The Official Alden Thread for 2018 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[aero25]

There is no known answer to your question. Just too many variables. What I can tell you is that attempting to speed up the process with direct exposure to the sun is a dangerous game. The fading is not noticeable on a daily basis. Like the frog in the slowly warming pot, the danger is not realized until it is almost too late. I sun faded one pair of shoes in the direct sun and I would not do it again for several reasons. First, the deeper color used is sometimes covering a flaw. Fading brings out the flow for all to notice again.

Second, the sun can dry out the leather. I was surprised how quickly (like 5 days) the nice smooth shell started feeling rough and needing some conditioner to deal with it.

Finally, the fade happens faster than you think. Here is the shoe after the 5 days.

View attachment 952091

I did not think it was terribly changed. Then I folded back the eyelets and checked the tongue.

View attachment 952092

The covered tongue was still nearly the original color and you can see the difference in this one shot. Although I really like the color now I really question my decision to do this. Granted, I was very aggressive and that is not what you described in your question, you just need to be careful. Here are the shoes now indoor and outdoor pics.

View attachment 952094

View attachment 952095

To be fair, a week in your neck of the woods (and mine) is probably equivalent to a solid month for many others in the northern states. Solid advice to proceed with caution, nonetheless.

 

[z8k1n]

happy Tanker Tuesday
Color 4 on 379X last (+Epaulet rivets)

 

[gilby]

Good morning peeps. Amaretto’s to get my day started.
View attachment 951835

Superb!

 

[Misterg12]

Superb!

Thank you.

 

[mdubs]

Tuesday. Alden Cigar Shell Cordovan Wingtip Bluchers. Navy Argyles OTC. Brooks Bros Navy Houndstooth Trousers.

-Mike

 

[gilby]

Tuesday. Alden Cigar Shell Cordovan Wingtip Bluchers. Navy Argyles OTC. Brooks Bros Navy Houndstooth Trousers.

View attachment 952177

-Mike

That's a great looking shoe!

 

[gilby]

Unlined Dover 8's - B&M

 

[sazon]

97 !

 

[mdubs]

That's a great looking shoe!

Thanks much Gilby for the kind words!

 

[audog]

I really like these boots, they appeal to the work boot part of me, but they are also nicer than my work boots.

 

[1wb]

I really like these boots, they appeal to the work boot part of me, but they are also nicer than my work boots. View attachment 952361

Are those AOC with neocork sole? I am loving my pair.

 

[smfdoc]

Happy Hump Day forum pals. #8 cap toes today.

 

[drewvacavaliers]

alden x standard & strange "southern lord" reverse tobacco chamois plain toe boots today:

 

[sanomnia]

Whiskey Wednesday

 

[madhat]

alden x standard & strange "southern lord" reverse tobacco chamois plain toe boots today:
View attachment 952395

I like those a lot.

View attachment 952399
Whiskey Wednesday

Can't go wrong!