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

[Luis G]

Full Disclosure: I am aware this is petty but aesthetics is something you pay for when spending nearly $800.

I got my Alden wingtip shell cordovan boots and due to rain they have developed some bubbles on the crease. Attempts to press them out, brush them out, condition them out and dry them out have failed.

I just attempted the mac method, I am not feeling very positive about the results but we will see in next few days.

I may just box them up and leave them not to be worn until I can live with it, they go away, or I sell them off to someone who doesn't mind.

 

[gilby]

Full Disclosure: I am aware this is petty but aesthetics is something you pay for when spending nearly $800.

I got my Alden wingtip shell cordovan boots and due to rain they have developed some bubbles on the crease. Attempts to press them out, brush them out, condition them out and dry them out have failed.

I just attempted the mac method, I am not feeling very positive about the results but we will see in next few days.

I may just box them up and leave them not to be worn until I can live with it, they go away, or I sell them off to someone who doesn't mind.

I've run into this issue as have many others. I have a few shell pairs which are more prone to water spots than others. The Mac method and time are the best remedy. They'll come back to normal.

 

[ironclad]

Forgot to take an “in the wild” shot today. So here is artificial light in an apartment. Nothing glamorous, but I love these boots regardless.

 

[metranger8694]

Hello Gents.

Can these Barrie #8 shell shoes ever look right being worn casually like my #8 shell tankers on TB and not look "off"? Or are they best suited for CM dressy time since they are Barrie. And perfed.

I haven't worn them out yet as my style has changed. I had listed them on B&S but pulled them as I'm thinking of looking for a shell boot trade.

Thanks!

 

[up1911fan]

Hello Gents.

Can these Barrie #8 shell shoes ever look right being worn casually like my #8 shell tankers on TB and not look "off"? Or are they best suited for CM dressy time since they are Barrie. And perfed.
View attachment 1059779

I haven't worn them out yet as my style has changed. I had listed them on B&S but pulled them as I'm thinking of looking for a shell boot trade.

Thanks!

I have a similar pair that I've worn with dark denim more than anything else. I think they work great from denim to chinos to trousers.

 

[metranger8694]

I have a similar pair that I've worn with dark denim more than anything else. I think they work great from denim to chinos to trousers.

I wear my #8 TB Tankers with dark denim. A perfect combo. I would never think of grabbing the bluchers instead.
Chinos maybe. But I envision(likely wrongly) those shoes being worn by an attorney or banker.
I'll look around AOC and B+M for pics.
I appreciate the opinion!

 

[fourdoggies]

Hello Gents.

Can these Barrie #8 shell shoes ever look right being worn casually like my #8 shell tankers on TB and not look "off"? Or are they best suited for CM dressy time since they are Barrie. And perfed.
View attachment 1059779

I haven't worn them out yet as my style has changed. I had listed them on B&S but pulled them as I'm thinking of looking for a shell boot trade.

Thanks!

I would say those are actually more casual than dressy. Traditionally, brogueing, medallion toes, and derby lacing all come from casual shoes. And the Barrie isn't really a sleek narrow last like in a traditional dress shoe. So if anything, those are traditionally not dressy shoes for shoe snobs. And they would look great with jeans, chinos, etc. At least that's my understanding.

 

[magneto78]

I would say those are actually more casual than dressy. Traditionally, brogueing, medallion toes, and derby lacing all come from casual shoes. And the Barrie isn't really a sleek narrow last like in a traditional dress shoe. So if anything, those are traditionally not dressy shoes for shoe snobs. And they would look great with jeans, chinos, etc. At least that's my understanding.

I agree. I couldn’t imagine wearing a suit with these. Maybe a flannel trouser or cord

 

[savvysartorial]

Hello Gents.

Can these Barrie #8 shell shoes ever look right being worn casually like my #8 shell tankers on TB and not look "off"? Or are they best suited for CM dressy time since they are Barrie. And perfed.
View attachment 1059779

I haven't worn them out yet as my style has changed. I had listed them on B&S but pulled them as I'm thinking of looking for a shell boot trade.

Thanks!

What is CM dressy time?

Those shoes are gorgeous and I would not hesitate to wear those with chinos/jeans/ or a jean in khaki color. They're bluchers with naturally make them more casual, if one is trying to be strictly sartorially correct.

 

[savvysartorial]

How do you all protect your tassels on your tassel loafers when you put them away in shoe bags/closet?

 

[madhat]

Hello Gents.

Can these Barrie #8 shell shoes ever look right being worn casually like my #8 shell tankers on TB and not look "off"? Or are they best suited for CM dressy time since they are Barrie. And perfed.
View attachment 1059779

I haven't worn them out yet as my style has changed. I had listed them on B&S but pulled them as I'm thinking of looking for a shell boot trade.

Thanks!

Being brogue derbies I'd also say they lean casual. Similar formality worn with denim below

 

[Vocans]

I would say those are actually more casual than dressy. Traditionally, brogueing, medallion toes, and derby lacing all come from casual shoes. And the Barrie isn't really a sleek narrow last like in a traditional dress shoe. So if anything, those are traditionally not dressy shoes for shoe snobs. And they would look great with jeans, chinos, etc. At least that's my understanding.

Agreed, not to mention the antique edges which push it in a more casual direction. In my opinion, they're a great looking, casual shoe. However, there's no right or wrong answer on whether a shoe is right for you and your wardrobe so if you never reach for them it's hard to say you're wrong in looking elsewhere, either.

 

[audog]

How do you all protect your tassels on your tassel loafers when you put them away in shoe bags/closet?

One protects the tassels? I jut put the shoes in the bags after brushing them. I'm missing something.

 

[metranger8694]

I would say those are actually more casual than dressy. Traditionally, brogueing, medallion toes, and derby lacing all come from casual shoes. And the Barrie isn't really a sleek narrow last like in a traditional dress shoe. So if anything, those are traditionally not dressy shoes for shoe snobs. And they would look great with jeans, chinos, etc. At least that's my understanding.

I saw an instagram pic of MattGray405 and he had a pair of highly polished Alden/Leffot #8 medallioned boots he wore with darker blue denim. I'm no expert but they looked like Plaza's. It looked so awesome.


Perhaps I should finally polish these shoes and try on some dark denim. They'll probably look great but I will likely get shade from my blue collar friends.

Thanks!

 

[savvysartorial]

One protects the tassels? I jut put the shoes in the bags after brushing them. I'm missing something.

I've seen some things which lay over the tassels to keep them from having an Albert Einstein hair day!