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

[shaunw]

Any place to get calfskin black alden boots?

what size are you?

I have a pair of 10D new for sale

 

[Coldsnap]



what size are you?

I have a pair of 10D new for sale

I'm like a 7 or 8

 

[iroh]



Getting rid of a few things in the closet. I'm moving away from boots and want to unload my unworn 10D CXL wingtips...
http://www.styleforum.net/t/283346/nib-alden-cxl-wingtip-boots-10d#post_5118654

so you are never wearing boots again? unless you live in the tropics how is that even possible?

 

[Roggie Rog]

Hey what's this I've been reading about the crepe sole being slippery in the rain? I expected it to actually have more traction. Also, what's that about Alden not putting a different sole on a pair of shoes, e.g., crepe sole to Commando sole?

 

[REguy]

^ If the weather is crappy (i.e. snowing), I don't like wearing 100% leather soled footwear. Also, I personally like oxfords over boots, but YMMV.

 

[zippyh]



Hey what's this I've been reading about the crepe sole being slippery in the rain? I expected it to actually have more traction. Also, what's that about Alden not putting a different sole on a pair of shoes, e.g., crepe sole to Commando sole?

On a smooth wet surface like a garage floor, crepe is slippery but to be honest, it's no worse than a leather sole.

 

[Joenobody0]



Hey what's this I've been reading about the crepe sole being slippery in the rain? I expected it to actually have more traction. Also, what's that about Alden not putting a different sole on a pair of shoes, e.g., crepe sole to Commando sole?

Both those are true. My crepe soles are slick, and Alden appears to no longer be willing to resole to anything but stock.

 

[Joenobody0]



On a smooth wet surface like a garage floor, crepe is slippery but to be honest, it's no worse than a leather sole.

True, but leather isn't exactly the benchmark of wet weather practicality!

My feeling with Alden is go commando or go leather.

 

[Coldsnap]

Is there that much difference between a Plaza Last and Grant Last? **** makes my head spin trying to pick the boot I want...

 

[Roggie Rog]

Regarding that hole in your boots, of the few pairs of Alden's that I've inspected, most have had those damned holes! I feel that its ridiculous. I have fallen in love with this brand, but I have a low tolerance for imperfections. I love that they're handmade in the USA, but I also feel that if you're charging over $600 for a pair of boots, then the standards have to be higher. That's a LOT of money for shoes!

 

[slide13]



Regarding that hole in your boots, of the few pairs of Alden's that I've inspected, most have had those damned holes! I feel that its ridiculous. I have fallen in love with this brand, but I have a low tolerance for imperfections. I love that they're handmade in the USA, but I also feel that if you're charging over $600 for a pair of boots, then the standards have to be higher. That's a LOT of money for shoes!

not really a defect, just an artifact of the construction process. Those holes are from the nails used to tack the uppers to the last during the construction of the shoe. I'll be the first to admit that Alden has sloppy quality and finishing (still love em though) but I don't find that this falls into that category really as you can't get around the necessity for them.

 

[HorseHide]



My feeling with Alden is go commando or go leather.

+1 Plus, I don't consider myself microphobic but the crepe sole gets real nasty, real fast (like leave them outside the house nasty).

 

[FrankCowperwood]

New today, #8 plain toe boot, Truebalance last, commando sole. Sort of an Indy minus a some stitching. Quite happy with the the look and the prospect of using them in circumstances in which I wouldn't use leather soles.

 

[Joenobody0]



not really a defect, just an artifact of the construction process. Those holes are from the nails used to tack the uppers to the last during the construction of the shoe. I'll be the first to admit that Alden has sloppy quality and finishing (still love em though) but I don't find that this falls into that category really as you can't get around the necessity for them.

I picked up two pairs that have no trace of the hole. It seems like something that can be either mitigated or avoided if one tries.

 

[LynahFaithful]



I picked up two pairs that have no trace of the hole. It seems like something that can be either mitigated or avoided if one tries.

The holes are there, they are just covered on the ones you looked at, as they are supposed to be, by the leather backing.