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The Alden Buy, Sell, Trade (B/S/T) Thread

trg12

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(1) The shape of the last is completely different from what Modified looks like, these are quintessentially Barrie
(2) Alden will not do a prestitched reverse welt on Modified
(3) Alden will not do a 360 welt on Modified
(4) Alden tends to assign similar model numbers to similar makeups, and many Barrie lasted cap toe boots begin with 407- (such as 4075H which is black shell)

Not surprised that Borghini got it wrong. Tons of Alden retailers make mistakes about the last on their websites.

If you want confirmation, email general (at) aldenshoe.com and ask, but I promise you that these are Barrie.

Confirmed with Alden CS as Barrie – good catch!
 

goalaso

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I've noticed quite a bit of catch and release on this style. I see why...

I am a fan of the 379x, and have gone through a few pairs to figure out my size (one of them is currently for sale here on SF). I don't think it's any more or less a crap shoot than other Alden lasts. The main difference is it's primarily Japanese market, so we generally either get 2nds (which are inherently a crap shoot) or used versions from Japanese auction sites. Shoemart seconds often has 379x. I take the same size as my TB/Barrie, but since I have a narrow heel and wide forefoot, it solves the problem I have with both TB and Barrie. Which is that I have to choose either a snug heel and cramped pinky toe or a loose heel and good toe room +/- some extra length. I've found that the only two lasts that really work for my whole foot in Alden are the two which exaggerate the combination last effect allowing for very different heel-forefoot dimensions: modified and 379x. But the modified instep is quite high, though doable. I find the 379x is the ideal middle ground between Modified and TB in this respect. It has an in-between instep with mild arch suppport, hugs you more than TB in the heel and the arch- but less than Modified- and it has more toebox space than TB at the same size, primarily because it doesn't taper in the same way. For me, I can do TB and Barrie at the same 379x size in a boot that's laced more tightly, or with slightly thicker socks. In a shoe, it might be problematic but I've never tried 379x in a shoe. But for narrow heels, wide forefoot, medium arch, looking for a snug fit the back and plenty of toe room up front- without the extreme proportions of Modified- I think 379x at your TB/Barrie size (1/2 down from Brannock) is ideal. It's also worth adding that though I prefer a 9 in TB and 379x since I like having the extra length, they are both flexible enough with my low volume foot for me to get away with 8.5 (in the same width) if I use thin socks. I wouldn't wear the 8.5 (I.e. 1 size down from Brannock) for a whole day of walking though, as the toes start to feel it with for expansion. That's why I'm selling my 8.5 379x. I'll likely also be selling my 8.5 Cigar Indys on TB for the same reason. Even though I can still wear both, I rarely do.
 
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phillyforager

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I am a fan of the 379x, and have gone through a few pairs to figure out my size (one of them is currently for sale here on SF). I don't think it's any more or less a crap shoot than other Alden lasts. The main difference is it's primarily Japanese market, so we generally either get 2nds (which are inherently a crap shoot) or used versions from Japanese auction sites. Shoemart seconds often has 379x. I take the same size as my TB/Barrie, but since I have a narrow heel and wide forefoot, it solves the problem I have with both TB and Barrie. Which is that I have to choose either a snug heel and cramped pinky toe or a loose heel and good toe room +/- some extra length. I've found that the only two lasts that really work for my whole foot in Alden are the two which exaggerate the combination last effect allowing for very different heel-forefoot dimensions: modified and 379x. But the modified instep is quite high, though doable. I find the 379x is the ideal middle ground between Modified and TB in this respect. It has an in-between instep with mild arch suppport, hugs you more than TB in the heel and the arch- but less than Modified- and it has more toebox space than TB at the same size, primarily because it doesn't taper in the same way. For me, I can do TB and Barrie at the same 379x size in a boot that's laced more tightly, or with slightly thicker socks. In a shoe, it might be problematic but I've never tried 379x in a shoe. But for narrow heels, wide forefoot, medium arch, looking for a snug fit the back and plenty of toe room up front- without the extreme proportions of Modified- I think 379x at your TB/Barrie size (1/2 down from Brannock) is ideal. It's also worth adding that though I prefer a 9 in TB and 379x since I like having the extra length, they are both flexible enough with my low volume foot for me to get away with 8.5 (in the same width) if I use thin socks. I wouldn't wear the 8.5 (I.e. 1 size down from Brannock) for a whole day of walking though, as the toes start to feel it with for expansion. That's why I'm selling my 8.5 379x. I'll likely also be selling my 8.5 Cigar Indys on TB for the same reason. Even though I can still wear both, I rarely do.

