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

[jpm1]

Vintage 928 “Campus Bal” Circa 1988

 

[Nobleprofessor]

I really like the NST. But, these are my favorite because they have such a cool grain.

AND if anyone is looking for Shell Saddle in 11D Barrie, I posted a pair on the Alden BST thread. Worn once!

 

[Markfisher702]

Indy speed hooks pulling / bending away from the leather.

I just picked up these used natural Indys. All 16 speed hooks are pulled / bent away from the face of the boot as pictured. Laces snag on them. Have any of you Alden pros seen this before and/or have suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Don L]

 

[Vocans]

There's been some great Plaza Indy makeups lately and it got me thinking that I'd really like a machine stitched Plaza Indy modeled on a 405 using the updated, non-orange leather (see https://www.ealdwineraleigh.com/alden/405-original-indy-boot-1) and wanted to gauge if there was any other interest in a run.

I was thinking the following specs:

Plaza last with machine stitching
405 light brown calf
Matching eyelets and hooks (also open to brass)
Natural edge
270 storm welt (also open to 360 flat)
Neocork sole (also open to commando)

Assuming there's interest, I believe there's a retailer interested in doing a run so feel free to let me know.

 

[smfdoc]

I really like the NST. But, these are my favorite because they have such a cool grain.
View attachment 1344030 View attachment 1344031

AND if anyone is looking for Shell Saddle in 11D Barrie, I posted a pair on the Alden BST thread. Worn once!

Nice makeup with that scotch grain.

 

[smfdoc]

 

[MrDV]

Since I consider this my "home" thread, I got up extra early on Wednesday to go to an offsite meeting. It was dark, so I had to take the pictures in doors... My dog insisted in being in the pictures that day...

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I would tap for her to sit on the couch, she would sit, and then when I pulled the camera out again, she would be right back by my feet again...

-Mike

Charcoal for president!
2020

 

[MrDV]

Question for everyone...

What Alden shoes do you pack for a 1 week European vacation? I’m going to Spain in a couple of weeks. So I will need a pair comfortable for walking and a pair that can work in nicer restaurants, bars, etc. Weather should be temperate. I usually bring color 8 chukkaa for this kind of scenario given the versatility. Any other thoughts?

I took cigar tassels once, I was very happy w casual and dressier fits that week.

 

[ELClodge]

Indy speed hooks pulling / bending away from the leather.

I just picked up these used natural Indys. All 16 speed hooks are pulled / bent away from the face of the boot as pictured. Laces snag on them. Have any of you Alden pros seen this before and/or have suggestions? Thanks. View attachment 1344036

I had a single speedhook like that on my tanker boot. I took it to a local cobbler and he thought the speedhook just needed to be fastened more securely to the facing, like basically riveted more firmly (not sure how best to explain that process). Only downside is that you need to break the stictching along the eyelet stay to get in there.

 

[Profligate47]

I think as @Shawnc said, the antique double is really in your face. It's always a decision around these parts

If you look at the photo of my Church's Burwood bal, it is on double leather, with a light brown sole. But especially with color 8, I'd prefer a dark sole. I also have this model in black. I tried to get the Burwood in Color 8 but to no avail... Very useable shoe
My vote--double leather, dark...

 

[MrDV]

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Holy Crap!

 

[Misterg12]

Holy Crap!

Why thank you sir!

 

[ironclad]

Indy speed hooks pulling / bending away from the leather.

I just picked up these used natural Indys. All 16 speed hooks are pulled / bent away from the face of the boot as pictured. Laces snag on them. Have any of you Alden pros seen this before and/or have suggestions? Thanks. View attachment 1344036

Bummer. Sorry, no particular recommendations. But I will reaffirm that CXL seems far softer/stretchier than calf or shell.

I’ve also seen a lot of pics here where it appears guys are tying the sh-t out of their speedhooks as if they are lashing a yacht to survive a hurricane.

Whatever you do as a fix with your new-to-you Indy boots, take it easy on those hooks in the future...

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Went in to try on my newly arrived color 8 Indy's on commando with antique edge at Alden DC. Should get them via FedEx tomorrow.

Public Service Announcement for the brothers of the forum:
They had a bunch of larger (10 -12) of some whiskey tassel loafers and whiskey hampton lasted semi-brogue oxfords. A few were in E width. Didn't take notes on available sizes. There are also a couple of ravello semi-brogue oxfords as well. Nothing in my 8 1/2 D range.