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

[david3558]

That's a great point. My addiction to shell has made me want to buy everything in shell, even stuff I never wear.

Fellow fans, any idea if there are shell preorders out there? Someone mentioned something about rare colors on Leffot not being listed...

 

[BeSpiffington]



#8 captoe boots. Nice sunny morning.

Those are a glorious burgundy color in the sun.

 

[david3558]



Those are a glorious burgundy color in the sun.

Seriously, those look great. I miss mine (at OP) - are those on the Grant last?

PS - The Grant, when taken TTS feels rather large in the boot - anyone know if Alden offers leather insoles directly? I've heard from Tom that they do that..

 

[Don L]

Bedford Cords and Cigar LHS

 

[The Deacon]



Right, $399. Shoemart shell cordovan seconds. That auction is way high.

My Whiskey Shell LWB from TSM are enroute...

 

[Al in Philly]

Seriously, those look great. I miss mine (at OP) - are those on the Grant last?

PS - The Grant, when taken TTS feels rather large in the boot - anyone know if Alden offers leather insoles directly? I've heard from Tom that they do that..

They are indeed, sir.

I think they fit fairly well. I have 10D Hampton last shoes and these 10D Grant last boots fit just as well. Granted I don't have any Grant last shoes...

 

[BeSpiffington]



Bedford Cords and Cigar LHS

Show in' some cigar LHS love. Nice!

 

[stmaier]

And every once in a while, the Black Shell gets to come out and play among its more exotic and rare cousins.

Those are fantastic. Where is that make-up from? I do not think I have ever seen a perforated medallion cap toe

 

[IRONHORSE]

Hey Guys heads up I'm going to post in the classified a LNIB Ravello Longwing 8.5d Barrie from Alden DC. Own it for couple months. PM me if interested. Just thought to offer here first.

 

[Steel28]



Hey Guys heads up I'm going to post in the classified a LNIB Ravello Longwing 8.5d Barrie from Alden DC. Own it for couple months. PM me if interested. Just thought to offer here first.

My size! Must resist

 

[FrankCowperwood]



I really do appreciate all the responses, guys. I feel compelled to get a cordovan shell since the price is only a tad bit higher than the calfskin. That said, I love the #8 color. I always liked burgundy more than black and found it more versatile as well. So for the suggestion to consider Allen Edmonds for starting out, if I'm set on cordovan, I notice the price margin is relatively small between AE and Alden in this aspect so I may as well go with the latter, right? I understand the cap toe or PTB is most appropriate for a wedding and interview but I'm having a hard time resisting this LWB in #8... http://www.shermanbrothers.com/product.php?ItemId=1116&ProductId=208 I'm thinking these could be used a little less formally, getting more wear out of them, while still being worn at a wedding so long as the rest of my attire isn't off, i.e., wearing a pin stripe suit with them. My internships and interviews are at least six months away which'll give me more time to acquire a nice cap toe by AE. Also I wore a 10.5 on a trubalance in a plain toe boot.. safe to assume I'll also wear the same on a barrie? Sherman Brothers is only a two hour drive from where I live so a quick return wouldn't be difficult if need be. Thoughts?

You should be the same size in the Trubalance and Barrie. Long wings are classic, and whether they would be ideal for a wedding or interview really all depends on you and on the circumstances. You can be sure #8 LWBs have been worn to both, and probably with pin stripes. There are gentlemen here who can offer more advice on pairing #8 with suits than I can. That being said, the style, with its heft and broguing, is on the less formal side as you mention. They are going to go very well with denim and chinos. And a black calf cap toe from AE is probably a good shoe to have in your wardrobe. Take care of it and you'll always have a conservative shoe when you need it. AE does go on sale too, so keep your eye out for that. You can sign up for emails from AE themselves, and Sherman Brothers offers sale prices too. And speaking of, I definitely recommend visiting Sherman Brothers. It is a classy operation and, as I recall from the last time I was in the store, the Aldens had prices on the soles that were lower than those listed online. I think you may get a little bit of a discount for shopping in store (and no worries about sales tax when shopping in Pa., of course). The Philly guys on this thread may be able to confirm this.

 

[Bakes11771]

Frank is correct about PA sales tax. There isn't any on clothes typically, but it depends. Like there is tax on cleats or golf shoes because they are considered non-essentials, but no tax on $700 dress shoes because they are considered very essential.

 

[rydenfan]

I have a question about the Plaza last, do most go up .5 in length and width or only length? My 8D Barrie boots fit well and I could not fit into an 8D Grant as it was way too tight. I am unsure as to whether I would be an 8.5D or 8.5E on the Plaza...

 

[jdpirtl22]

I go 1/2 size down in barrie. grant and plaza run true to size

 

[david3558]

Who makes the shell on those Ralph Lauren Marlow SWB?