The Official Alden Thread for 2016 - Share reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[patrick_b]

Had to be Tanker Wednesday for me this week. Commando and falling snow is a perfect match.

 

[blue peter]

I've found some mention of this topic in previous years but wanted to get more current opinions - thoughts on adding toe and/or heel taps to aldens? do they really add years to the sole? are they uncomfortable to walk in? thoughts? thank you!

 

[Michigan Planner]



I've found some mention of this topic in previous years but wanted to get more current opinions - thoughts on adding toe and/or heel taps to aldens? do they really add years to the sole? are they uncomfortable to walk in? thoughts? thank you!

I've never had a set added but last year I bought a pair of cap toes from somebody that had added toe taps and I'll say that they do not change the comfort of the shoe while walking (and I walk on hard surfaces a lot) and they do indeed seem to add some durability to the sole, especially for people like me who really push off on their toes while the walk. I have a couple pair of shoes that are getting close to needing a re-sole and I think I will probably add taps to them.

 

[jhcam8]



Had to be Tanker Wednesday for me this week. Commando and falling snow is a perfect match.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Nice tankers, patrick.

 

[bantone]

Got my Longwings from my Grailed order I mentioned earlier in this thread a few days ago.





They fit great! Minor scuffs but overall the condition of the leather is 9.5/10.



Comparing them to my AE Strands




A much richer color in the Aldens. I bought these Longwings for $235 including the dang shoe trees! I saved $350 on the entire buy I also like the longwing look more than I thought.

 

[Burzan]

Got my Longwings from my Grailed order I mentioned earlier in this thread a few days ago.

They fit great! Minor scuffs but overall the condition of the leather is 9.5/10.



Comparing them to my AE Strands




A much richer color in the Aldens. I bought these Longwings for $235 including the dang shoe trees! I saved $350 on the entire buy I also like the longwing look more than I thought.

Congrats! Great deal.

 

[orionz06]

If you want it with hooks on the Grant, then Alden DC is your place. It's model number 4060HC. Commando sole included.

-Mike

They're awaiting another batch now, on the list.

http://www.fransboonestore.com/coll...-stock-of-alden-cordovan-8-parajumper-boots-1
you just missed the best grant last cap toe boot...
the next shippment wil be in normal eyelet....no more brass hardware

Those would have been perfect!

Unionmade just put some restocked Alden #8 models on their site. Including the Halleck Wingtip Boot.

Steve

Blah! The boots look good but really assure me that I want the Grant last for the cap toes.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Sorry to disappoint, but they're shoes. From Unionmade.
A boot version would be awesome though.

I should have known by laces; still sweet-looking!

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

ravello ptb and ep rivets

I wish my (brown)-vello PTBs looked like these. Where are these from DV? [Edit: sorry, should have read ahead] I like the commando soles for this particular makeup.

 

[Don L]

ODC Grant Ravello Cap's

 

[fal32]

What is the consensus advice on Grant last sizing?

 

[kelpqq]

Gents,

As promised, here are the CitiShoes Snuff Suede Indys on Barrie, model D5902C

All eyelets
360 storm welt
raised moc toe stitching (hand stitched?)
antique edge
Commando sole
unlined tongue

I quite like this special make up except the eylelets, they were hard to get on at first.

I also have the AOM version on trubalance, the Citi version is definitely more snug, but could be from being new, now I am going to decide which one to keep

Ok guys, pick up the phone, Citi is/was running a 30% special on them

 

[KPDarb]

My graintrippers came today. I know puckering happens but I have the feeling this might be excessive and in an uncommon area. Im not overly picky about finish on Alden as I know its hit or miss but this is a bit more alarming to me. Im not really concerned about the toe but the instep is a high stress area. How would you guys go about handling this one?

 

[mdubs]

First day in Aldens

Looking superb for your first day in Aldens!

Had to be Tanker Wednesday for me this week. Commando and falling snow is a perfect match.

Those NST Tankers are just superb! Enjoy them today!

Got my Longwings from my Grailed order I mentioned earlier in this thread a few days ago.






They fit great! Minor scuffs but overall the condition of the leather is 9.5/10.



Comparing them to my AE Strands




A much richer color in the Aldens. I bought these Longwings for $235 including the dang shoe trees! I saved $350 on the entire buy I also like the longwing look more than I thought.

Those LWBs are looking superb and it sounds like you got a great deal! Enjoy your new Aldies!

AODC Grant Ravello Cap's

DonL, you are looking as suave as always, this time in your Ravello CT Boots. Keep warm and enjoy them in good health!

Gents,

As promised, here are the CitiShoes Snuff Suede Indys on Barrie, model D5902C

All eyelets
360 storm welt
raised moc toe stitching (hand stitched?)
antique edge
Commando sole
unlined tongue

I quite like this special make up except the eylelets, they were hard to get on at first.





I also have the AOM version on trubalance, the Citi version is definitely more snug, but could be from being new, now I am going to decide which one to keep

Ok guys, pick up the phone, Citi is/was running a 30% special on them

Those Snuff Indy boots are looking superb! They should take good care of you!

My graintrippers came today. I know puckering happens but I have the feeling this might be excessive and in an uncommon area. Im not overly picky about finish on Alden as I know its hit or miss but this is a bit more alarming to me. Im not really concerned about the toe but the instep is a high stress area. How would you guys go about handling this one?

Those Black Grain boots are looking good, however, I have only seen the internal stitching like that a few times here, I would contact Leffot and see what they can do for you. I personally am apprehensive about their future durability, however, I have no past experience with this to indicate that it actually is problematic.

-Mike

 

[KPDarb]

Those Black Grain boots are looking good, however, I have only seen the internal stitching like that a few times here, I would contact Leffot and see what they can do for you. I personally am apprehensive about their future durability, however, I have no past experience with this to indicate that it actually is problematic.

-Mike

Thanks for the advice, Mike. They're such wonderful boots otherwise, not a single loose stitch and the welt joins are spot on. I'm going to shoot Leffot an email tomorrow to see what they think about it. The durability aspect of it is what is bothering me. Each little puckering mark has a hole into the midsole area which will certainly let in water.