I would personally recommend against sizing a half size down on the 379x last.

I wear a 10D barrie, and the 10.5D 379x feels very similar in terms of volume (the heel is a bit tighter). The 10D (same size as barrie) absolutely does not work for me.
 

goalaso

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I would personally recommend against sizing a half size down on the 379x last.

I wear a 10D barrie, and the 10.5D 379x feels very similar in terms of volume (the heel is a bit tighter). The 10D (same size as barrie) absolutely does not work for me.
I think this is dependent on your foot shape and volume. I have a low volume, narrow foot with wide toes and medium arche. I don't wear Barrie at all because the volume and heel are just too much. But if I had a higher volume foot with a bigger heel and less difference between the front and the back, then I imagine I might be in your situation and find that relative to Barrie (which would now fit my fictional foot), I might need to go a half size up. Like I said, my volume is low and I can get away with 379x in two different sizes with different size socks. Depending on your foot shape, it's rather flexible. I can't speak to Barrie specifically (I was conflating TB with Barrie in sizing, since many seem to go with the same sizes)
 

vnguyen_md

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I think this is dependent on your foot shape and volume. I have a low volume, narrow foot with wide toes and medium arche. I don't wear Barrie at all because the volume and heel are just too much. But if I had a higher volume foot with a bigger heel and less difference between the front and the back, then I imagine I might be in your situation and find that relative to Barrie (which would now fit my fictional foot), I might need to go a half size up. Like I said, my volume is low and I can get away with 379x in two different sizes with different size socks. Depending on your foot shape, it's rather flexible. I can't speak to Barrie specifically (I was conflating TB with Barrie in sizing, since many seem to go with the same sizes)

pics of your 379 and cigar indy you thinking of selling?
 

goalaso

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pics of your 379 and cigar indy you thinking of selling?
The current 379x Plain Toe Cigar from Blue Blue Japan. It's heavy on the patina and rolls, but priced accordingly, and with heel/sole in good condition, more photos in the B&S link:
20190110_131928.jpg

20190110_131918.jpg

I'm more sentimental about my 8.5D Cigar Shell Indys, which I've had for years. I just don't wear them as much because I've moved up half a size for a lot of reasons (age, preference). They've lightened significantly and have been well-maintained. So I just pulled them out of the box to take photos; they haven't been worn in months, so they are unlaced and a bit dusty. But here they are, with the last 2 shots showing the soles/shapes side-by-side with their 8.5 TB Indy cousins. I think it says what I've been writing much more elegantly, and explains why it's not unreasonable- compared to TB- to either size up or go same size as TB in 379x, for those who need more length with a still-tight heel and less volume. Again, both these boots fit me, but both of them feel a bit tight after long periods of time. The TB on the pinky toe, the 379x generally on the length. Sizing up is perfect in the 379x, and works with thicker socks on the TB but then gives me issues in the heel/volume. In the end, if you have a large differential between heel and forefoot, then I think TB will always be a front-back-sock compromise and 379x is the more flexible last. I don't do well with Barrie, so I don't want to generalize to that last:
20201028_142405.jpg

20201028_142521.jpg
20201028_141640.jpg


20201028_141545.jpg


20201028_141623.jpg

20201028_141600.jpg

Indoors next to same size 8.5D 379x. Both heels backed up against wall to make sure lengths are comparable. 379x maybe slightly shorter, but also more worn-in without a shoe tree for this photo, so the toe is slightly upgoing. Both Cigar, believe it or not, though the Indys have lightened to more Ravello-ish:

20201028_142010_001.jpg
 

X_dSF

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To begin with my wardrobe cleaning progress, selling this pair at $300 shipped CONUS.
Offers welcome.

