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

[bik2101]

Anyone can comment on how van last fits for boots ? I don't think it's a common last for boots but saw one makeup on brogue that I'm thinking about but unsure of how to size

 

[James1051]

Monthly Steak Night at the local American Legion is tonight, so good excuse to wear the Jungle Green Suede boots. Complete with Golden Retriever hair View attachment 1145010

A Better photo than the one previously posted View attachment 1145018

I'm a sucker for green shoes and boots, and that pair of boots in particular is pushing my Green Button. Is that a Brogue makeup? Is it hunter green or a different shade?

Ok. Wife convinced me to go black cordovan Dr. Jones from Brick and Mortar today. Sean graciously helped me, and worked and with my wife to convince me to try something other than brown and color 8. It is certainly different from all my other Aldens.
Here we are together waiting for the ferry. She is wearing her Crockett and Jones Janes...
View attachment 1145023

Black shoes and boots don't get much love on SF, but I think those black shell Indys with the contrast stitching are fantastic. I'd wear the hell out of 'm!

 

[dqm45]

Found out earlier this week that I have a work trip to San Francisco in April. For a slack-jawed Midwesterner like myself, how long do you think they’ll let me loiter in the Alden shop? I’m penciling in a 4 hour block of time and packing a couple bologna sandwiches, just to be safe.

I have no idea how you would spend 4 hours at the store. To add some context, I visited the store last month. It was my first visit to an Alden store. I was looking for a Color 8 tanker in the TB last. They didn't have one in my size. The salesperson was friendly, and helpful in answering my questions. He put my name on a paper list (did I mention they are old school?) for their next batch.
I had a wander around their store. They have the more common styles in Color 8 and black. And several other non-shell models.
In spite of this being my first visit, I was in and out in half an hour.
I appreciated being able to view Color 8 shell first hand, but I still couldnt imagine spending more than an hour at the store.
Hope this helps.

 

[James1051]

How do people find the Plaza last fits? I know they say TTS, but any comparisons to something like AE’s 65 last or other shoes?

Wondering stuff like general amounts of toe room and heel width

disclosure: I have narrow (B width), flat, low volume feet. The 65 works very well for me in my standard size.

The Plaza is every bit as good, maybe better, for me. It is shorter than the 65, and narrow in heel (good) and forefoot (could make it uncomfortable for some).

 

[DWH]

I have no idea how you would spend 4 hours at the store. To add some context, I visited the store last month. It was my first visit to an Alden store. I was looking for a Color 8 tanker in the TB last. They didn't have one in my size. The salesperson was friendly, and helpful in answering my questions. He put my name on a paper list (did I mention they are old school?) for their next batch.
I had a wander around their store. They have the more common styles in Color 8 and black. And several other non-shell models.
In spite of this being my first visit, I was in and out in half an hour.
I appreciated being able to view Color 8 shell first hand, but I still couldnt imagine spending more than an hour at the store.
Hope this helps.

@ELClodge It was my first - and only - visit to an Alden store, also. I think you could spend more time if you try on various shoes in various sizes. Maybe you know your size so you won’t spend much time. Maybe you want to try out some less familiar lasts. That could take some more time. I too only spent about a half hour but now I can think of all kinds of size/last combos I’d like to try. I’d spend more time next time if allowed.

 

[audog]

Ok. Wife convinced me to go black cordovan Dr. Jones from Brick and Mortar today. Sean graciously helped me, and worked and with my wife to convince me to try something other than brown and color 8. It is certainly different from all my other Aldens.
Here we are together waiting for the ferry. She is wearing her Crockett and Jones Janes...
View attachment 1145023

We like your wife!

 

[audog]

I'm a sucker for green shoes and boots, and that pair of boots in particular is pushing my Green Button. Is that a Brogue makeup? Is it hunter green or a different shade?


Black shoes and boots don't get much love on SF, but I think those black shell Indys with the contrast stitching are fantastic. I'd wear the hell out of 'm!

Brogue Hunter Green Suede, called the "Jungle" Boot. One of my favorite suede boots.
https://www.brogueshop.com/collections/alden-boot/products/alden-x-brogue-jungle-boot
I like black boots and shoes as well, some people don't like black, but I find it goes with a lot and if one polishes them, always can look great.

 

[schweezly]

disclosure: I have a narrow (B width), flat, low volume feet. The 65 works very well for me in my standard size.

The Plaza is every bit as good, maybe better, for me. It is shorter than the 65, and narrow in heel (good) and forefoot (could make it uncomfortable for some).

Thanks, good to know. The 65 accommodates my left small toe that’s usually an issue on most shoes. I’m fairly low volume too, so even sizing down on the Barrie makes them still feel like clown shoes in the front to me

 

[Profligate47]

 

[ELClodge]

@ELClodge It was my first - and only - visit to an Alden store, also. I think you could spend more time if you try on various shoes in various sizes. Maybe you know your size so you won’t spend much time. Maybe you want to try out some less familiar lasts. That could take some more time. I too only spent about a half hour but now I can think of all kinds of size/last combos I’d like to try. I’d spend more time next time if allowed.

Truthfully I’d be surprised if I spend more than 30 minutes in there, but I am really excited to try some narrow Barrie or trubalance options. And from a quick search on their site, it looks like they have some narrow options in some styles I’d be interested in (mainly a color 8 ptb).

Also looking forward to Unionmade, and taking any and all recommendations for SF that people can throw at me.

 

[audog]

Nothing new in TSM seconds in my size, and I'm into bottle number 2 of a nice French white wine, so probably would order something, instead I'll just post here. I don't have a problem..........

 

[harveyrabbit]

Hi All,
I am looking for recommendations for polish/cream for 405 boots. I’ve been wearing them hard and would like to bring some consistency back to the color. Thanks for your help.

 

[audog]

Hi All,
I am looking for recommendations for polish/cream for 405 boots. I’ve been wearing them hard and would like to bring some consistency back to the color. Thanks for your help.

I say VSC or Bick 4. Use them on darn near everything and they both work well. They won't get a mirror shine, but will moisten the leather. Of course brush them, then brush them some more.

 

[Spunwell]

#8 Indy’s this evening while packing up and getting ready to head home.

 

[PootyTang]

Where is the best place to buy Aldens in LA? I think I wanna jump in with some black Indy's but I don't want to make the trip to SF just for the shoes. Who's got em in LA? Thanks!