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

[Shawnc]

Man, Monday has brought some amazing top 5 entries. I mean....WOW! Tough acts to follow but here goes......

5. Surprise last minute entry. The shade and design on these are incredible. Once I was able to slowly darken the edges, I fell in love with these Plaza's from AoC.....

4. Unlined BB LHS - should have brought 10 pairs when they went on sale. Ultimate cool shoe with through-the-roof comfort......

3. Modified Dearborns - would have made the list even if they weren't a present from my family. Hampton last, plain toe, easily my most complimented pair of footwear.....

2. Citishoes Splits - flat welt and barrie last make these my most versatile, and worn shoes.....

1. Whiskey Tankers - I mean, cmon, Whiskey tankers. Barrie last is the cherrie on top......

Biggest surprise non-entry - ravello utips......

I am fortunate to be flushed with 'exotics', yet over 50% of my entries are 8's. Truly king in my book!

 

[Don L]

My Top 5 which changes year to year.

AOC Wingtip Boot (Barrie) in Color 8

DC Ravello Cap (Grant)

Brooks Brothers Snuff Tassel (Aberdeen)

Alden SF Whiskey LHS (Van)

Leather Soul Choco Suede Tanker (Barrie)

 

[pedromvu]

What model indys are these?

It's called Union Hill Indy Boot, it was a special make up for Need Supply Co. several years ago.

 

[Don L]

 

[MrDV]

Man, Monday has brought some amazing top 5 entries. I mean....WOW! Tough acts to follow but here goes......

5. Surprise last minute entry. The shade and design on these are incredible. Once I was able to slowly darken the edges, I fell in love with these Plaza's from AoC..... View attachment 1282323 View attachment 1282327

4. Unlined BB LHS - should have brought 10 pairs when they went on sale. Ultimate cool shoe with through-the-roof comfort......
View attachment 1282338

3. Modified Dearborns - would have made the list even if they weren't a present from my family. Hampton last, plain toe, easily my most complimented pair of footwear.....
View attachment 1282341

2. Citishoes Splits - flat welt and barrie last make these my most versatile, and worn shoes.....

View attachment 1282342

1. Whiskey Tankers - I mean, cmon, Whiskey tankers. Barrie last is the cherrie on top......

View attachment 1282343

Biggest surprise non-entry - ravello utips......

View attachment 1282344

I am fortunate to be flushed with 'exotics', yet over 50% of my entries are 8's. Truly king in my book!

Fantastic picks. That lineup should get you deep into the playoffs. Maybe sub in the ravello u tips if you reach the superbowl.

 

[audog]

View attachment 1282404

YES!!!

 

[savvysartorial]

Not with Barrie, specifically (low instep keeps me from wearing Barrie), but I've had that problem with shoes/lasts that were a smidge too short or had a too aggressive taper on the outside for my foot shape.

Interesting. My right foot is the one that seems to give me problems. The pinky toe seems to be a bit wider and the 10.5D fits me great everywhere else but that one part of the shoe makes me feel it a bit more.

I haven't really had an issue with it except for AE's last (108?) with the Cornwallis. Very aggressive taper that hits me weird.

Yes. They are Leydon. I knew they were one off from Grant, but couldn't remember which direction. JSO1 knows more about them than me. They are ~10 years old from a European dealer. JSO1 bought them from Leffot and returned them before I bough them. I had them recrafted before wearing them because they were stretched out around the ankles.

I have to say, they are a bit oddly shaped to my eye as oxfords. My oxfords, except my Hampton lasted perf tip in black, are all chisel toes from Crockett & Jones and Alfred Sargent so a rounder, wider shoe looks a bit out of place. If they were bluchers I probably wouldn't have the same reaction every time I look down.

They are nice looking and very unique!

When you recrafted, did it tighten up the ankle? If so, why?

Madhat, thanks very much and a beautiful collection. Its really interesting to see everyone's choices and funny to see your narrative on your Floating Medallion King Boots. They are superb as are your others. I really love my Suede LHSes and if we weren't pivoting to the winter, my Snuff pair, which I wear a ton more than I post, probably would have made the list. Funny how the firsts always have a sentimental place in our hearts!




