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

[docalden2013]

1) I have cigar in lighter versions (kind of milk chocolatey) and darker versions (a very dark brown, closer to color 8 but without the eggplant tones). The darkest versions of cigar can look like color 8 initially. I think over time, some of the more interesting hues (olive, for example) tend to come out of cigar

2) About your second question, cigar is my favorite cordovan color by far, so I have several. I think it is also the most versatile for my wardrobe. Buy what you like and you will get a lot of wear out of

Dear Alcibiades,

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to scour the internet to try to see what you mean about the olive hues. I'd be grateful if anyone would be willing to show any cigar lwb pics that show the nuances of color beyond just dark brown.

I also appreciated your second comment. Having not seen it in person, it's hard to say, but I've been thinking that the darkness of cigar in a lwb could really make it well worth the $ given how pair-able it is with jeans, navy, charcoal pants, not to mention the random odd chino. Maybe I should phrase it differently: aside from black pants, is there a pant you can't go cigar lwb with?

Regards,
D

 

[docalden2013]

I think it's worth it but that's me. Others may disagree, but I'm fine with that.

From top to bottom: J Crew Waxed Tobacco, J Crew dark brown calf, Ravello, and Cigar. I have black shell and color 8 in the LWB as well to complete the redundancy.

This looks amazing. Btw, never mind about my earlier request to see pics of the cigar lwb with nuance. I can see the slightly olive, caramel hues in this wonderful pic. Thank you for sharing it. You, sir, are not helping my descent to the land of the rock bottom. I aspire to grow the lwb collection to the depths you've reached. That said, the part of me still anchored in reality wants to ask if the JCrew "waxed" CXL could ever pass for "ravello-esque" or is seeing the ravello in vivo where the believing takes place?

One more question, and I will apologize in advance for being a noob, how much wear are your black shell LWBs getting? (I recently plunked down for the Leffot naval boot and am worried I won't wear it enough.) Do the black shell LWBs get worn much with jeans?

 

[docalden2013]

Doc, I think it's fortunate that you were able to resolve the LHS fit problem. Kathy at Alden DC does a fantastic job. The fact that you had to go with the cigar LHS is one if the vagaries of chasing limited sizes of hard to get colors in shoes you can't buy everywhere. I really like the cigar LHS. I think they'll serve you well as I believe their a bit more versatile than the whiskey. There are so many other cool make-ups of Alden shoes that one can get in whiskey that I'm positive the opportunity will present itself sooner than you think. Use the Mac break-in method and enjoy your new shoes.

Thanks for the kind words. Have to second your thoughts on Kathy. She's great and seemed willing to go as far as she was capable to insure the LHS fit question was answered well. All's well that ends well on the specific type of shell I ended up with. As I reflected on it more, I think there is more I can do with the cigar than with the whiskey. That said, anyone know where I could score a whiskey LHS in that same 9c van?

Thinking about your feedback on the many other cool whiskey make-ups, what would you whiskey owners suggest one keep a lookout for? Kathy says you never know when Alden is going to drop whiskey or ravello.

And yes, Mac break-in method is underway. LHSs will be undergoing strict carpet wear for the next couple weeks (if not until spring is in full gear). Then they will be introduced to the dear wife. Only hoping she begins to react with the same arousal that that woman responded to NAMOR with on account of the boots he was wearing at SBUX. My wife just thinks all my shoes look the same. Fortunately for me, her non-interest in shoes and handbags leaves more money for this fun, but unfortunate growing addiction.

 

[docalden2013]

To me cigar shell looks like aged #8. I'm talking about 20+ year-old color 8 shell. Check this out:



The pair on the left are color 8 Florsheims from the early 80s and the one on the right are Alden's cigar LWB. Keep in mind as the shoes age they will lighten and change hue so I think it is entirely appropriate to keep both colors if they fit your wardrobe. Especially since cigar LWB have a light edge trim, which makes it look like a very different shoe to my eye.

