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

[pebblegrain]



After months of waiting, my new pair of whiskey lwb arrived from the shoemart. While looking over the shoes, I couldn't help but notice this:

Looks like these are heading back to CT.

Which of the 5 flaws within this 3 sq inch area are you referring to?

 

[kolecho]



Which of the 5 flaws within this 3 sq inch area are you referring to?

That's first quality from Alden alright.

 

[Renton]



Which of the 5 flaws within this 3 sq inch area are you referring to?

Name the 5 flaws in the picture, starting..............now!

 

[Wes Bourne]

 

[Joenobody0]



Name the 5 flaws in the picture, starting..............now!

I see only two. The one missing punch, and the scratch.

 

[NAMOR]

great find and thanks again for the headsup. For those interested, I picked up a 2 32oz tins. Looking to split each tin 4 ways, so 8 8oz plastic containers. Cost will be $9 shipped for an 8oz container. CONUS only. PM if interested.
1. Paid
2. Paid
3. Paid
4. Paid
5. Paid
6. Paid
7. Paid
8. Paid
list full.
Once you contact me, Ill give you my paypal info. Pay $9 by paypal "goods" and include your shipping address with your paypal info. Should be able to send these out next weekend after the tins arrive.

AT Fore Supply (1) 32oz jar is 14.82 plus 8 dollars shipping FYI

Are you getting a different shipping total? Just checked again and was quoted $14 for shipping.

 

[pebblegrain]



I see only two. The one missing punch, and the scratch.

I was exaggerating, there are ONLY 4:

1. missed punch hole (pretty funny, I don't remember ever seeing a completely missed punch on any shoe)
2. scratch (IMO the least problematic flaw)
3. stitching misaligned and crossing into punchwork at the ankle (extremely common with Aldens)
4. sitching unfinished or messy forward of that ^

 

[Joenobody0]



I was exaggerating, there are ONLY 4:
1. missed punch hole (pretty funny, I don't remember ever seeing a completely missed punch on any shoe)
2. scratch (IMO the least problematic flaw)
3. stitching misaligned and crossing into punchwork at the ankle (extremely common with Aldens)
4. sitching unfinished or messy forward of that ^

I saw the last two but, as you said, figured it's so common you must have seen something else.

 

[pebblegrain]



I saw the last two but, as you said, figured it's so common you must have seen something else.

averaging only 1.33 flaws per square inch - must have been a good day at the Alden plant!

 

[mcarthur]



Brush it out?
Or am I missing something - looks like its a small scratch that can be filled in with paste wax and buffing

i second

 

[applky]

great! Can anyone who has ever sent their shoes back to Alden for fixed stitching post an after pic? Mind you, I'm not talking about stitching in the usual trouble spots but more like torn stitching in a random area on the upper of the shoe.

I have had this done and they look good as new. It took 4 weeks, though. A reputable cobbler would be able to do this for about what you would pay for shipping. As you're in New York, B. Nelson is the go-to shop.

 

[mcarthur]

...

dm2703 has it right, not enough pics:

OK, I'm done...[/quote

nephew,
very very nice shoe wardrobe]

 

[REguy]

I love reading this thread and the Allen Edmonds Appreciation thread. While there really is no excuse for some of the flaws that have made it out of both factories, I've never seen such a bunch of shoe hypochondriacs. Let's face it, if you want perfection, you need to drop more cash. There's no such thing as a perfect Alden, it's just not in their DNA. I love the Alden aesthetic and like buying US. But as prices have continued to rise without a commensurate jump in quality, the marginal utility of adding another pair of them to my wardrobe is declining rapidly. The price of Alden calf is now approaching Carmina territory which, in my opinion, is a far superior product. While I'll continue picking up the occasional Alden make-up, I'm hopeful more retailers start stocking Carmina...paging LS and Leffot.

 

[NAMOR]

^ amen. Well put, REguy

 

[Atcmg8803]

Quote:
The shoe is gorgeous. Period. Wear it. Love it. Eat, drink and be merry in this shoe. It's awesome. Nordstrom (love this store. I am from Seattle) hemmed my Eternal 811s with a plain black! back stitch! vice a chainstitch...I assumed they understood...not...So, I was mortified and walked around the mall thinking everyone was noticing my plain black back stitch - "how foollish is that guy!" Turns out, no one said anything, wife brought me back from the ledge and I continue to search for someone in DC that understands chain stitch. Single malt helps too. Love the jeans and wear them with reckless abandon.

My point is no one will notice but you and all the other posts are correct, you'll work out the scratch and LOVE THIS SHOE! I will learn to live with my back black back stitch (wtf!) and move on. As Uncle Mac would say, "Enjoy wearing!"