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

[mdubs]



Spoiler

Old school whiskey crup LHS loafers today.

Looking good MrVaneri. Good choice today.

It seems to me from the photos that there are varying lengths to the vamps on the LHS models photographed recently. For example, the vamp on @mrvenneri seems longer than the one on @mdubs. Is this correct?

Partially it is camera angle, the other big thing is that my pair is unlined and unstructured. The wall isn't nearly as steep on the Unlined pairs and thus the vamp isn't as large.

Awesome combo, particularly with bright socks!

TO Tie Guy boot for me today:

Spoiler

Very nice. Enjoy your new Plaza WT Boots!

Wearing my Leffot Ravello Day Trippers with Ralph Lauren suit

Steve

Spoiler

Very nice Steve. Always a good day for the Ravello Daytrippers. Have a good one. Must be something big if you are in a suit!

-Mike

 

[Dusty Heaters]

It seems to me from the photos that there are varying lengths to the vamps on the LHS models photographed recently. For example, the vamp on @mrvenneri seems longer than the one on @mdubs. Is this correct?

Mine are circa 2012 and fully lined. I also believe it's my camera angles that skew the proportions slightly. To take my pictures I bend down like I'm going to pick up a piece of paper, then Iphone flips them right-side up automatically.

I can not confirm nor deny, but consider:
1. they are likely different sizes.
2. the camera and perspective of the lens have a lot to do with the appearance.

100%!

Awesome combo, particularly with bright socks!

TO Tie Guy boot for me today:

Thank you good sir. Excellent snuffs as well! I'm still awaiting mine from Yenni.

Looking good MrVaneri. Good choice today.


-Mike

You as well Mike! You crushed my name but revitalized my spirit.

 

[iLuveketchup]

Those Snuff WT boots are fantastic!

 

[DuckOB]

Cigar captoes on this beauty of a day

 

[fal32]

Snuff chukkas at the office

 

[TO Tie Guy]

@Michigan Planner

Thanks for some in the wild shots! They look amazing!!

 

[tobiasfunke]

Thanks!

About the space in front of the toe... there's a good inch of extra space, even though the ball of my foot appears to be at the widest point of the shoe. Is that cause for concern?

To give you guys a rough idea of what I'm talking about, here's a photo of my foot next to the shoe:



Obviously, this isn't the best way to judge fit, but I was wondering if it looked normal or it screamed size down. Again, this is 10D Brannock sized down to 9.5D (Barrie).

 

[TommyB]



To give you guys a rough idea of what I'm talking about, here's a photo of my foot next to the shoe: Obviously, this isn't the best way to judge fit, but I was wondering if it looked normal or it screamed size down. Again, this is 10D Brannock sized down to 9.5D (Barrie).

As you say, it's hard to tell from a picture. I think the only way for you to really know is to try a 9D or 9E.

 

[Dusty Heaters]



To give you guys a rough idea of what I'm talking about, here's a photo of my foot next to the shoe: Obviously, this isn't the best way to judge fit, but I was wondering if it looked normal or it screamed size down. Again, this is 10D Brannock sized down to 9.5D (Barrie).

I'm also a 10 on the brannock in both length and instep but I am a C width. My foot volume is low and so are my arches. However looking at that picture...you should definitely size down - maybe even a full size. Your metatarsal is well below the widest part of that blucher. Additional that toe space indicates that the sizing is too long for you. For reference I wear a 9D Barrie and I could probably go down a width or down a half size altogether. Additionally I prefer a snug fit. I find that the less excess room in the shoes whilst still being comfortable the better. Reduces creasing, feels more secure, offers better support, and remains comfortable for longer. My .02 YMMV

 

[Alcibiades]



To give you guys a rough idea of what I'm talking about, here's a photo of my foot next to the shoe: Obviously, this isn't the best way to judge fit, but I was wondering if it looked normal or it screamed size down. Again, this is 10D Brannock sized down to 9.5D (Barrie).

If you sized down to a 9 length, you may need an E width. Honestly that picture doesn't necessarily scream size down one more. It's roomy but a 9 may be uncomfortable, especially because it seems you don't have a lot of width to spare.

 

[AndyC]

Whiskey Wednesday, anyone?

Present for Whiskey Wednesday!

 

[mattw]

Long time lurker, first time poster. Hi, everyone

.


I have a question about shell restoration:

I have my eyes on a color 8 boot in the future. I fear brownout, and prefer the eggplanty color, so I'd use Alden's restoration service in the future. OK, fine.

But, I'd prefer to have Dainite over commando soles in this case, which would require aftermarket work. Which I think means Alden won't touch the shoes then.

Would Alden do refinishing work on the uppers even with modifications to the sole?
If not, how feasible is it to DIY restore shell color, particularly to the deeper purplish Alden color 8 vs stock color 8?


Thanks, guys. I'm enjoying the community here.

 

[JSO1]

Whiskey Wednesday here as well.

 

[budapest12]



Long time lurker, first time poster. Hi, everyone .


I have a question about shell restoration:

I have my eyes on a color 8 boot in the future. I fear brownout, and prefer the eggplanty color, so I'd use Alden's restoration service in the future. OK, fine.

But, I'd prefer to have Dainite over commando soles in this case, which would require aftermarket work. Which I think means Alden won't touch the shoes then.

Would Alden do refinishing work on the uppers even with modifications to the sole?
If not, how feasible is it to DIY restore shell color, particularly to the deeper purplish Alden color 8 vs stock color 8?


Thanks, guys. I'm enjoying the community here.

Alden won't refurbish based on current policy. Brown out takes a long time. You can use a pigmented cream in color 8/burgundy to keep up the color for a while. Ultimately you can't 100% control how they will end up in 10, 20, 30 years.

 

[tobiasfunke]



I'm also a 10 on the brannock in both length and instep but I am a C width. My foot volume is low and so are my arches. However looking at that picture...you should definitely size down - maybe even a full size. Your metatarsal is well below the widest part of that blucher. Additional that toe space indicates that the sizing is too long for you.

For reference I wear a 9D Barrie and I could probably go down a width or down a half size altogether.

Additionally I prefer a snug fit. I find that the less excess room in the shoes whilst still being comfortable the better. Reduces creasing, feels more secure, offers better support, and remains comfortable for longer.

My .02 YMMV

I'm wondering if I now need to try on 9D, 9E, and maybe even an 8.5E.

What do you guys think?