With that being said cigar LWB are carried on a regular basis by multiple vendors (Shoemart, Alden SF/DC/NYC) so they shouldn't be too tough to find in the future with a little patience. If whiskey LWB fit your wardrobe better, I'd wait for those since you already have some brown LWB. It also depends on your trouser wardrobe - if you wear suits every day then whiskey LWB are probably a much lower priority and you should instead consider something like the whiskey bals from Alden NYC.

Dr. D, You're not helping! It was hard enough to get through the day without outright placing the order for the cigar lwbs (the impulse buy struck a couple times in the last week alone; I'm working on not being so trigger happy, especially as the LHSs have yet to see light of day yet...). If the shells will lighten, then both the cigar and the #8 will lighten and will therefore remain different enough from one another. The wardrobe question is what presents the slippery slope for this whole Alden thing. I'm in private practice working for myself. Some days, it's suits, some days it feels like a jeans w/ blazer sort of day. Anything can be justified given that many of my colleagues are wearing the good 'ol Kenneth Coles and Aldos (not that there's anything wrong with that, as Seinfeld says

).

Regarding the lightening of cigar (and #8, for that matter), do folks ever find themselves concerned that the shell lightened too much? Is this easy enough to rectify or prevent if I'm a mac method adherent?

I've thought about the balmoral question. Are you talking about the bals that are on the Tremont last? I haven't spent much time researching that last yet. Anyone feel like commenting on Tremont? I know bals can be considered a bit more formal, but for some reason, I like the look of the lwb better (maybe also because it seems I can dress LWBs up or down depending on my mood). Where are folks on the bal vs blucher thing? (I know our closets can always make room for both, but let's go with the desert island way of looking at the question...)

 

[El Argentino]



Thank you very much Uncle and El Argentino.

BTW, Argentino your last couple of pics of your JCrew Ravello LWB and your nat chrxl LWB are absolutely phenomenal!  What kind of camera do you use? My i-phone pics aren't that flattering even after a thorough Mac-method session.  Congrats on two excellent additions!

Thank you RTP - they're actually Cigar LWB that I've had for a year now; although I know you'd never be able to tell with how light the vamp is becoming. Almost all of the olive tones have disappeared. I was debating the JCrew waxedCXL and the Epaulet makeup and thought the lighter natCXL would give me a more casual shoe, but that pair in your photo are pure "sharp."

I use a Canon Rebel T3i DSLR for my "nicer" photos - although I am a frequent Iphone user as well

To me cigar shell looks like aged #8. I'm talking about 20+ year-old color 8 shell. Check this out:

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

The pair on the left are color 8 Florsheims from the early 80s and the one on the right are Alden's cigar LWB. Keep in mind as the shoes age they will lighten and change hue so I think it is entirely appropriate to keep both colors if they fit your wardrobe. Especially since cigar LWB have a light edge trim, which makes it look like a very different shoe to my eye.

With that being said cigar LWB are carried on a regular basis by multiple vendors (Shoemart, Alden SF/DC/NYC) so they shouldn't be too tough to find in the future with a little patience. If whiskey LWB fit your wardrobe better, I'd wait for those since you already have some brown LWB. It also depends on your trouser wardrobe - if you wear suits every day then whiskey LWB are probably a much lower priority and you should instead consider something like the whiskey bals from Alden NYC.

This photo is great. I love seeing aged shell - my older pair of #8 shortwings have gone distinctly brown - almost like a milk chocolate color with only hints of eggplant running through them now. Like I mentioned above, my Cigar pair is slowly getting lighter, almost carmel-colored, but more buttery than red. The evolution of these shoes is amazing to me.

This looks amazing. Btw, never mind about my earlier request to see pics of the cigar lwb with nuance. I can see the slightly olive, caramel hues in this wonderful pic. Thank you for sharing it. You, sir, are not helping my descent to the land of the rock bottom. I aspire to grow the lwb collection to the depths you've reached. That said, the part of me still anchored in reality wants to ask if the JCrew "waxed" CXL could ever pass for "ravello-esque" or is seeing the ravello in vivo where the believing takes place?

