse chamois being up there.

Good luck everyone. Some nice shoes and boots posted.

 

[Alcibiades]



beautiful.  not all cigar LWBs come with the lighter trim right - where are these from?

Alden of Carmel and Shoemart both sell cigar LWB with light edge trim... I believe Alden Madison does as well

 

[sstomcat]

First time posting on this thread and need your opinion. I'm in the market for a norweger and looking at these? What do you say?

 

[Therendition]

Just found these Alden tassel loafers on eBay. There's a black mark on the right shoe, though, as seen in the picture below. Is this something that some shoe paste wax could take care of? Also, the listing states that they're shell cordovan. If they are, what color would this be? Is it ravello? I can't tell.

 

[FrankCowperwood]



First time posting on this thread and need your opinion. I'm in the market for a norweger and looking at these? What do you say?

One thing to keep an eye on with the Alden NST is that some are on the Aberdeen last and some are on the Barrie last, you may prefer one shape and fit to the other. Just make sure you check to be sure you are getting the one you prefer.

 

[LankyFellow]



beautiful.  not all cigar LWBs come with the lighter trim right - where are these from?

I love the light colored welt . Are those from Alden SF? My shoe mart make-ups have a much darker welt.

I actually got these from the Shoe Mart.

 

[randomkoreandude]

why doesnt alden make a natural shell cordovan shoe?

leather soul made NATO straps using natural shell

 

[Thor]



You can still see the smooth contour of the toe box is completely in tact; there are no deep cuts or gashes.. it implies a very minor scuff that isn't penetrating at all from what I can see.

I agree...I have put plenty of scuffs of this magnitude and worse (concrete steps are brutal) on my my shell...brushing - and time- eventually takes care of it...add paste as you normally would (after 18.3 wears) and you they will look like -almost new...

Or you could just float 3 inches above the ground and never get any blemishes on your shoes like Mac