Alden Shell PTB vs. Chukkas

[bry2000]

I am thinking of taking the plunge into the world of the clunky Alden Barrie last. If I do, I will choose between the #8 shell Plain Toe Bluchers or the #8 shell Chukkas. They seem to be the same shoe (one low, the other high). Which is more versatile, a better choice, etc. Help me choose.

Thanks.

 

[yachtie]

Personal preference, but I wear my Chukkas a lot more than my PTB's.

 

[Steven Aver]

Alden fan here, but never liked Alden PTB's on the Barrie at all. Just nothing special about them, no character to that shoe.

Id much rather have the RL Marlow PTB by C&J if you wanted a comparable alternative.

 

[Bird's One View]

Each is a classic. I have never owned chukkas (of any make) so I would probably go with the PTB first. They are pretty interchangeable in terms of formality: neither has it.

 

[zjpj83]

I dislike boots, so I would get the non-chukka any day

 

[Musiclover]

Chukkas.

 

[Michael Ay329]

I like G&G's squared toed and EG's 888 lasted shoes But I took the plunge recently on these NST boots on the Plaza last and like them a lot http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index...t_Boot_228.htm Yes, its a shoe in a different league than my G&G boots but the plaza last is roomy...keep in mind the Plaza last is considered by some to be Alden's most modern and "squared" last (its still rounded to me)

 

[JayJay]

I like both, but if I had to choose one, then I'd select the chukkas.

 

[Catechumen]

I think the Chukka is a more attractive shoe, but then, I am biased. . . . I have three pairs of Alden shell chukkas and one pair of Allen Edmond shell chukkas. I greatly prefer ankle boots for casual wear.

IMHO, the Alden Plain Toe Blucher is a particularly boring/plebian looking shoe. Regardless of whether it's calf or shell, it looks like the kind of shoe that, as a kid, we referred to as "teacher shoes," i.e., the kind of shoe a middle-aged social studies/math teacher would wear to compliment his dacron trousers and satin striped, cotton/poly blend short sleeve shirt.

 

[sanrensho]

I have both, but wear the chukkas a lot more often. I feel more secure in them using the train system - getting in and out of cars, going up and down stairs and escalators, walking to/from the stations.

If all I had to do was drive to the office and back, it wouldn't matter as much, but I'd still prefer the chukkas.