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

[enigma77]

Originally Posted by xinu98

Hi - I have two pairs of Aldens on the Barrie last (Brixton Ravello from Epaulet and the Greenwich from Leffot). Both shoes are the same size, but I noticed that they fit slightly differently. The Greenwich is a bit tighter across the top/instep, and the last seems slightly wider at the waist. Not really a big issue (I think both boots are stunning) - just wondering if slight differences in fit on the same last is to be expected. Thanks!
Yeah. The shoes are handmade. Slight variances happen. Also different styles.

 

[LeatherSOUL]

Originally Posted by xinu98

Hi - I have two pairs of Aldens on the Barrie last (Brixton Ravello from Epaulet and the Greenwich from Leffot). Both shoes are the same size, but I noticed that they fit slightly differently. The Greenwich is a bit tighter across the top/instep, and the last seems slightly wider at the waist. Not really a big issue (I think both boots are stunning) - just wondering if slight differences in fit on the same last is to be expected. Thanks!

Is the Leffot boot shell? If not, they fit different because shell will always fit larger.

 

[chestercopperpot]

yes it is, cigar actually

 

[xinu98]

Cool - the Leffot boot is nubuc. Thanks to everyone for the feedback!

 

[PeterParker]

Originally Posted by .Impulsv

Does anyone here know where I can find a plain toe blucher in the Barrie last in black Chromexcel? I'm looking to buy my first pair of nice shoes, and I've decided on Aldens because of all the helpful information around here.
Depending on your definition of "nice", I would question your preferred choice of leather. Chromexcel leather is not a typical dress leather; rather it's supposed to be worn with minimal maintenance and treatment for a more rugged look. Chromexcel is also pretty thick so it's not very pliable. I'm not sure how well it would take a polish either. Both are standard models produced by Alden: http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=132 *edit* I just realized that this is on the Plaza last, not the Barrie *edit* http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index...Oxford_259.htm These are on the Barrie last, but are not a standard model. http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=47 My opinion is that the cordovan is worth the extra $160.

 

[MickCollins1916]

Originally Posted by HorseHide

Or it could be awful - I'm going with awful.

Ha, I agree, there is potential for a navy shoe to be notsogood. Was thinking of the Leffot Greenwich boot (here: http://blog.leffot.com/?s=greenwich) when I made the suggestion. Doesn't necessarily have to be navy chamois, but something along these lines. Not a fan?

 

[Man with Apple]

Originally Posted by LeatherSOUL

Is the Leffot boot shell? If not, they fit different because shell will always fit larger.

Why is this Tom?

 

[blue collar]

Originally Posted by PeterParker

Depending on your definition of "nice", I would question your preferred choice of leather. Chromexcel leather is not a typical dress leather; rather it's supposed to be worn with minimal maintenance and treatment for a more rugged look. Chromexcel is also pretty thick so it's not very pliable. I'm not sure how well it would take a polish either.

If you're looking for a black PTB for a casual shoe, calfskin is probably the most obvious choice. For a dressier shoe, cordovan is more appropriate. It's probably easier to dress down the cordovan than to dress up with the calfskin.

I have found that the footwear I own in Cromexcel has broken in faster than anything cordovan I own. You are right with the fact that Cordovan and Calf polish up much better than Chromexcel-because chromexcel is not meant to be polished. However if you use Venetian Shoe Cream or Neetsfoot oil, chromexcel can take on a deep, rich luster. All depends on what the man is looking for.

My $0.02

 

[ckadds]

Originally Posted by johnnyrich7

Why is this Tom?
I think Tom is referring to how shell doesn't stretch as well as calf, thus when they are constructing the shoe the material does not stretch and conform to the last as well.

 

[Dewey]

^ good answer. that shell breaks in to fit a little larger than calf, is a common observation.

 

[mdixon1982]

Love the light brown ones!

 

[Man with Apple]

Originally Posted by ckadds

I think Tom is referring to how shell doesn't stretch as well as calf, thus when they are constructing the shoe the material does not stretch and conform to the last as well.

Based on your explanation it would seem that shell fits smaller, however, Tom said that shell fits larger.

 

[LeatherSOUL]

Originally Posted by ckadds

I think Tom is referring to how shell doesn't stretch as well as calf, thus when they are constructing the shoe the material does not stretch and conform to the last as well.

Exactly.

 

[Man with Apple]

Originally Posted by LeatherSOUL

Exactly.

So does it just stay rounder, rather than taking to the contours of the last?

 

[PeterParker]

Both materials conform to the last but because the calf is stretched over the last, it contracts once taken off the last resulting in a lesser volume inside the shoe.