Alden worth the price diff over AE? (can of worms)

[JLibourel]

I should point out that those A-E Hillcrests were in a non-standard color. Standard colors for the Hillcrest were black, brown, merlot and chestnut. In those colors, it looks a lot better--still not my cup of tea, though. My stepson has a pair in merlot that he's fond of, but I just don't care for bicycle toes.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by furo

Sale price to sale price AEs are hands down the better value. How often can you get a NIB Alden staple for anywhere near the $150-$175 that you frequently see AEs going down to?

So if you're like me, you probably aren't willing to pay the greater premium on a regular basis because the prices are starkly different. I own two pairs of Alden shells and I can definitely say those two seem to be worth it, but from everything I've read, Alden shell rivals brands that are much more costly.

Which brands?

 

[furo]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Which brands?

C&J to name one although I can't really say they are "much" more costly. Forgot the other brand I read about. Was in the Alden thread from SWD

 

[B1FF]

My Aldens are heavy and well made. All the AEs I have seen in person looked cheaply made and insubstantial.

 

[Siggy]

I much prefer Alden, but not because of any perceived quality issues. Rather, I prefer Alden's style, cordovan no. 8, and the Hampton last.

Here is an interesting look at inside the Alden factory:

http://www.acontinuouslean.com/page/3/

 

[furo]

Originally Posted by B1FF

My Aldens are heavy and well made. All the AEs I have seen in person looked cheaply made and insubstantial.

If weight is a quality unto itself then there's going to be a lot of English shoe makers who are really missing the boat, which I don't think is the reality

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by furo

If weight is a quality unto itself then there's going to be a lot of English shoe makers who are really missing the boat, which I don't think is the reality

Also, some of the AEs are like bricks. I'd hate to have to wear anything much more substantial.

 

[furo]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Also, some of the AEs are like bricks. I'd hate to have to wear anything much more substantial.

Agree. My chunkiest AEs are the Coltons. Sleekest are probably Hampsteads, with Cliftons a close second

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by Siggy

I much prefer Alden, but not because of any perceived quality issues. Rather, I prefer Alden's style, cordovan no. 8, and the Hampton last.

Here is an interesting look at inside the Alden factory:

http://www.acontinuouslean.com/page/3/

great video

 

[Tarmac]

In the real world, Alden costs about 2x more than AE.

I'd still rather have 1 pair of new Aldens than 2 pair of AEs.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by furo

C&J to name one although I can't really say they are "much" more costly. Forgot the other brand I read about. Was in the Alden thread from SWD

C&J's in the US are normally a good $200 or more than comparable Alden's.

 

[B1FF]

Originally Posted by furo

If weight is a quality unto itself then there's going to be a lot of English shoe makers who are really missing the boat, which I don't think is the reality

AE isn't saving weight through superior design and materials.

 

[grimslade]

#8 is a standard _horween_ color. It is in no way unique to alden.

This is a fanboy myth.

Carry on.

 

[JLibourel]

Originally Posted by CunningSmeagol

Agreed. It is a very cool shoe. Would wear.

I share the same opinion as Foo on this matter, fwiw. There is a certain I don't know what with Alden shoes that elevates them over AE for me. Has nothing to do with fit, which will vary from person to person. It is probably a combination of somewhat important and not-so important differences like subtle imperfections, logo, binding or not at exposed edges, 360 utilitarian welt (or not), edge color, sole thickness, and cachet.

Like it or not AE has a very generic middle-management vibe. I think it mostly has to do with the logo and marketing, but with Alden I don't feel so much like Michael Scott.

Also, I've kicked myself in the ankle bone many many times wearing AE shoes b/c I'm not used to the big heel.

Again, this attitude strikes me as decidedly weird. With other mass-produced manufactured goods, which is what Alden shoes are, like it or not, imperfections are signs of poor quality control.

When A-E shoes display subtle imperfections, they are sold as seconds. In many cases, the imperfections have been so subtle that I could not perceive them even on closest scrutiny.

However, Alden fans somehow regard imperfections as a sign of "artisanship" or something. Beats me!

 

[gomestar]

The joke is on us I guess. Oh well...