Albaladejo Shoes Coming to Washington, DC

[kabert]

First Edward Green, now... Albaladejo. This is a (another) great development for those of us in DC. Albaladejo is a Spanish maker that makes some of the world's best men's shoe. Sky Valet will solely be carrying their cordovan shoes, at least in the beginning. However, the entire line will be available to order. As with Edward Green, Sky Valet will be the only store in the DC metro area carrying Albaladejo. I saw the 10 or so sample pairs of shoes they had in the shop today -- not a dog in the bunch. The soles are beautifully channelled. The interiors and finishing are stunning. Though cordovan, the shoes are not the heavy lugs that Alden cordovans are. The lasts are just contemporary enough too -- comparable to EG's 888 last I'd say. To give you a hint of the variety, one of the shoes on display is their famous dark green (sort of green/brownish marbled) cordovan split-toe blucher. Another was two eyelet derby with a very long vamp. Another was a classic "businessman's" wingtip with amazing intricate brogueing. ALL of them had the most amazing shine as you get from cordovan. Interestingly, the shoes are not at all heavy and seemingly inappropriate for summertime, as often seems to be the case with Alden cordovan shoes. Price is expected to be $525-$550. (Just $50-$75 more than Alden cordovan shoes. Arrival at Sky Valet of regular stock for purchase will be in about 3 months. The shoes they currently have on display are just showing off -- letting customers know what will be coming. Adam and his brother (anyone know his name?) seemed very excited about getting Albaladejo. Rightly so.

 

[montecristo#4]

Darnit, I walked right by there today and figured I wouldn't go in since the trunk show is in another week anyway....

 

[brescd01]

For price/quality ratio, Albaladejo is unbelievable, though I made my calculations at Paris prices of about 400 dollars/calfskin pair with duty. They make the Edward Green women's shoes, which gives you an idea of what EG thinks of them. The maddening thing is that I keep hoping they will post an internet catalogue so I can see pictures of their models and none appears. They are a great shoe at any price, as opposed to the Alfred Sargents, which I think are a great shoe suited to my 200-300 dollar/pair sensibilities.

I hope Sky Valet's prices on calfskin will be cheaper so that I will just buy them outright rathered than be tempted to order them from Paris, which is a pain.

 

[fkl118]

Yes, it's too bad they really don't have an internet presence. When I was in Paris last summer, they said the full website would be up by September. Still waiting...

 

[kabert]

The internet presence is limited to this I think: http://www.carminashoemaker.com Questions can be asked of [email protected] As mentioned above, Sky intends to carry solely Albaladejo's cordovan shoes. Here's an example from Albaladejo's wilder side (colorwise): http://www.clubcordovan.com/

 

[johnnynorman3]

Good to have you back, Doc.

Spanish shoes are apparently a great value because (rumor has it) the Spanish government actually gives subsidies to the leather industry so that it can compete with Italy.

 

[von Rothbart]

Good to have you back, Doc.  

Spanish shoes are apparently a great value because (rumor has it) the Spanish government actually gives subsidies to the leather industry so that it can compete with Italy.

Are you sure?  I thought EU try to do away with anti-competitive practices by making most government subsidies to private sector illegal.

 

[A Harris]

Say, von Rothbart, how'd you end up doing at the To Boot/Kiton sale??

Ah, and looking forward to seeing more Abaladejo pics, those new lasts look nice..

 

[von Rothbart]

There's no taker so I ended up one pair of Kiton a 2-tone windtip in dark brown. Absolutely beautiful.

 

[T4phage]

Kabert, did you notice what last the shoes were made on? Was it the Deia (on the website), Philadelphia 2, or Rain?

 

[kabert]

Kabert, did you notice what last the shoes were made on? Was it the Deia (on the website), Philadelphia 2, or Rain?

Of the 10 or so pairs of shoes they had, they were on four or five different lasts. That was part of the, ah, fun at Sky Valet on Saturday -- the brothers were asking for input on which lasts are most desireable. They are planning to stock shoes in just three of the available lasts (though all will be available for order); hence the need to make their selection now.

I'm afraid I don't know the names of the lasts, although I thought all were pleasing to the eye. Of the ones displayed, I'd say a couple were comparable to the EG 202; a couple were comparable to the EG 808 or 888. One of them, now that I think about it, which I think they plan to get, has slightly squared off toe in the Cleverley style. Very nice. Interestingly, one of the lace-up shoes they had on display had a bit of a snout, like the Vass Budapest shoe.

 

[auto90403]

I checked out Sky Valet on Saturday. My first time there -- thanks, Kabert, for the referral.

I ended up liking the Aldens most. Without addessing the matter of best construction or materials, I just liked how the Aldens looked.

But then I'm not surprised. I own many many pairs of Aldens and try not to let too much time pass without buying another pair. I hasve even bought a new pair becuase I'm too lazy to get ones I already own out of storage.

I think I need an intervention -- and then a 12 step program.

 

[AlanC]

I think I need an intervention -- and then a 12 step program.

I think you've come to the wrong place for that.

 

[kabert]

I checked out Sky Valet on Saturday. My first time there -- thanks, Kabert, for the referral.

I ended up liking the Aldens most. Without addessing the matter of best construction or materials, I just liked how the Aldens looked.

But then I'm not surprised. I own many many pairs of Aldens and try not to let too much time pass without buying another pair. I hasve even bought a new pair becuase I'm too lazy to get ones I already own out of storage.

I think I need an intervention -- and then a 12 step program.

You're welcome.

I think Aldens are probably Sky Valet's "bread and butter." I imagine they sell a steady number of Aldens, day in and day out, regardless of the season or the stock market. Not surprisingly, they devote more store space to Aldens than any other brand.

By the way, I too used to consider Alden to be my highest and best brand. Then, a couple years ago, I discovered Edward Green. I still love my Aldens, but they're just not quite as special anymore compared to Edward Green, Vass, C&J, Grenson Masterpiece, Weston, etc.

 

[auto90403]

i won't defend Aldens as the best shoes or even close to the best.

but i think of thier shoes looking like what i want a shoe to look like. especially when it comes to loafers.

the other brands you mention just look a bit "off" to me -- as though they're less pleasing to my eye. just my opinion.

i recently moved back to DC -- i'll be spending more time -- and money -- as sky valet. good shop.