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

[galileo]

Whiskey in epidemic days

 

[M635Guy]

Crazy days for me - can't believe it's taken me nearly sixty pages almost the whole month of January to join the 2020 thread. I'll catch up to the thread shortly, but a couple wears from the last week:

 

[adrs1157]

Hi Alden folks!

Just got my first pair. I got a black plain toe boot with commando soles from shoe mart. I am super psyched.

So I have a bit of a noob question. What do people do with there new boots? Do you condition the leather at all? Is there a good break in routine that you use?

One of my concerns is getting creases that are symmetrical. Anyone have any advice toward that end?

Thanks in advance!

Just wear them! It's not healthy to worry about creasing. Even if you set in pre-creases that are satisfactory for you, it will be short-lived. You'll still get creasing based on your foot shape, gait, volume among other factors in the long run.

You also don't need to condition when new.

 

[lemmy127]

One of my concerns is getting creases that are symmetrical. Anyone have any advice toward that end?

Have perfectly symmetrical feet and a perfectly symmetrical gait.

In other words, don't worry about things you can't control.

 

[flylikeneagle]

My 3 yr old Color 8 PCT boots, TSM seconds. My first pair of shell boots which started my shell addiction.

 

[Vocans]

Morning all. Cigar captoes today.

 

[Thrift Couture]

Wingtip Wednesday, courtesy of Alden of SF.

 

[sazon]

Color 8 indys from Yenni.

 

[savvysartorial]

Maiden voyage today for wingtip Wednesday. Grant Stone in bourbon suede. They definitely fit the profile of gunboat!

Spoiler: Grant Stone Goodies

 

[darkclassic]

 

[audog]

Brogue Clint Boots (need brushed) and office floor

 

[PACostag]

Hi everyone,

New to this thread and to Alden. I don’t currently own a pair, but I recently liquidated my Red Wing collection, bought a bunch of White’s, and now the cordovan bug has bit me…

As of right now, the Indy and Tanker boots seem to catch my eye the most – thoughts an opinions on these two classic styles?
Being new to the brand, I’ve learned a few things this last week:

• Alden is among the BEST
• Alden does not sell direct or offer MTO
• That being said, your build choices are relatively limited to what a retailer as in stock
• Alden retailers only seem to routinely stock Color #8 and Black shell, making other colors nearly physically (and probably financially) impossible to get

Can anyone share what they wish they knew prior to buying their Cordovan Aldens (asides from how much money could have been stashed away, being useless in a savings account)? How do they compare to Viberg? (not that I have experience with Viberg, but for nearly $1k, who wouldn't shop around).

As a first time Alden and first time Cordovan buyer, any and all responses will be appreciated that help guide my first Alden purchase.
Paul

 

[sterlingindigo]

Hi everyone,

New to this thread and to Alden. I don’t currently own a pair, but I recently liquidated my Red Wing collection, bought a bunch of White’s, and now the cordovan bug has bit me…

As of right now, the Indy and Tanker boots seem to catch my eye the most – thoughts an opinions on these two classic styles?
Being new to the brand, I’ve learned a few things this last week:

• Alden is among the BEST
• Alden does not sell direct or offer MTO
• That being said, your build choices are relatively limited to what a retailer as in stock
• Alden retailers only seem to routinely stock Color #8 and Black shell, making other colors nearly physically (and probably financially) impossible to get

Can anyone share what they wish they knew prior to buying their Cordovan Aldens (asides from how much money could have been stashed away, being useless in a savings account)? How do they compare to Viberg? (not that I have experience with Viberg, but for nearly $1k, who wouldn't shop around).

As a first time Alden and first time Cordovan buyer, any and all responses will be appreciated that help guide my first Alden purchase.
Paul

1. It’s been said that it’s cheaper to book hotel and flight to a larger retailer to really nail down sizing as opposed to guessing, taking a poll, researching and making mistakes. Every foot is different and it’s almost impossible to give or receive advice on sizing without your foot inside whatever model it is.
2. There are no sales really. Familiarize yourself with the first page of this thread.
3. A rare shell opportunity may show up after 2 to 5 years and or having a collection of around a dozen pair or more first.
4. Give some serious thought to what styles work with what outfits and how you might wear them.
5. Be patient and be willing to wait for the style you need, enjoy the process.

 

[woofmang]

Hi everyone,

New to this thread and to Alden. I don’t currently own a pair, but I recently liquidated my Red Wing collection, bought a bunch of White’s, and now the cordovan bug has bit me…

As of right now, the Indy and Tanker boots seem to catch my eye the most – thoughts an opinions on these two classic styles?
Being new to the brand, I’ve learned a few things this last week:

• Alden is among the BEST
• Alden does not sell direct or offer MTO
• That being said, your build choices are relatively limited to what a retailer as in stock
• Alden retailers only seem to routinely stock Color #8 and Black shell, making other colors nearly physically (and probably financially) impossible to get

Can anyone share what they wish they knew prior to buying their Cordovan Aldens (asides from how much money could have been stashed away, being useless in a savings account)? How do they compare to Viberg? (not that I have experience with Viberg, but for nearly $1k, who wouldn't shop around).

As a first time Alden and first time Cordovan buyer, any and all responses will be appreciated that help guide my first Alden purchase.
Paul

You absolutely can't go wrong with an Indy or a Tanker; both are awesome boots, and both are timeless styles.

And it's not actually what I wish I knew before getting my first shell Aldens (because I was fitted for my first Alden - which was also my first shell - at an Alden shop), but getting fitted in person by someone who knows what they're doing is invaluable. I don't know where you're located, but as @sterlingindigo said above, even if you have to book a flight and a hotel to get fitted in person, do it. You'll save yourself a ton of time and money. There's a list of Alden shops near the beginning of this thread; pick the nearest one and go there. You'll be glad you did.

Welcome!

 

[oskrusa]

These are amazing, and the edges look lighter, @sazon did you do anything to them or is it just the light and angle of the pic?

Color 8 indys from Yenni.
View attachment 1326550