Opinions on Alden Chukka

[dapperdude]

I haven't heard much about this nice-looking chukka boot on the forum:

http://www.aldenshop.com/details.asp...ize=4&width=19

I was wondering what you think of this and how well it fits the following criteria that I have for finding a boot:

- Substantial: Something with arch support
- Durability: Something that will last a long time. I'm a fan of Clark's desert boots but I want something with better than a crepe sole for this and the above reason.
- Casual and versatile: Can be worn with jeans, cords, chinos. Is a leather sole, like on this boot, "dressy"? Suede seems inherently casual.
- Medium to light brown color
- Cost: Willing to spend up to the listed price on this ($325).

I know there are fans of RM Williams, C&J and CT on this forum. Are there better options from those shoemakers?

 

[yachtie]

I have this is #8 shell cordovan and they're virtually indestructable.
I wear them with jeans/cords and I'd think suede would look fine.
The support is very good and I use them for walking shoes ( I have very flat feet and a pronated gait)

I'd buy these but in the interest of full disclosure, I really like the comfort Alden provides and have several pairs ( So I'm a little biased)

 

[CodeRed]

If you want them in cordovan get the aldens for sure, otherwise I would prefer the C&J Sandow for the $$$, It is a really nice shoe too. It's very comfortable.

 

[LeatherSOUL]

That chukka is unlined and provides very little support. It has a single leather sole. I don't think it will meet your criteria. These only come in dark brown suede but they will suit your needs much better... http://aldenshoe.com/cat_ane7_1272s.htm

 

[dapperdude]

What does "unlined" mean and what does it have to do with the support? Is a leather sole not supportive enough?

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by yachtie

I have this is #8 shell cordovan and they're virtually indestructable.
I wear them with jeans/cords and I'd think suede would look fine.
The support is very good and I use them for walking shoes ( I have very flat feet and a pronated gait)

I'd buy these but in the interest of full disclosure, I really like the comfort Alden provides and have several pairs ( So I'm a little biased)

I have them in #8 shell cordovan, too. I've had them for several years and wear them often in winter. I, too, am a fan of Alden's shell cordovan shoes and have several pairs.

 

[DMcG]

Originally Posted by dapperdude

What does "unlined" mean and what does it have to do with the support? Is a leather sole not supportive enough?

The sole provides some support but the upper is very flexible so it doesn't provide much in the way of support for your ankle. The uppers are probably very similar to that of the Clark's Desert Boots in that regard.

 

[dapperdude]

I ordered the chukkas in dark brown from the Alden Shop and the first pair was too big. I sized down 1/2 size and they fit well. Very nice-looking and comfortable boots and I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of them.

 

[erdavis]

I have had this boot for about 18 months and its a good boot. Its is very very comfortable and pretty durable. I bought mine from Robert at the San Fran store.

On the other hand I dislike the ones I got in Shell Cordovan they are heavy and feel like I am wearing 2 bricks.

-eric

 

[mr chorizo]

i like the look of cordo chukkas, but as the vamp is so long and pronounced I think the cordovan creases can get a little too busy for my liking (vs a blutcher or balmoral where the laces take up a good portion of the upper).