Demi boot (six-eyelet chukka) in navy CXL, 8.5D on barrie.
Brand new factory seconds in the white box.

Bought them as my second pair of alden. Didn't know my barrie size is actually 7.5d and missed the return window, so ends up sitting in my wardrobe till now.
img_20200704_013150-jpg.1417985

img_20200704_013202-jpg.1417986

img_20200704_013225-jpg.1417988

img_20200704_013214-jpg.1417987
Bump. $300 shipped CONUS with a pair of vintage alden shoe tree.
 
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X_dSF

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Selling a pair of Cigar chukka in size 7.5E Barrie

Manufactured in 2011. The original owner restored the shoes before they were sold to me. Worn approximate 10 times.

Upper in good condition. Some reinforcement applied on backstay (see the pics).

Selling because the size doesn't work for me. Realized chukka has a higher instep so E width is just too high in vamp.

Asking $450 shipped CONUS with a pair of vintage alden trees.

IMG_20201028_011921__01.jpg
 

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JSO1

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Those are marked 13132C so it looks original to me. Sole treatment is also 100% correct for commando, which most conversions are not.


Looks like a model that has been made for 14 oz Berlin in Germany.
 

X_dSF

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Selling this pair of TSM seconds in 8D aberdeen

D7103 AOM makeup. Color 8 tassel loafer with antique edge.

Think I have to follow Mack's instruction (down at least a half size) in order to achieve a snug fit in loafers. I really like this makeup, so might going to fund another pair directly from AOM after selling this one.

Worn around 5 times. Seconds but I cannot find any flaws on them.

Asking for $380 shipped CONUS in TSM white box.

IMG_20201028_013503__01.jpg
 

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X_dSF

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Those are marked 13132C so it looks original to me. Sole treatment is also 100% correct for commando, which most conversions are not.


Looks like a model that has been made for 14 oz Berlin in Germany.
Ah thanks for making this clear. I didn't even mention there's a "C" after 13132.
 

Shawnc

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The current 379x Plain Toe Cigar from Blue Blue Japan. It's heavy on the patina and rolls, but priced accordingly, and with heel/sole in good condition, more photos in the B&S link:
View attachment 1486045
View attachment 1486046
I'm more sentimental about my 8.5D Cigar Shell Indys, which I've had for years. I just don't wear them as much because I've moved up half a size for a lot of reasons (age, preference). They've lightened significantly and have been well-maintained. So I just pulled them out of the box to take photos; they haven't been worn in months, so they are unlaced and a bit dusty. But here they are, with the last 2 shots showing the soles/shapes side-by-side with their 8.5 TB Indy cousins. I think it says what I've been writing much more elegantly, and explains why it's not unreasonable- compared to TB- to either size up or go same size as TB in 379x, for those who need more length with a still-tight heel and less volume. Again, both these boots fit me, but both of them feel a bit tight after long periods of time. The TB on the pinky toe, the 379x generally on the length. Sizing up is perfect in the 379x, and works with thicker socks on the TB but then gives me issues in the heel/volume. In the end, if you have a large differential between heel and forefoot, then I think TB will always be a front-back-sock compromise and 379x is the more flexible last. I don't do well with Barrie, so I don't want to generalize to that last:
View attachment 1486064
View attachment 1486066 View attachment 1486068

View attachment 1486069

View attachment 1486070
View attachment 1486072
Indoors next to same size 8.5D 379x. Both heels backed up against wall to make sure lengths are comparable. 379x maybe slightly shorter, but also more worn-in without a shoe tree for this photo, so the toe is slightly upgoing. Both Cigar, believe it or not, though the Indys have lightened to more Ravello-ish:

View attachment 1486071

PM sent.
 

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