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

[madhat]

I’m sure this is a dumb question that’s covered a lot, but how much will Alden’s shell soften/mold overtime? I sized down 1/2 for some Barrie Tanker’s and it’s surprisingly snug on one of my small toe areas. However, if the leather softens I could see it giving and being more comfortable.

Sized down from what you wear in Barrie calf/suede, or the standard sizing half down from Brannock?
Alden's shell is the same as AE's shell and many others, being Horween. There will be some molding to your foot, but if you selected the wrong size to begin with I wouldn't expect the shell to cover that

 

[schweezly]

Sized down from what you wear in Barrie calf/suede, or the standard sizing half down from Brannock?
Alden's shell is the same as AE's shell and many others, being Horween. There will be some molding to your foot, but if you selected the wrong size to begin with I wouldn't expect the shell to cover that

Brannock. In fact, it’s even less sizing down than that. I’m a 10.25-10.5D brannock, the 10D in these tankers are a little tight out of the box

 

[MrDV]

I don’t like snug shell. I would rather wear 1/2 size big w an insole or thick socks than TRY to break in unbreakable shell. Or suede or calf for that matter.

 

[ymc226]

Color 8 Leffot Dover’s

 

[madhat]

Brannock. In fact, it’s even less sizing down than that. I’m a 10.25-10.5D brannock, the 10D in these tankers are a little tight out of the box

It's at your own risk, but I have had some luck "clearancing" shell when a last's taper interferes with my pinkie toe. I wear them all day then insert a pen on the outside of the shoe tree. I haven't torn any shell, but I do it gradually and don't expect too much out of it. You will basically be stuck putting the pen in after every wear unless you glue a dowel or other bump onto the tree.

I do agree with @MrDV that it's better to be half large than too small.

 

[schweezly]

It's at your own risk, but I have had some luck "clearancing" shell when a last's taper interferes with my pinkie toe. I wear them all day then insert a pen on the outside of the shoe tree. I haven't torn any shell, but I do it gradually and don't expect too much out of it. You will basically be stuck putting the pen in after every wear unless you glue a dowel or other bump onto the tree.

I do agree with @MrDV that it's better to be half large than too small.

Yea, I’m just going to send them back most likely. I have had too many shoes that fit poorly. It’s one thing if it’s calf or suede, those will eventually give in my experience. But I doubt these will

 

[madhat]

Yea, I’m just going to send them back most likely. I have had too many shoes that fit poorly. It’s one thing if it’s calf or suede, those will eventually give in my experience. But I doubt these will

Good call. I don't ever get the option of sending them back being an EE/EEE. I have to make do or pass along.

 

[madhat]

Got off a decently long phone conversation with Brian in DC. Good guy; definitely will talk to him in the future. I'm glad he was able to get me in on their order of snuff Indys on waterloc even though the order was submitted a few weeks ago!

 

[Vocans]

Just in from Yenni

 

[BackInTheJox]

Alden SF tan calf WTB.

 

[SLCRich]

Got off a decently long phone conversation with Brian in DC. Good guy; definitely will talk to him in the future. I'm glad he was able to get me in on their order of snuff Indys on waterloc even though the order was submitted a few weeks ago!

Welcome to the club. Brian sized me for them haha

 

[madhat]

Welcome to the club. Brian sized me for them haha

View attachment 1158892 View attachment 1158893

Nice! I'm glad DC decided to reorder since SF has dropped leather for commando!

 

[zippyh]

Ravello on Aberdeen.

 

[St Hubbins]

Rode the choo choo into Chicago today to attend the Leffot trunk show. The wind velocity was outside of my tolerances, but otherwise it was a nice day. I wore my whiskey LWBs.

Once again I was treated very hospitably. It’s always nice to chat about shoes IRL. I was able to try on some models and sizes I haven’t yet tried. The 1492 that I tried in 9E was surprisingly comfortable without feeling too big.

Maybe a little extra heel room, but not sure I’d want to go down a width and sacrifice the room for my toes. I wanted to walk out of there in those chukkas.

Another shot at the unlined LHS leads me to believe that 8D is my best size and I’ll just have to deal with the toes popping. The factory seconds pair I have in 8D must just be lasted screwy.

I also tried the tan suede NST which I’ve admired, but I’m not totally sure the style is for me. The heel being loose didn’t seem to be helped by the addition of laces.

But it’s still a cool shoe.

Now I have to decide how the 1492 stacked up against what’s sitting in the lab right now. I also tried on a pair of Quoddy for the first time and enjoyed those, so it might be just one Alden and a pair of Quoddy or a nasty credit card bill.

Fun day.

 

[JSO1]

Pretty cool inaugural makeup for Ealdwine -- I'm a big Atom guy so I might have to snag a pair. Would be my first alpine grain pair, but I love Hampton and commando...