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The Official Alden Thread for 2019 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

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madhat

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Gentlemen,

I just purchased my first Alden boot from TheShoeMart: Indy (86968HC) Color 8, TB Last, 270 Flat Welt, Antique Edge, Commando Sole. These were purchased as Seconds but they look like NOS Firsts (Y/M code 9A).

First, should I be concerned that these boots are 10.5 years old? The leather, lining, edges and soles all look great. No signs of drying, cracking or anything visible to me.

Second, they came without shoe bags. If I contact TSM, do you believe they would rectify this matter.

Fit is great and I would like to keep them, but I don’t want to make an expensive mistake, especially on my first Alden purchase.
Congrats! Sounds like a great boot - need pics!

First, are you sure they're 10 years old, and not made earlier this year? Second, there's a huge market for vintage shoes; there's guys on the vintage thread wearing shoes from the as far back as 40s (that in some cases started as NOS). Some conditioning of the uppers/insides would be a good idea if they are in fact 10 years old, but I wouldn't hesitate to daily wear.

I wouldn't expect seconds to come with bags; you can always buy some if you need them from Alden or generic ones.
 

bigdreams

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bigdreams

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Thank you everyone for your replies.

The reason I thought they might be NOS, when I called TSM CS to see if she could verify the edge color (photo was black), she looked it up in the system and said they were really old but they have sold many in the past. Either way looks like I’m good!
 

Shawnc

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Cassadine

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Thank you everyone for your replies.

The reason I thought they might be NOS, when I called TSM CS to see if she could verify the edge color (photo was black), she looked it up in the system and said they were really old but they have sold many in the past. Either way looks like I’m good!

I'm wondering of they have any more. I really like the welt on that, as well.
 

schuermang

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Hey all! Pretty new to the GYW scene, trying my hand at some Vibergs and want to expand my collection with some Aldens soon. Can anyone comment on the 2030 last compared to Barrie/Trubalance? I'm essentially a 10E on a brannock, as my right foot is bigger than my left. Thanks!
 

woofmang

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Hey all! Pretty new to the GYW scene, trying my hand at some Vibergs and want to expand my collection with some Aldens soon. Can anyone comment on the 2030 last compared to Barrie/Trubalance? I'm essentially a 10E on a brannock, as my right foot is bigger than my left. Thanks!
I'm usually a 9.5E or a 10D; my Barrie Oxfords are 9E and fit me to a T. My 2030s are size 9 and feel considerably roomier in the toe box (both heighth and width) and a little bit looser in the heel than the Barries.
 

caffed

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Hey all! Pretty new to the GYW scene, trying my hand at some Vibergs and want to expand my collection with some Aldens soon. Can anyone comment on the 2030 last compared to Barrie/Trubalance? I'm essentially a 10E on a brannock, as my right foot is bigger than my left. Thanks!
I get the same size with Barrie/trubalance as 2030.

I find that they go from narrow to wide in this order : Barrie>2030>Trubalance

A 10B/D tubalance is wide and might fit fine while you’ll definitely want to get a 10C/E Barrie.
 

schuermang

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I get the same size with Barrie/trubalance as 2030.

I find that they go from narrow to wide in this order : Barrie>2030>Trubalance

A 10B/D tubalance is wide and might fit fine while you’ll definitely want to get a 10C/E Barrie.

Interesting, I'm rocking a 9.5 now on the 2030 and think that's the best fitting boot I've ever had. So a 10E on the Barrie is what I need you think?
 
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