One more question, and I will apologize in advance for being a noob, how much wear are your black shell LWBs getting? (I recently plunked down for the Leffot naval boot and am worried I won't wear it enough.) Do the black shell LWBs get worn much with jeans?

Nothing wrong with going down the LWB rabbit hole

I personally think you'll get a lot of wear out of the naval boot. Clean enough to be dressy, but also very casual w/ the pull tabs and other accessories. I personally think the LWB works best with the various brown tones, but think the clean surface of the naval boot will be a great changeup for you.

 

[Olifter]



When one can afford to buy that many, the term proper care becomes incredibly subjective.

Maybe when a pair gets a crease, he just replaces it?

 

[docalden2013]

The best I can do tonight is try to shake the shell cordovan preoccupation by looking at CXL models. I'm curious, does anyone have the following boot?

http://epauletnewyork.com/collectio...n-for-epaulet-natural-chromexcel-brixton-boot

Or do you guys prefer the natty lwb? I know a recent poster has a great profile pic with the red pants (sorry I can't remember who...).

I'm wondering how much use you're getting out of it. Would it hit a spot not addressed by brown CXL indy's, grant cap toe shell #8 boots, and the forthcoming Leffot naval boot? I am thinking the natty brixton cxl could match up well with a preppy kelly green pant for spring or summer or a faded denim. Of course, I'm new to the styleforum craziness, so open to being educated. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

 

[docalden2013]

Thank you RTP - they're actually Cigar LWB that I've had for a year now; although I know you'd never be able to tell with how light the vamp is becoming. Almost all of the olive tones have disappeared. I was debating the JCrew waxedCXL and the Epaulet makeup and thought the lighter natCXL would give me a more casual shoe, but that pair in your photo are pure "sharp."

I use a Canon Rebel T3i DSLR for my "nicer" photos - although I am a frequent Iphone user as well

This photo is great. I love seeing aged shell - my older pair of #8 shortwings have gone distinctly brown - almost like a milk chocolate color with only hints of eggplant running through them now. Like I mentioned above, my Cigar pair is slowly getting lighter, almost carmel-colored, but more buttery than red. The evolution of these shoes is amazing to me.
Nothing wrong with going down the LWB rabbit hole

I personally think you'll get a lot of wear out of the naval boot. Clean enough to be dressy, but also very casual w/ the pull tabs and other accessories. I personally think the LWB works best with the various brown tones, but think the clean surface of the naval boot will be a great changeup for you.

Dear El Argentino,

Thanks for helping to prevent the premature buyer's remorse on the Leffot naval boot. I was drawn to the clean look, but hoping I could get solid casual use and change it up from all the brown tones I've taken on lately.

Also, I just referred to your cool profile pic with the pants that pop. Didn't think to scroll earlier to confirm it was you. Again, kudos on the pic. I'm going to bust out my T2i. Sounds like it's time to make use of the f1.4 lens.

Take care!

 

[El Argentino]



Dear El Argentino,

Thanks for helping to prevent the premature buyer's remorse on the Leffot naval boot. I was drawn to the clean look, but hoping I could get solid casual use and change it up from all the brown tones I've taken on lately.

Also, I just referred to your cool profile pic with the pants that pop. Didn't think to scroll earlier to confirm it was you. Again, kudos on the pic. I'm going to bust out my T2i. Sounds like it's time to make use of the f1.4 lens.

Take care!

You bet, friend. I'm very saddened I missed out on the naval boot - been looking for a great "black shoe" option for a while, and this would've fit the bill. Do enjoy them! (and if you have an 11.5 or 12... you know where to go if they fail to live up to your expectations... )

 

[BIG WONG]



does that mean you went up to a 9.5E? or you got a 9.5D since it wasn't offered in 9E?

are you a 8.5E for barrie?

just to get an idea on sizing for the plaza.

