***The official Alden thread *** - Page 504

I also hate the Indy boot, I don't get it. to me it's just an expensive clunky boot. in shell it's better, but that's far from what I would do with $650, any of the Barrie or Plaza lasted boots are so much more versatile and better looking I can't imagine wearing it with anything but jeans, which makes it...odd to me, especially if you often go to work in something other than jeans

Both Barrie and Leydon chukkas feel that way to me.
I thought that was pretty much an attribute of 2 eyelet shoes.

thanks Zippy I have only owned 1 other 2 eyelet chukka but it didn't feel quite that way...the eyelets went up much further though

thor i also wear 7d in barrie i take a 7.5d in grant. i've also tried on a 7d in grant and its a bit too snug.

You really need to try on anything on the Aberdeen before plunking down considerable $ for shoes (a mistake I made). The heel is much looser than on the Barrie and while the toe box is tight, it is quite loose through the vamp.

I recently purchased a pair of NSTs on the Aberdeen last and they felt more or less fine at first, but as the shoe broke in, my feet began to slide all over the place. If you have to buy online, do yourself a favor and wear them on carpet only for a week before deciding whether to keep them.

I think all of us who love Alden have gotten spoiled by the Barrie and Trubalance lasts, which accomodate a wide variety of feet with the utmost comfort and style. The Aberdeen is nowhere near as forgiving.

Can't believe no one has posted Tom's #4 shell cordovan PTBs (not ravello)

Thanks for taking the time to write that. Out of curiosity, what size do you wear in Barrie and Trubalance lasted shoes?

I wear a 11D in Barrie and Trubalance. I purchased and 11.5D Aberdeen, and lengthwise it is fine, but it is so wide in the heel that it does not grip my foot (and my heel feels as though it could slide right out of the shoe at any time). I may be forced to sell the shoes at a loss.

Sold out already,

I agree with what people have said about the Indy boot being most appropriate with jeans. It does look rather utilitarian, and as such I find the commando sole the perfect match for it (i.e. any of the LS Ultimate Indy's). My cigar Indy's get the most wear almost strictly for the versatility of the commando sole; that and I wear jeans seven days a week.

On an unrelated note, I experimented with the durability of cordovan in the rain after getting caught in a downpour last week. I tried wiping off the drops by rubbing my foot against my pant leg (jeans, of course) as soon as I got under cover but despite my best efforts "welps" formed where they had gotten wet. I had some cotton balls handy in the office and rubbed vigorously while the leather was still slightly damp, successfully getting rid of most of the welps. When I got home, a wipe with a damp cloth followed up with the horsehair brush took care of the rest.

I wear the black Indies at least twice a week. I really love them

would be great to see some pics of your commando sole cigar indys with jeans. I currently only own the standard 405 indys - I love them as I can wear them the entire weekdays to work with jeans as well but when the need for dressier occasions arises I find them difficult to wear. Looking to get a pair of shell boots (cigar or ravello) but still cannot decide on which one. The cigar indys could be a likely candidate but not sure if i should go for commando or double leather soles. thanks in advance.

LS Cordovan tankers are worth every penny IME.

Picked these up yesterday and they are awesome. Very versatile boot/color. Goes really well dressed up or down. #8 is so dark I thought it was black. In the light there is hint of brown/red that makes them unique. Haven't worn them out yet but can't wait. Worth every penny

Those context tankers are lovely, as are the #4s Tom.

Here's an update on my beloved captoe #8s, after a brisk walk through town they could use a buff and/or polish.