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Alden 986 Shell Cordovan Penny - any reviews?

nurktwin

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Is the Alden 986 a popular shoe here? Would this be a good shoe to wear with gray, navy or khaki slacks? How about with khaki slacks and navy blazer?

How many folks found this to fit true to size or did they have to size down 1/2 size?

986.jpg
 

ralphdog

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I purchased those about two months ago during BB's Father's Day Sale, and have found them to be quite versatile and comfortable. I did size down a half size.

Its a good time to buy because Sherman Bros has 15% off for a few more days.
 

videocrew

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I own the brooks brothers version, sized down half a size. Works with all of the pants you listed above.
 

WildeMan

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I own a pair purchased from The Shoe Mart's factory-reject inventory.

They fit to my normal size, 9B. They're very heavy. I cannot tell what the imperfection is supposed to be. There is a tiny amount of scufffing.

They look great with grey and tan pants. I personally would not wear them with navy.

They were discounted about one-third from regular retail. ($389 from $575.)

I think shell is overrated. I had a pair of the 683 Burgundy Calfskin, and I think they were nicer.

I am the only SF member who feels this way.
 

JayJay

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This was my first shell cordovan shoe and first Alden, and the one that started my love of shell cordovan. It was purchased in the mid-90's IIRC, and I still have it and wear it often. It's aged very nicely and has never been resoled.
 

A Harris

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This is one of my all time favorite shoes and probably my favorite loafer style. I would recommend the Alden version over the BB though, as I find the unlined shoe somewhat noisy to wear.
 

DandySF

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It's a wonderful shoe. Very solid and well made. After two years of wear, the cordovan still looks the same as it did after the first or second month.
 

nurktwin

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For folks that purchased the Alden branded lined version, did you size down 1/2 size or did it fit true to size?
 

JayJay

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Originally Posted by nurktwin
For folks that purchased the Alden branded lined version, did you size down 1/2 size or did it fit true to size?
The Barrie last fits a half size large.
 

forex

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These and the tassel shell cordovans are on my list for this christmas sale, I am getting BB versions, much cheaper during the sale.
 

nurktwin

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Originally Posted by forex
These and the tassel shell cordovans are on my list for this christmas sale, I am getting BB versions, much cheaper during the sale.

Are the Brooks versions unlined and thus prone to sagging?
 

PorterInjax

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How much off of MSRP do you expect to see during a sale? Was going to get a pair but if the savings are significant, I will hold off.
Thanks
 

forex

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Originally Posted by nurktwin
Are the Brooks versions unlined and thus prone to sagging?

As far as I know they are unlined, I will wear them in the summer time only so I don't care about all those details.
 

kraftar

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Originally Posted by JayJay
The Barrie last fits a half size large.

is the Barrie last large b/c of the width or length? If I normally wear a 10E or 9.5EEE what size should I get?
 

Dewey

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this alden penny is not on the barrie but the van. you may want to size them without socks.
 

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