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

[Kahuna75]

If anyone wants to buy my spot on Epaulet Brixton Wing #8 shell boot size 12 rumored to be delivered in December let me know. The down payment was $200

 

[makewayhomer]



Ravello scotch grain shell cordovan LHSs

Shell scotch grain is...interesting. I had a pair of Rider boots in Mahogany shell grain. They do not get that luster/shine regular shell does...but they are a shinier scotch grain than standard scotch grain.

 

[AMD500]

Really love these. the flat welt on wingtip boots is a great look. what last are these? where are they from?

 

[ac_slater]

Is it really un-advisable to remove the heel liner from Aldens? The raised nature of the heel pad is killing the bottom of my heels even after some break in. I never have this problem with AE and Wolverine.

Is it possible to just take out the heel pod and leave in the lining?

 

[Hill]



Really love these.  the flat welt on wingtip boots is a great look. what last are these? where are they from?

These are on the plaza last from Leffot.

 

[wdahab]



Is it really un-advisable to remove the heel liner from Aldens? The raised nature of the heel pad is killing the bottom of my heels even after some break in. I never have this problem with AE and Wolverine.

The sockliner (as it's called) isn't 100% necessary, but what it's doing is protecting your foot from exposed nails. When the heel is added onto the shoe, nails are driven in, and stopped by a metal plate on the bottom of the last. Then they're covered over. So if you remove the sock liner, you'll need to replace it with something else, like a full insole. But you won't be able to just leave it unexposed.

AE and Wolverine don't have this problem because they don't use nails to attach the heel stack, they just cement it on (making them less structurally sound).

 

[ac_slater]



The sockliner (as it's called) isn't 100% necessary, but what it's doing is protecting your foot from exposed nails. When the heel is added onto the shoe, nails are driven in, and stopped by a metal plate on the bottom of the last. Then they're covered over. So if you remove the sock liner, you'll need to replace it with something else, like a full insole. But you won't be able to just leave it unexposed.

AE and Wolverine don't have this problem because they don't use nails to attach the heel stack, they just cement it on (making them less structurally sound).

Is it possible to peel back the liner, remove the heel pad that's raising it up, and stick the liner back down to protect me?

It's not the liner that's bothering me. It's that darn raised bump under it.

 

[Burzan]

Is it possible to peel back the liner, remove the heel pad that's raising it up, and stick the liner back down to protect me?

It's not the liner that's bothering me. It's that darn raised bump under it.

The padding is one in the same with the sockliner I believe, so that wouldn't work. I suppose you could remove the whole thing and replace with just a thin piece of unlined leather.

 

[wdahab]

Color #8 Unlined Dovers from Yenni. The flat welt is just the absolute best on these, make them so sleek and perfect for a light fall day. Gonna be patina machines.

 

[ac_slater]



The padding is one in the same with the sockliner I believe, so that wouldn't work. I suppose you could remove the whole thing and replace with just a thin piece of unlined leather.

Supposedly this is a diagram of how Alden's are generally constructed. Looks like they are separate pieces.

 

[peppercorn78]

Can't be Alden. This is a Blake stitched shoe, with the soles stitched directly to the insole.

Alden uses Goodyear Welts.

 

[suuteebird]

What have been your experiences purchasing Alden seconds at the Shoe Mart? Have you had good luck? Acceptable defects?

 

[NYDRH]

What have been your experiences purchasing Alden seconds at the Shoe Mart? Have you had good luck? Acceptable defects?

I've kept the vast majority of them and in several instances I'd say they were better than some first quality pairs I've gotten from retailers. I'd also be hard pressed to tell you what the defect was on a few them and if you have to look that carefully it cant be that bad. Ive seen a few that I sent back immediately but overall it is a positive experience just not as good a deal as it once was on a dollar value but sometimes that doesnt matter when you find a style you could never find elsewhere.

 

[Akeem]



Is it possible to peel back the liner, remove the heel pad that's raising it up, and stick the liner back down to protect me?

It's not the liner that's bothering me. It's that darn raised bump under it.

I usually remove it on all my boots and replace with a think taco insole. So much more comfortable. It's worse with Viberg as the leather they use for the heel pad is so thick.

 

[coolarrow]

Are the ptbs from Frans boone?