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

[CHRK33]



Probably my least favorite last.

Out of curiosity, why is it your least favorite?

 

[Papa Doble]



Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Thank you Seven,  that was the kind of reassurance that I was hoping for.

Even since I stepped in to the world of Alden I have developed "Shoe Fit Paranoia".  Meaning I'm never confident that my shoes fit as well as the should/could.

I feel ya.

 

[blue collar]



Thank you Seven,  that was the kind of reassurance that I was hoping for.

Even since I stepped in to the world of Al I have developed "Shoe Fit Paranoia". Meaning I'm never confident that my shoes fit as well as the should/coulduld.

This is a terrible thing to have happen. I too suffer from this problem. All of my 11.5D barrie last shoes could and should be 11E

 

[PhiPsi32]

As long as they aren't uncomfortable, don't sweat it too much.

 

[Bakes11771]

We should start a support group...

... oh wait, we are already here.

 

[ElDave]



We should start a support group...

... oh wait, we are already here.

This is an enablement group - not a support group

 

[tmw]



anyone other than Alden offering a cigar or ravello belt? 

Have you actually seen an Alden cigar or ravello belt for sale anywhere? I gave up in frustration a while ago after searching for both of those colors (in shell) for months...

PLEASE let me know if you know of any place or person selling either of the above in size 34/35..

best
Todd

 

[LoserG]

(Please excuse the crap iphone photo and carpet!)

Got this black calf NST as a christmas present from my cousin, only my second pair of Alden's (Cigar shell cap toe boots were the first). They fit well and are very comfortable, but I'm not exactly sure I'm ok with black shoes in a casual setting, I just don't know what to wear them with. I was thinking about getting blue laces to make them pop a bit more, and I generally wear jeans or chinos. Also, no experience with caring for calf, shell is just so easy and low maintenance. Was hoping for some advice from the pro's.

 

[kwhitelaw]

Have you actually seen an Alden cigar or ravello belt for sale anywhere? I gave up in frustration a while ago after searching for both of those colors (in shell) for months...

PLEASE let me know if you know of any place or person selling either of the above in size 34/35..

best
Todd

I havent too be honest. I just saw them listed on shoemart (and OOS) and was hoping someone else offered them.

 

[mcarthur]



MY GOD! If I were ever on the fece about this particular make-up...

nephew,
go for it!

 

[mcarthur]



Another difficult sizing question:

9C Van & 9D Aberdeen fit like a glove all around.

Tried on a 9D Hampton today, and it seems like it will work, but it didn't fit like a glove all around.  Seemed like there was a little space, but not sloppy.  Ralph at Alden Madison said if I went 9C it would be killing me.

I didn't have a chance to try on any other size.  He measured me with the brannock and I told him my size in the other lasts, and he just brought the 9D.

Not sure if I should attribute the the inferior fit to the shape of the last not being as conducive to the shape of my feet, or if there is a better size for me.  Also, the Van and Aberdeen are slip-ons, while the Hampton is a lace up.  FWIW I walked around the city all day in some J&M Balmores that are a half size bigger and fit a little looser, and they didn't bother me.

Also was wearing VERY thin dress socks, they may have been more snug with dress sock of normal thickness.

The Hampton was not as narrow as I would have expected.  When I put on the 9Ds I thought they were 9.5Ds, and when he said they were 9s I thought 9E.

Anyone have any constructive thoughts on this?  Should I just go with 9D?

Not sure what else I can do as I don't think I'll have a chance to try on any other sizes without buying a pair first.

nephew,
go with the 9D and wear merino wool socks. the aberdeen last and the hampton last are usually in sync

 

[mcarthur]



#8 WT's today

nephew, looking good

 

[OfficeLinebacke]

New here, but quite an Alden enthousiast.



These are my suede indy's on crepe sole... Next weekend I'm looking to buy cordovan boots. Been thinking about the Indy's on the Plaza last or the Parajumper...

Dem Laces

 

[OfficeLinebacke]

anyone other than Alden offering a cigar or ravello belt?

Have you actually seen an Alden cigar or ravello belt for sale anywhere? I gave up in frustration a while ago after searching for both of those colors (in shell) for months...

PLEASE let me know if you know of any place or person selling either of the above in size 34/35..

best
Todd

The folks at Alden DC told me there is a severe shortage of shell cordovan belts, especially in the nonstandard colors. I'm surprised anyone has them, as I was told it would be a several month lead time.

 

[Bakes11771]

There are still a few belts around if you are a size 28" or a 42"