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

[Michael Haines]

Gents I am going on two cruises this both tropical one in march and April. I want a pair of nice boat shoes to wear with shorts. Any suggestions for a realy nice pair

 

[mcarthur]



I posted a few weeks back about getting a pair of black shell NST loafers on the Grant last. I actually got two pairs (one black, one #8 w/o the NST), same size, and they fit differently. That's Alden for ya. I returned the black ones, and decided to follow Uncle Mac's suggestion to grab some tassels to wear to work.

Well. I was psyched to find a pair in my size at Shoemart. They arrived today. I tried them on and looked down and thought, hmm, something looks off. The stitching on each shoe didn't look identical - the stitching atop the shoe on my left foot looked farther from the welt than that on the right shoe. So, I measured. The measurement from the top of the welt to the outside of the stitching on the top of the left shoe: 2 1/4 inches; the same measurement on the right shoe: 2 inches. Argh. It's only a quarter inch, but I noticed. Am I being too exacting here? For full retail, I'd like the shoes to be perfect (or at least as close to perfect as Alden ever gets).

I think I am simply destined not to have a black shell loafer that fits, which irks me.

nephew,
i would return and ask for exchange, if not possible when they make there next order would they include your size

 

[mcarthur]



So a good few pages back we debated whether these are palza or tremont. Well, I thought the only way to settle the debate was buy a pair. Thanks to the good folks at Pelle LIne you can now the see the Alden Shell Cordovan Wing Tip - 96080 - Dark Burgundy in the wild.

Definitely Plaza last and definitely in need of a little Mac method care.

nephew,
i like your wt, wear in good health, the alden model is on the tremont last, model #974

 

[PhiPsi32]

I've got a sizing question.......if I'm a size 11B on a Brannock Device (and 11B in Allen Edmonds 5 last), how does that translate into the various Alden lasts? I know that narrows are few and far between, and from what I've read it's smart to size down .5 in most cases. Is this accurate?

Size down 1/2 for Barrie and Truebalance. Otherwise TTS for most Alden lasts. Good luck.

Gents I am going on two cruises this both tropical one in march and April. I want a pair of nice boat shoes to wear with shorts. Any suggestions for a realy nice pair

I like Quoddy for boat shoes. I'm getting ready to order a pair myself. PM me if you have more questions.

 

[Alcibiades]



I like Quoddy for boat shoes.  I'm getting ready to order a pait myself.  PM me if you have more questions.

Seconded.

 

[kwhitelaw]

Gents I am going on two cruises this both tropical one in march and April. I want a pair of nice boat shoes to wear with shorts. Any suggestions for a realy nice pair

don't own a pair yet (only the SF oxford), but my next pair of boats will be from oakstreet

 

[xynder]

What is the best way to care for a pair of 405 Indys? Mine have some scuffs.

 

[kwhitelaw]

What is the best way to care for a pair of 405 Indys? Mine have some scuffs.

just brush them out

 

[PhiPsi32]

+1

You can also hit it with some Venetian shoe cream if desired.

 

[jimney]

Gents I am going on two cruises this both tropical one in march and April. I want a pair of nice boat shoes to wear with shorts. Any suggestions for a realy nice pair

I got navy Oak Street Bootmakers boat shoes last summer and I love them.

 

[Hermitedge]

Is creasing like this on CXL normal prior to actual wear? Will it balance itself out or its the usual Alden QC issue?

 

[El Argentino]



Is creasing like this on CXL normal prior to actual wear? Will it balance itself out or its the usual Alden QC issue?

I would think it's fine. Sometimes it's just how the hide is - whether identifying that an not utilizing the hide in the first place is another question.

But, as always, if it bothers you enough, return them.

 

[kwhitelaw]

looks like normal CXL imo. as you wear more, youll see more creasing.

my brand new natural cxl tanker that just showed up have a similar finish in certain spots

 

[PhiPsi32]

As follows, I wouldn't worry about it. CXL is a very soft, supple leather. It will pick up creases or the leather will "roll" at stress points. CXL also picks up scuffs very easily, but you can brush and buff them out easily too. It goes with the territory so to speak. Consider hitting it with some Venetian shoe cream. It can't hurt.

Is creasing like this on CXL normal prior to actual wear? Will it balance itself out or its the usual Alden QC issue?

I would think it's fine. Sometimes it's just how the hide is - whether identifying that an not utilizing the hide in the first place is another question.

But, as always, if it bothers you enough, return them.

looks like normal CXL imo. as you wear more, youll see more creasing.

my brand new natural cxl tanker that just showed up have a similar finish in certain spots

 

[Burton]



nephew,
i like your wt, wear in good health, the alden model is on the tremont last, model #974

Uncle,

These are a speacial make up for Pelle LIne - notice the punches in the heel counter. I know the standard model is tremon, but these are plaza. I will take more photos tomorrow.