Alden Men's Plain Toe Blucher Shell Cordovan vs. AE Leeds Shell Cordovan

[LRMD]

Which is the best value, best looking, everyday durable burgundy shoe?

What are the advantages of each?

 

[Grayland]

Of the two, I'd pick the AE Leeds. I just find the Alden Barrie last unattractive. You can probably find the AE Leeds cheaper too. I don't think they've been made for a while, but Ralph Lauren offered some Shell Cordovan PTB made by Crockett & Jones. They are dark brown in color, but are really nice.

 

[rebel222]

They are practically the same shoe. The color is slightly darker on the Aldens. You can get the Alden model for Brooks Brothers with metal eyelets.

 

[nurktwin]

The darker Alden is a more versatile color. The AE is a bit lighter and redder. Alden has a steel shank. AE is fiberglass. Alden wins.

 

[LRMD]

Now I just have to find out how to get a pair of Aldens for less than 600 bucks.

 

[grimslade]

Just get the AEs. The Aldens aren't worth the premium.

 

[Bandit44]

Just picked up a pair of lightly used Leeds in black shell on ebay. My first horseshoes should arrive in the next week or so. I hope they are as nice as everyone claims.

 

[nurktwin]

Don't the AE's list for 525? If you wait and get the Alden's on sale at Sherman Brothers you are sub $500.

 

[sammy]

Does AE also use Horween Shell Cordovan?

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by sammy

Does AE also use Horween Shell Cordovan?

the shell is the same, just a slightly different color

Don't the AE's list for 525? If you wait and get the Alden's on sale at Sherman Brothers you are sub $500.

if you wait you can probably find the AE's on sale for $350 or so from some source. the retail prices are similar, but AE's are more frequently discounted and on ebay/B&S they will sell for much cheaper. they also depreciate MUCH faster if slightly used.