THE OFFICIAL ALDEN THREAD FOR 2020 - SHARE REVIEWS, SIZING, ADVICE, AND PHOTOS.

[audog]

Ok I'm officially sold on the sun fading. Going to try it this summer.

Also, is that the toe stiffener showing through?

I have a pair of color 8 NST's that are in the process of sun fading, started last fall, but winter got in the way so to speak. They still go outdoors on sunny days, but around here, those are few in winter....starting to fade, another couple of weeks in full on spring/summer sun should really accelerate the fading....

 

[nws]

New Indy’s arrived today. Natural CXL (AOC-94). Going to enjoy the patina that develops over time.

 

[audog]

New Indy’s arrived today. Natural CXL (AOC-94). Going to enjoy the patina that develops over time.

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Those are beautiful. Have that sole on a pair of boots (not Indy) and it is incredibly comfortable for walking. Great boot!

 

[nws]

Those are beautiful. Have that sole on a pair of boots (not Indy) and it is incredibly comfortable for walking. Great boot!

The boots are very light with this sole. The CXL soft leather and sole combined are so comfortable out of the box. They are built for some serious miles for sure.

 

[audog]

The boots are very light with this sole. The CXL soft leather and sole combined are so comfortable out of the box. They are built for some serious miles for sure.

I've put a lot of miles on mine, and they show very little signs of wear, although they have darkened in color a bit.

 

[Caligula77]

I’ve been having a love affair with plain toe boots recently. I’ve had some in the past, but sold them. I’m back on the wagon now. Just picked up TSM plain toe color 8 on Barrie. I really like the 270 storm welt with the “heel forward”, giving into more presence in the heel area than the typical 270 welt, but not as much heft as the 360 reverse welt. A very well balanced makeup IMO.
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“The eyes, Chico, they neber lie”.TM

 

[Caligula77]

 

[SLCRich]

And smooth tobacco in the "wild." These soles are so comfortable

 

[sazon]

Beautiful, Joe - enjoy those D5825C's! It's a shame you won't be able to wear them for approximately 6 months until the fading has completed.
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The fading...

Thank you BK ! They’re in the microwave oven right now getting a jump start on the fading.

 

[BAK]

Ok I'm officially sold on the sun fading. Going to try it this summer.

Also, is that the toe stiffener showing through?

Good question, but no, not the toe stiffener. I used rubber bands to preserve a faux cap toe line. If you look up at the collar of the boots you'll see I preserved a line there as well. Just a couple little design details I thought I'd have fun with. Depending on the light sometimes you don't notice the lines at all, and other times they're pretty evident.

 

[jischwar]

And smooth tobacco in the "wild." These soles are so comfortable

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Crepe sole?

 

[Omega Man]

Ok, please be honest here.
How many of you wear your cordovan boots/shoes out in the rain, snow or slush? I am an oldtimer here. I recall reading that if cordovan gets wet, it will bubble at the spots. Just need to wait for it to dry and buff it with a cloth and they will be gone. Nevermind the blooom. How about salt stains? Same way we treat regular leather shoes? A bit of vinegar and water and some elbow grease? Boots/shoes are meant to be worn, but I also want to "baby" them. You are spending a fair bit of $$ on them afterall.

 

[madhat]

Ok, please be honest here.
How many of you wear your cordovan boots/shoes out in the rain, snow or slush? I am an oldtimer here. I recall reading that if cordovan gets wet, it will bubble at the spots. Just need to wait for it to dry and buff it with a cloth and they will be gone. Nevermind the blooom. How about salt stains? Same way we treat regular leather shoes? A bit of vinegar and water and some elbow grease? Boots/shoes are meant to be worn, but I also want to "baby" them. You are spending a fair bit of $$ on them afterall.

I do, though we admittedly don't get much around here. Since I've got so many shells they're not as precious to me.
Yeah, there can be some water marks, but a bit of time or a full soak evens everything out. That's the thing to remember... Them getting soaked is going to result in less spotting than getting caught in a drizzle.

 

[aero25]

Hi Alden Bros, have you had any issues with TSA lines and steel shanked shoes/boots? I intend to take a pair for a quick in/out trip where I want to pack light, without additional shoes. Of course I'd intend to do the usual take shoes off and let them go through the x-ray.

 

[audog]

Hi Alden Bros, have you had any issues with TSA lines and steel shanked shoes/boots? I intend to take a pair for a quick in/out trip where I want to pack light, without additional shoes. Of course I'd intend to do the usual take shoes off and let them go through the x-ray.

If you are taking them off, there shouldn't be any issues. I have had problems when I didn't take off steel shank shoes, even in the TSA pre-check line, had to take them off anyway and go through the thing again, not a big deal, but........Certainly no where near the issue we had when the wife tried to get a cheese knife set (bought on vacation) through pre-check in her carryon bag......