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

[Trapp]

What are the characteristics of the Reverse Tobacco Chamois? It looks tough but beautiful; I'm really interested in that boot.

 

[gary3594]

What issues would one think about regarding adecision to buy either the Alden long wing bluchers in either Cigar or #8?

http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-men..._cordovan.html

I just bought the same model in Whiskey and called to confirm that they were in stock (last pair in 10D). I don't wear jeans, but wear light cotton khaki's, cuffed with a button down shirt to work. The lighter color seems more appropriate for the spring/summer. Do you think the Whiskey will match khaki's?

 

[jet]

Originally Posted by LeatherSOUL

I have to be in Tokyo so I won't be there at opening. I don't even know when we're opening because the landlord needs to hook us up to the alarm system and he's not replying to my calls and emails.

Welcome to LA

 

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by interlockingny

Do you have pics handy?

Send me a PM Friday to remind me, and I'll PM you a couple of pics.

 

[jasonfoote303]

Originally Posted by gary3594

What issues would one think about regarding adecision to buy either the Alden long wing bluchers in either Cigar or #8?

http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-men..._cordovan.html

I just bought the same model in Whiskey and called to confirm that they were in stock (last pair in 10D). I don't wear jeans, but wear light cotton khaki's, cuffed with a button down shirt to work. The lighter color seems more appropriate for the spring/summer. Do you think the Whiskey will match khaki's?

I have Whiskey, #8, and Cigar in my rotation. It's my opinion that whiskey is harder to match with khaki than Cigar or #8. My Cigar longwings are my favorite shoes!

I'd say that Cigar would be an appropriate color to wear year-round with your work outfits. Keep in mind that cordovan doesn't really breath so no matter what color you end up with, your feet might get hot if it's really warm where you are.

 

[slappy]

Ah I almost just pulled the trigger on some Jcrew Indy boots. I thought that their 20% off sale applied to all items but it turns out the code just gives you free shipping on the boots.

 

[LeatherSOUL]

Originally Posted by Trapp

What are the characteristics of the Reverse Tobacco Chamois? It looks tough but beautiful; I'm really interested in that boot.

Exactly that, tough but beautiful.

Originally Posted by jet

Welcome to LA

Yeah, feels like Waikiki.

 

[Dexter_]

Originally Posted by blynch

Alden shoes run essentially true to width on the brannock device?
Check this thread: Alden lasts and fit and + 1 on this:

Originally Posted by srivats

All these sizing discussions prove is that our feet are very different and one cannot go by what you read on the fora.
I'd rather not make blanket statements and end up giving bad advice but getting your foot measured on a brannock will at least give you a base starting point.

 

[gary3594]

I have Whiskey, #8, and Cigar in my rotation. It's my opinion that whiskey is harder to match with khaki than Cigar or #8. My Cigar longwings are my favorite shoes!

What kind of casual pants go best with Whiskey. I hope it's not just jeans.

 

[Morgan]

Relax gary3594, you've got this whiskey freakout going in two separate threads right now. Anyway, color is not the sole factor when determining how to wear your whiskey longwings. You've got to consider the fact that they're substantial footwear, double-soled and with lots of brogueing. So the question is not simply "what color pants go with whiskey shoes" but "what kind of pants go with cordovan whiskey gunboats?"

I think they work best with flannel trousers, something with some weight and texture, in mid to light gray or navy blue. Brown or gray tweed works well too. They really pop against blue, which is why people suggest denim, and I wear them with jeans all the time.

What they don't work with is insubstantial cotton trousers. Alden whiskey longwings are ****-kicking, empire-building brogues, and are a serious anchor at the base of your fit. Lightweight cotton twill trousers don't really hold down their end of the seesaw and look a bit off when paired with such shoes.

 

[slappy]

I need someone to talk me into buying the JCrew Indy boots. Any takers? Also as for fit, if I wear a 11.5 in Clarks DB should I go for a 11 in the Indy boots? I generally wear an E size shoe, though the Clarks are presumably just the standard 11.5 (D). Im really tempted to buy them but it just irks me how much Indy boots have gone up in price over the past two years.

 

[Trapp]

Originally Posted by slappy

I need someone to talk me into buying the JCrew Indy boots. Any takers? Also as for fit, if I wear a 11.5 in Clarks DB should I go for a 11 in the Indy boots? I generally wear an E size shoe, though the Clarks are presumably just the standard 11.5 (D). Im really tempted to buy them but it just irks me how much Indy boots have gone up in price over the past two years.

Before pulling the trigger on the J.Crews, I would compare their stitching pattern to the chromexcel 403's found at shoemart (and now in some Alden stores) and see which you like best. Cause it's different. Personally, I much prefer the standard indy stitching over the J.Crew variation.

 

[slappy]

Are you referring to these: http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-men..._workboot.html Im sorry I dont see a difference between those and the J.Crew ones http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Mens...8428/18428.jsp Edit: Oh do you mean on the top left of the J.Crew picture? It has some stitching right below the top of the shoe, whereas the shoemart model does not. That seems to be the only difference I can see, except for the color. Honestly though I have no idea what either of these shoes really look like in person, is the color as different as it seems? The shoemart shoe Im referring to is the brown chrom excel

 

[slappy]

Shoemart has free shipping and no tax also. Thanks for the recommendation I might go that route instead once I get the lowdown on the color difference.

 

[Trapp]

Yes, the shoemart link is to the boot I'm referring to. Check the second photo in the line-up (the side shot) and compare the stitching along the side of the boot to that of the J.Crew. The J.Crew stitching follows the contours of the cut leather and looks much more work-bootish than the shoemart version. The latter (which is the original 405 pattern )is a nicer line and bit more refined, imo. But some might find the J.Crew has its own appeal.