Looking very awesome today woof! The LHSes look great and the deck looks nicely patina'ed... ;-)




All of your choices are of course exquisite. Fun to see that you had nearly all boots (including runner ups) and that you really like the WT Boot pattern and the CT Boot pattern as they represented 4 of your 5! Really cool, I knew that I was going to be in the minority going with only 1 pair of boots in my favorite 5. Great choices all around and man those Cigars, lying on the side look just exquisite!




LoL Dog! No rush, I didn't want folks to feel forced to do it tonight and thought that it could be a sometime this week kind of thing! Look forward to seeing!




It is always great to remember those who have fallen for the things that we have and a great time of year to do that. Looking very good as you do it to!




Appreciate the kind words Shawn!

-Mike

Thank you, Mike!

It really puts things in perspective to see how a nation (and people) grew up in times of major war like WWI & WWII.

Nice pair!
Mine do; I'd be tempted to go to 11EEE, but I worry the heel will go too sloppy. Plus signs of excess volume at vamp.

Were you expecting more suede? I was.

Thanks! I told Yenni more than once I think that they were my ideal Alden boot.

I knew even before I read through your list they'd all be winners! Truly a grail collection.

Thank you! The new camera is really making me happy with the photos

I seem to notice it with certain socks more than others, even though I always wear thin socks with them. It's almost like I need to try your pen trick with that toe...

 

[savvysartorial]

Another new addition to the collection, as promised. More to come later this week.

Finally picked up a pair of Indy boots (my first ) and I am thrilled! I was really after the 270 (split?) welt like the original Indy. It slims down what is an otherwise chunky boot. I don't recall seeing this pair on the net much (ever?) in this configuration.

The antique edging really looks nice with this boot and while I was after a leather sole (unicorn tears), I'm coming around on Commando soles for less dressy models like this one as it's extremely versatile and don't feel bad about picking apples in it like my plain toe boots... The hand stitching is very well done and isn't squared off like I've seen on some shoes.

Very pleased that AoSF offers this and the Trubal last fits like a dream. I can't wait to stomp around in these soon.

Very clean welt and tapers the rear of the boot nicely.

Gorgeous hand stitching.

No Horween stamp like I've seen some have.

 

[madhat]

Another new addition to the collection, as promised. More to come later this week.

Finally picked up a pair of Indy boots (my first ) and I am thrilled! I was really after the 270 (split?) welt like the original Indy. It slims down what is an otherwise chunky boot. I don't recall seeing this pair on the net much (ever?) in this configuration.

The antique edging really looks nice with this boot and while I was after a leather sole (unicorn tears), I'm coming around on Commando soles for less dressy models like this one as it's extremely versatile and don't feel bad about picking apples in it like my plain toe boots... The hand stitching is very well done and isn't squared off like I've seen on some shoes.

Very pleased that AoSF offers this and the Trubal last fits like a dream. I can't wait to stomp around in these soon.

View attachment 1282433


Very clean welt and tapers the rear of the boot nicely.

View attachment 1282435 View attachment 1282436

Gorgeous hand stitching.

View attachment 1282437

No Horween stamp like I've seen some have.

View attachment 1282438 View attachment 1282439

Good looking boot! That's what Alden calls storm welt (note the raised part is rounded rather than squared)

 

[chipshot]

More black shell post lap swim.

 

[Alden Northwest]

The "Top 5" idea has been great. I will work on my submission this evening, going to be difficult as I have recently acquired some long desired boots but haven't worn them to make them a favorite yet.

But for Monday, Tan calf LWB from J Crew, one of my more versatile shoes.

 

[DocWatson]

"Don't baby the boots" he whispers to himself repeatedly as he gingerly steps around piles of salt on the sidewalk...

 

[savvysartorial]

Good looking boot! That's what Alden calls storm welt (note the raised part is rounded rather than squared)

Thank you The Indy hype is real! They look great; so good in fact that I almost forget they're handmade.

Ah yes, storm that's right! This Indy boot will always be the true one to me (storm welt makes it, in my opinion).

 

[audog]

Sherman Bros, color 8 NST for heading out

 

[woofmang]

Alden x B+M Unlined Color 8 Dovers today: