The Official Alden Thread for 2017 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[M635Guy]

Anyone have any experience with Horween's "walkabout" leather and how it ages/patinas?

from a Heddle's article:
"Horween’s Walkabout leather starts as a nubuck which is then buffed, raising a nap on the outermost layer. Finally, it is waxed down to create a smooth finish, but one that will surely develop a lot of character very quickly with some wear."
https://www.heddels.com/2016/12/alden-x-standard-strange-roland-boot/

 

[mdubs]



crooked captoe but I'll just wear em anyhow. I'm sure most won't notice

Spoiler

Bummer about that. But it really isn't too bad. I wouldn't have caught it particularly in a fit pic.

Hello, Ravello and Whiskey LWB.

Spoiler

Not sure if I am happy or sad to see a BNIB Brassvello. Those are several, like 4-5, years old sitting in the green box gathering bloom. That said, they are beautiful of course. My favorite Alden makeup to date.

A perfect day for Indys on Commando, but how else could I brave the rain?

Spoiler

Very nice and indeed a good way to face the rain.

Another rainy day in Silicon Valley. Leffot chamois tankers via TSM's second's list.

Spoiler

Very nice and always a good way to get shoes (seconds).

Guys, I just ordered a set of LHS Chromex from Alden Madison. They said they had them in stock, but after I purchased thry got back to me and said the pair they had in stock had creases and they were going to send a fresh pair from the factory. Perfect and great service. I received the new pair and they look pretty good, but the backs of the shoes are two different heights. Pics shown. Overall I have seen this quite a bit and I purchased a pair from the Shoe Mart 6 months ago that I also had to send back. Whats going on here? Is the QC going down hill? Should I send these back?

Spoiler

Interesting post. Now I am kind of curious to put some of my loafers back to back. Never really paid much attention to that. I guess to me the answer is, how do they feel? If they feel fine and it doesn't really bother you, I would say keep. If they don't. Return.

Cap week continues. 4065 from TSM today

Spoiler

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Killer stylish Don. Killer.

I hate that panicky feeling I get when I miss something but feel so at ease when they arent my size.

Welcome to the Alden Army.

Picked up color 8 LWB from Bureau. Extremely pleased with them, the welts have clean stitching and I love the antique sole. They're also appear to have a little more shade of brown compared to the indys.

Spoiler

Variation between color 8

You should be pleased with those. They look ridiculously amazing.

Wasn't there a guy on this thread maybe a year or two ago that had some sort of family emergency and needed cash quick? I think he sold a couple of pairs of ravello boots and when our little community heard of the troubles, several offered to pay more for the boots. I think he ended up with a couple of grand for two pairs of gently used exotic shell boots. Does this sound correct?

That is a correct story. I believe he was selling a Ravello and Cigar Boot. Both exceptionally rare vintage makeups. A Cigar Jumper comes to mind for some reason.

Spoiler

King Commando Barrie NST x CitiShoes

Very good looking King NST!

Whiskey PTB and EP Rivet chinos today.

Spoiler

That is like DonL quality right there. Nicely done.

Spoiler

Yet another crummy weather day here. These = comfort.

I see that you are sharing our weather today. Looking good.

Whiskey Thursday. Whoops.

Spoiler

Very nice J! Great looking LWBs.

Spoiler

Frans Boone Parajumpers today. Saw a post on reddit where a guy had Alden recraft his leather soled boots onto a commando sole. I was under the impression this was not an option. Anyone know anything about this? I'd love to switch these boots onto commando when I wear through the leather sole.

Very nice looking Boots my friend. So beautiful. Yeah, I saw that post on Reddit. I don't know if that was an exception, like catching the right person on the right day or if they may be considering being more flexible on resoles.

New acquisition

Spoiler

Very nice and congrats on picking those up! -Mike

 

[AndersonJamesRR]

It looks like there is a pair of the Lost & Found Reverse Earth Chamois Indy's 10.5 available on TSM Seconds. It's a great boot, I have a pair.

Dunno if someone already mentioned it.

 

[MT1982]

Was this in reply to my question about seeing seconds? if so, it didn't work...

Searching fds worked for me as well. You can log into the site and then tack alden-exclusive onto the end of the URL like so - https://www.theshoemart.com/alden-exclusive.

Dig those laces - what are they? Your boots are wearing in nicely - I remember when you first got them. They seem to be fading fast, which is a good thing in my opinion. I want my cigars to fade more.

 

[Tichoblanco]

Dig those laces - what are they? Your boots are wearing in nicely - I remember when you first got them. They seem to be fading fast, which is a good thing in my opinion. I want my cigars to fade more.

Thanks man, they are laces I grabbed off a pair of Vass boots I used to own. Alden stole the original laces when I sent them in for refinishing last year and returned them with weird sneaker laces. Still scratching my head on that one. I'm just about two years in on these, my favorite boots by far.

 

[Shawnc]



Frans Boone Parajumpers today.

Saw a post on reddit where a guy had Alden recraft his leather soled boots onto a commando sole. I was under the impression this was not an option. Anyone know anything about this? I'd love to switch these boots onto commando when I wear through the leather sole.

I'm not sure that I've seen a nicer color 8 Boot than this. Grant last, minimalist design, dark edges, and some brass to add a little 'edge' to them. And the color is great. I'd have a topy added and keep moving. No way I'd commando those.

 

[JSO1]

Ravello NST boot today.

 

[katch]



Ravello NST boot today.

On Aberdeen? If so, do you feel it's too dressy for jeans?

 

[JSO1]



On Aberdeen? If so, do you feel it's too dressy for jeans?

Aberdeen, and I don't think they're too dressy for jeans. Personally I only wear jeans on weekends and I typically pair more casual makeups like Chamois and CXL with them.

 

[bkdc]

Sleek lasts look just fine with jeans.

A while ago, someone posted photos of brand new #8 shell boots that had been treated with 3 rounds Saphir Renomat which appeared to strip the dark purple stain and reveal the more natural #8 color underneath. Is this the real deal? I guess I should just give it a try.

 

[Gabru]

Ravello NST boot today.

These are great, the last Alden on my wishlist!!

 

[Alpina]



Sleek lasts look just fine with jeans.

A while ago, someone posted photos of brand new #8 shell boots that had been treated with 3 rounds Saphir Renomat which appeared to strip the dark purple stain and reveal the more natural #8 color underneath.  Is this the real deal?  I guess I should just give it a try.

I forget who that was (and I don't know how to view on my phone the posts I thumbed up). I would really like to see how they are looking now.

 

[tifosi]



Sleek lasts look just fine with jeans.

A while ago, someone posted photos of brand new #8 shell boots that had been treated with 3 rounds Saphir Renomat which appeared to strip the dark purple stain and reveal the more natural #8 color underneath.  Is this the real deal?  I guess I should just give it a try.

@bkdc I believe that was @bkotsko and yes that was the real deal.

 

[bkotsko]

Sleek lasts look just fine with jeans.

A while ago, someone posted photos of brand new #8 shell boots that had been treated with 3 rounds Saphir Renomat which appeared to strip the dark purple stain and reveal the more natural #8 color underneath. Is this the real deal? I guess I should just give it a try.

So I was doing this with the intention of removing the acrylic coating on the shell, and allowing the patina from regular wear to shine through.
There will be some lightening of the color due to the removal of the acrylic, but this process will definitely remove some of the inherent protection that the acrylic offers.
I have many pairs of color 8 shell cap toe boots, and wanted to experiment with a pair in order to work on the patina, specifically.
I am also not treating them to any additional Renovateur or polish, other than the occasional light brushing to keep them clean.

I forget who that was (and I don't know how to view on my phone the posts I thumbed up). I would really like to see how they are looking now.

Raises hand...

 

[katch]



Aberdeen, and I don't think they're too dressy for jeans. Personally I only wear jeans on weekends and I typically pair more casual makeups like Chamois and CXL with them.

Trying to decide on aberdeen or barrie lasted tankers