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Alden Shoes how do they stack up to the competition?

SirWilliam

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I am looking for some new shoes and I am interested in this Alden brand as they have cordovan leather.

In terms of quality where do they fit in between the following brands?:

Lobb
E. Green
Weston
C&J
A. Testoni
Barker Black
Church's
Allen Edmonds
 

Kuro

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I'm sure the man with multiple same pairs will be along to dispute this, but IMHO towards the middle (beneath C&J).
 

ndw

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Originally Posted by Kuro
I'm sure the man with multiple same pairs will be along to dispute this, but IMHO towards the middle (beneath C&J).

+1
 

TheFoo

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I have several pairs of Alden and Lobb each. Of course, the Lobbs are much more neatly finished and totally absent of cosmetic defect or flaw. But I haven't noticed any advantage in terms of durability or, as far as I can tell, longevity. In fact, my Aldens seem to last longer before they need re-soling.
 

constant struggle

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This question gets asked literally 5x a week or more! Search function!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

SirWilliam

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Originally Posted by constant struggle
This question gets asked literally 5x a week or more! Search function!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did a search and after the first page I got bored, did not find what I was looking for and just said F it.
 

Tarmac

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Originally Posted by mafoofan
But I haven't noticed any advantage in terms of durability or, as far as I can tell, longevity.

by this standard, Loakes should serve you well.
 

TheFoo

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Originally Posted by Tarmac
by this standard, Loakes should serve you well.

I'm sure a lot of shoes would.
 

zjpj83

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Originally Posted by mafoofan
I have several pairs of Alden and Lobb each. Of course, the Lobbs are much more neatly finished and totally absent of cosmetic defect or flaw. But I haven't noticed any advantage in terms of durability or, as far as I can tell, longevity. In fact, my Aldens seem to last longer before they need re-soling.

I agree. They are hardy. They are also less sleek.

I like them (shell cordo only), FWIW.
 

JayJay

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I like Alden shell cordovan and have bought several pairs over the years. They hold up well and provide comfort. I'm not as fond of Alden calf.
 

polar-lemon

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If you want a traditional American cordovan gunboat shoe, Alden is the place to go. If you're looking for a svelte European type shoe, you're in the wrong place. Even their sleeker lasts are still decidedly American- not a bad thing.
 

Xiaogou

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Are you worried about how the cordovan will wear over time?

Originally Posted by mafoofan
I have several pairs of Alden and Lobb each. Of course, the Lobbs are much more neatly finished and totally absent of cosmetic defect or flaw. But I haven't noticed any advantage in terms of durability or, as far as I can tell, longevity. In fact, my Aldens seem to last longer before they need re-soling.
 

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