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

[green garden]

First day out with my #8 4060's. Out of most of Aldens boots, this is one of my favorites.

This my second pair of Alden shells. I can now say I fully understand how people get a big chubby over shell. I am trying to ward shell sickness.

Really nice pair. Sizing wise, how does the Grant compare with the Barrie? You got me thinking here.

 

[hypomnema]

Can anyone speak to their preference for toe and/or heel taps? I always topy my shoes, but have never ventured beyond that.

 

[green garden]

Thanks for your feedback. I do have a bit of width + toe room in 8.5D in Barrie last so hopefully 9D in suede chukka on Leydon last will be fine. If not, back to TSM they go. For the price I paid I hope I can keep these

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

 

[sazon]

Crosswound, gorgeous new Ravello ! Where did you score them?

 

[mcarthur]



I traditionally haven't been able to wear the LHS because of tightness in the vamp (I have a high instep)...

Do you think going up one width would solve this issue? I see a 9.5EE LHS in cigar available on The Shoe Mart (I wear 9.5E in Barrie). Worth a shot?

nephew,
go for it!

 

[sazon]



Epaulet #8 Brixton for me today....when I wear these I am reminded that #8 is still the king. I love those deep eggplant and burgundy shades you can see in the shell when they are out in the sunlight.

The #8 with the light edge trim is one of my favorite looks. These are beauts. I'm going to have to try to grab these if they ever come back around.

 

[mcarthur]



Welcome home.

wear in good health

 

[Hill]



Thanks! I usually wear a brown CXL belt with these. If im going super casual, I may even wear a natural colored belt, which is a closer match to the edge trim of the boots. I'm not much of a stickler for matching shoe and belt colors exactly. It's one of those things I think most people put way too much thought into.

I agree; I'm not into too much matchy matchy. I have a natural leather Tanner belt that I wear with pretty much everything except for black.

 

[crosswound]



^^^

where from?

Crosswound, gorgeous new Ravello ! Where did you score them?

alden of carmel

 

[Numbernine]

+1 fer shure^^^^

 

[Calikid]

#8 saddles

umm,,, I am starting to like uh think you have a problem with shoes.... I LOVE IT!

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Epaulet #8 Brixton for me today....when I wear these I am reminded that #8 is still the king. I love those deep eggplant and burgundy shades you can see in the shell when they are out in the sunlight.

Awesome!

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Hey Guys help me out! I've found several Alden I need to decide about:

993 Saddle in Black Shell Barrie last FD $399
or
97285 Wing Tip-Bal in Whiskey Tremont last $714

From what I can tell, the Tremont fits very similar tot he Barrie last. Is this correct?

Both are 13D so I'm not sure about the fit yet. The 14C I'm wearing today is a Barrie and I can fit my entire finger behind my heel with the shoe on. I know a pair of 13E LHS Brooks Brothers in shell fit good. So I'm hopeful a 13D Barrie will work.

Which one would you get?

See Ya,
Steve

If 13D Barrie fits well, the Tremont last 13D should work. If the size is right, I would go with the whiskey wt bal!! Great shoe

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

brand new ravello for me my second pair definitely a lot darker than the first pair i used to have

click for larger version

Wonderful pick up! Wear in great health my friend.

 

[Barrister]

In the grand scheme of things...shell cordovan shoes likely account for 1% or less of the shoes that a cobbler sees for repair or re-crafting. Based on what I know about high end cowboy boots and how they are lasted, stretching a truly well made boot, regardless of hide will net very little gain. I've seen brand new boots ruined where the hide indeed split because of a stretching attempt. If you have a small area that rubs you wrong, or need a small area stretched that's fine to tweak. However expecting anymore than a small tweak is risky at best IMHO. I feel this experience holds true in shell cordovan shoes. Most of the stretch is removed during lasting, otherwise the shoes won't look good long term. Basically stretch at your own risk!

See Ya,
Steve

Good points, Steve. My experience exactly.