The Official Alden Thread for 2016 - Share reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[tobiasfunke]

If you're talking about the split in the welt, that's actually the construction technique. It's the Seam where the two ends of the welt strip are joined together. Alden doesn't finish it over as cleanly as UK makers, but that looks like a decent job, actually.

So not a defect. Unless you're talking about something else in the photo that I'm unable to see on my iPhone...

Thanks for clarifying. What about the thread fraying in the second picture?

 

[mrfixit]

It's funny to me how Leathersoul can't shake this reputation of giving preferential treatment to its best customers (despite seemingly not having rare shell to give out for years now)... when in fact most other retailers do the same thing and no one says a word. Do you think just any customer had a chance at a first quality Whiskey Shell NST Boot? One just magically appeared on the seconds list...

it's not the practice, it's the attitude. just about any other retailer will at least tell you they can add you to an email list or a wish list. LS will basically tell you you're not elite enough or act like they have no idea what they might ever get.

 

[peppercorn78]



Thanks for clarifying. What about the thread fraying in the second picture?

I think it's par for the course. Your soles not gonna detach or anything. Honestly, I had to turn my screen brightness all the way up and squint to notice it, so I really doubt it's going to be visible while wearing. Of course, if the knowledge it's there is going to eat away at you, then TSM has a reasonable return policy.

But those seem in spec to me. There are other brands that specialize in perfection of all the minor details, but Alden isn't one of them.

I would wear and enjoy if it were me.

 

[JSO1]

it's not the practice, it's the attitude. just about any other retailer will at least tell you they can add you to an email list or a wish list. LS will basically tell you you're not elite enough or act like they have no idea what they might ever get.

+1, definitely my gripe with them. Other retailers do this to a more limited extent, but nothing on the level of LS.

 

[Epaulet]

ALDEN NATURAL CXL INNSBRUCK ALT WIEN


Hey guys! These beauties have finally arrived:




Alden for Epaulet Innsbruck Alt Wien Natural Chromexcel: $575

We've got about 10 units of open stock available for immediate sale. If you preordered these, then expect an email from Dylan shortly with the balance payment link.

 

[kwhitelaw]

WOOT already paid my balance earlier

 

[tobiasfunke]

I think it's par for the course. Your soles not gonna detach or anything. Honestly, I had to turn my screen brightness all the way up and squint to notice it, so I really doubt it's going to be visible while wearing. Of course, if the knowledge it's there is going to eat away at you, then TSM has a reasonable return policy.

But those seem in spec to me. There are other brands that specialize in perfection of all the minor details, but Alden isn't one of them.

I would wear and enjoy if it were me.

I appreciate the input. Now I just need to make sure these are the correct size. (Disclaimer: I have little experience properly fitting dress shoes)

I'm a 10D on the Brannock with a fairly high instep, and I got a 9.5D in these (9901). My first impression looking at them was that they looked big next to my feet (again, probably my inexperience).

Anyway, I tried them on with some thin dress socks. The ball of my foot matches up the widest point of the shoe, and there's what I'm guessing is a about an inch or so of dead space in front my big toe. I'm able to wiggle my toes, and the toe box feels comfortable overall.

Walking around, the heel doesn't feel 100% snug. I wouldn't call it heel slip, it feels more like a slight wiggle as I step down on my heel. Is this normal? Will this become more of a problem later on (from what I read, shell cordovan doesn't stretch much)?

Based on what I've described, would you guys say I sized these correctly? Or do I need to go down another half size?

 

[fal32]



I appreciate the input. Now I just need to make sure these are the correct size. (Disclaimer: I have little experience properly fitting dress shoes)

I'm a 10D on the Brannock with a fairly high instep, and I got a 9.5D in these (9901). My first impression looking at them was that they looked big next to my feet (again, probably my inexperience).

Anyway, I tried them on with some thin dress socks. The ball of my foot matches up the widest point of the shoe, and there's what I'm guessing is a about an inch or so of dead space in front my big toe. I'm able to wiggle my toes, and the toe box feels comfortable overall.

Walking around, the heel doesn't feel 100% snug. I wouldn't call it heel slip, it feels more like a slight wiggle as I step down on my heel. Is this normal? Will this become more of a problem later on (from what I read, shell cordovan doesn't stretch much).

Based on what I've described, would you guys say I sized these correctly? Or do I need to go down another half size?

It sounds like you have the right size...just need to break the sole in.

 

[Matty123]

Secret Alden FB groups. Elitists

I'm trolling and a bit jealous.

 

[Watchman1]

Gentlemen,

Cigar Cordovan LongWings:

Happy Tuesday!

 

[jhcam8]

^Another excellent shot, Watchy.

 

[AMD500]

Secret Alden FB groups. Elitists

I'm trolling and a bit jealous.

yep. totally jealous.

 

[KPDarb]

Secret Alden FB groups. Elitists

I'm trolling and a bit jealous.

Not even going to check it out. This thread leaves me green enough for one lifetime.

 

[peppercorn78]



I appreciate the input. Now I just need to make sure these are the correct size. (Disclaimer: I have little experience properly fitting dress shoes)

I'm a 10D on the Brannock with a fairly high instep, and I got a 9.5D in these (9901). My first impression looking at them was that they looked big next to my feet (again, probably my inexperience).

Anyway, I tried them on with some thin dress socks. The ball of my foot matches up the widest point of the shoe, and there's what I'm guessing is a about an inch or so of dead space in front my big toe. I'm able to wiggle my toes, and the toe box feels comfortable overall.

Walking around, the heel doesn't feel 100% snug. I wouldn't call it heel slip, it feels more like a slight wiggle as I step down on my heel. Is this normal? Will this become more of a problem later on (from what I read, shell cordovan doesn't stretch much)?

Based on what I've described, would you guys say I sized these correctly? Or do I need to go down another half size?

Yeah, I'll echo that it sounds as if you've sized correctly. There's a layer of cork between the insole and outsole that your heel will compress and sink in, and the outsole will flex as the shoe breaks in, reducing the heel slip.

 

[TO Tie Guy]

@Handcuffed Congrats on the NST boot!

I got the notification on FB right away and was close to pulling the trigger but then I remembered I have the Whiskey NST shoe. Hope the flaw is nothing major and you get to beat them up some!