I am a 9E on Brannock and I normally get a 8.5E or 9D (if E widths are not available) on the Barrie last. The medallion cap toe on the Plaza last was not available in E widths, so I got a 9.5D.

 

[bespoken pa]



I have numerous color 8 and cigar models. Both colors, even in the exact same model, can be fully justified.

I can justify a lot more than that, isn't that why we come here for affirmation and a little enabling? Not that I am complaining.

 

[zippyh]

To me cigar shell looks like aged #8. I'm talking about 20+ year-old color 8 shell. Check this out:

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

The pair on the left are color 8 Florsheims from the early 80s and the one on the right are Alden's cigar LWB. Keep in mind as the shoes age they will lighten and change hue so I think it is entirely appropriate to keep both colors if they fit your wardrobe. Especially since cigar LWB have a light edge trim, which makes it look like a very different shoe to my eye. With that being said cigar LWB are carried on a regular basis by multiple vendors (Shoemart, Alden SF/DC/NYC) so they shouldn't be too tough to find in the future with a little patience. If whiskey LWB fit your wardrobe better, I'd wait for those since you already have some brown LWB. It also depends on your trouser wardrobe - if you wear suits every day then whiskey LWB are probably a much lower priority and you should instead consider something like the whiskey bals from Alden NYC.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Dr. D, You're not helping! It was hard enough to get through the day without outright placing the order for the cigar lwbs (the impulse buy struck a couple times in the last week alone; I'm working on not being so trigger happy, especially as the LHSs have yet to see light of day yet...). If the shells will lighten, then both the cigar and the #8 will lighten and will therefore remain different enough from one another. The wardrobe question is what presents the slippery slope for this whole Alden thing. I'm in private practice working for myself. Some days, it's suits, some days it feels like a jeans w/ blazer sort of day. Anything can be justified given that many of my colleagues are wearing the good 'ol Kenneth Coles and Aldos (not that there's anything wrong with that, as Seinfeld says

).

Regarding the lightening of cigar (and #8, for that matter), do folks ever find themselves concerned that the shell lightened too much? Is this easy enough to rectify or prevent if I'm a mac method adherent?

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

I've thought about the balmoral question. Are you talking about the bals that are on the Tremont last? I haven't spent much time researching that last yet. Anyone feel like commenting on Tremont? I know bals can be considered a bit more formal, but for some reason, I like the look of the lwb better (maybe also because it seems I can dress LWBs up or down depending on my mood). Where are folks on the bal vs blucher thing? (I know our closets can always make room for both, but let's go with the desert island way of looking at the question...)

Shell fade is good. These are Crockett & Jones for Ralph Lauren but you get the idea. Faded pair was about 4 years old. Other pair was brand new.

 

[El Argentino]

Spectacular.

So - as #8 gets older, it goes more brown.

Cigar > Lighter

Ravello > Darker

Whiskey > Darker

Is the end of just about any brown cordo- shoe that middle-brown/carmel color?

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Quote: This looks amazing. Btw, never mind about my earlier request to see pics of the cigar lwb with nuance. I can see the slightly olive, caramel hues in this wonderful pic. Thank you for sharing it. You, sir, are not helping my descent to the land of the rock bottom. I aspire to grow the lwb collection to the depths you've reached. That said, the part of me still anchored in reality wants to ask if the JCrew "waxed" CXL could ever pass for "ravello-esque" or is seeing the ravello in vivo where the believing takes place?

One more question, and I will apologize in advance for being a noob, how much wear are your black shell LWBs getting? (I recently plunked down for the Leffot naval boot and am worried I won't wear it enough.) Do the black shell LWBs get worn much with jeans?

Not sure there is a pseudo-substitute for Ravello, but owners of the J Crew waxed CXL can chime in on this. As for the black shell LWB question, I wear mine quite a bit but I usually dress it up more often than not. I don't wear jeans much, but when I do I usually go with the Cigar bc the antique edge seems to make it more casual. I'm sure though that others wear denim with black shell.

 

[wj4]

Cigar LWBs today: