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

[Don L]

@Don L

I have those Alt Weins and was wondering what you do to get that nice shine. Something simple? I just bought Saphir Reno and Alden #8 shell creme so I'm ready.

Sorry if this has already been addressed.

Thanks!

Just brushing and an occasional reno. The finish on this first batch of EP Alt Wiens is much better than any other pair Color 8 I have. Shines up beautifully and seems to scuff less.

 

[metranger8694]

Just brushing and an occasional reno. The finish on this first batch of EP Alt Wiens is much better than any other pair Color 8 I have. Shines up beautifully and seems to scuff less.

Awesome.

Thanks Don!

 

[chipshot]

Another break in day for these..

 

[Concordia]



Does anyone know which last the Brooks Bros. full strap loafer is on?  I believe it is Aberdeen, but am not certain.  Appreciate anyone's help...

I haven't been following Brooks Brothers closely, but I did stop in today to look at their plain shell penny loafers-- and was told that they are all being made by Allan Edmonds now. Kind of a drag, as Aldens fit me reasonably well but I had wanted to experiment with the "D" fitting unlined. Now it looks like I am stuck for a while with standard Aldens, plus C&J Harvard, or EG Duke (or Harrow!). [I do love the C&J fit and appearance, even if they are somewhat less solidly-made than the alternatives.]

Another random note on renovation at the plant: I've had one pair of lace-ups resoled as has my daughter, with great success. When I tried to get my loafers done this summer, they came back feeling quite different. I think that in order to pull the slack out of the toe on the last, they had to gather up the bit under the ankle. Now it feels a half-inch shallower than before.

 

[wdahab]



I haven't been following Brooks Brothers closely, but I did stop in today to look at their plain shell penny loafers-- and was told that they are all being made by Allan Edmonds now. Kind of a drag, as Aldens fit me reasonably well but I had wanted to experiment with the "D" fitting unlined. Now it looks like I am stuck for a while with standard Aldens, plus C&J Harvard, or EG Duke (or Harrow!). [I do love the C&J fit and appearance, even if they are somewhat less solidly-made than the alternatives.]

Another random note on renovation at the plant: I've had one pair of lace-ups resoled as has my daughter, with great success. When I tried to get my loafers done this summer, they came back feeling quite different. I think that in order to pull the slack out of the toe on the last, they had to gather up the bit under the ankle. Now it feels a half-inch shallower than before.

Interesting. Who informed you of that, out of curiosity? Last time I stopped by 346 Mad a few weeks ago, they definitely had Alden-made full straps and LHS and it'd surprise me (and I'm sure a lot of people) to find out that changed.

 

[JSO1]

I haven't been following Brooks Brothers closely, but I did stop in today to look at their plain shell penny loafers-- and was told that they are all being made by Allan Edmonds now. Kind of a drag, as Aldens fit me reasonably well but I had wanted to experiment with the "D" fitting unlined. Now it looks like I am stuck for a while with standard Aldens, plus C&J Harvard, or EG Duke (or Harrow!).

Another random note on renovation at the plant: I've had one pair of lace-ups resoled as has my daughter, with great success. When I tried to get my loafers done this summer, they came back feeling quite different. I think that in order to pull the slack out of the toe on the last, they had to gather up the bit under the ankle. Now it feels a half-inch shallower than before.

Interesting. Who informed you of that, out of curiosity? Last time I stopped by 346 Mad a few weeks ago, they definitely had Alden-made full straps and LHS and it'd surprise me (and I'm sure a lot of people) to find out that changed.

The BB associate did not know what he/she was talking about. You can tell in less than 5 seconds if the shoes are made by AE or Alden from the heel pad, the insole, the production codes/markings, and the heel/sole itself. BB's LHS/Full-Strap/Tassel collection (among other shoes) is still made by Alden.

 

[Concordia]

Well, that is a relief, although the internal codes didn't look much like my other Alden shoes. Now to wait and see if they bring out 11E in the LHS again.

 

[JSO1]

Well, that is a relief, although the internal codes didn't look much like my other Alden shoes. Now to wait and see if they bring out 11E in the LHS again.

How were they different? BB made for Alden are not marked with the typical "B/D" or "C/E" type width notations, but are otherwise quite similar. You were shown Color #8 shell loafers? Were they full-straps or the LHS style?

Were you looking at these? http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Cordovan-Unlined-Penny-Loafers/034H,default,pd.html

Or these? http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Cordovan-Low-Vamp-Loafers/032H,default,pd.html

Both are made by Alden.

Rancourt makes shell loafers for BB as well, although only in Venetian style (pure slip on). What store were you in?

 

[Concordia]

They were pretty close to the first link, although I am unfamiliar enough with the AE Patriot that I couldn't swear either way.

The shop was in the Chestnut Hill Mall, near Boston. Not a young sales guy.

 

[JSO1]

They were pretty close to the first link, although I am unfamiliar enough with the AE Patriot that I couldn't swear either way.

The shop was in the Chestnut Hill Mall, near Boston. Not a young sales guy.

Were they lined or unlined? The Patriot is lined.

 

[Concordia]

Not lined as my other Aldens are, but not obviously unlined. I suppose I should have taken a photo.

 

[Chris6]

Start looking out for the Shoe Mart seconds, gentlemen.

 

[Epaulet]

Color #8 / Alpine Grain Saddle Shoe Plaza Last

Hey guys,

We just received this style as a special order makeup. I've got three open stock units available online - 9.5, 10, and 10.5... all in "D." It came out really rad on the Plaza last!



SADDLE SHOE IN COLOR 8 SHELL CORDOVAN & ALPINE GRAIN LEATHER PLAZA LAST:

$685.00

 

[smfdoc]

Start looking out for the Shoe Mart seconds, gentlemen.

Is this general advice or do you know something in particular?

 

[kwhitelaw]

ugh why couldnt alden have green lighted the snuff/#8 saddle