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

[madhat]

Vintage Alden 977 Scotch Grain Longwing Blucher with Vcleat heel. Circa 1975. View attachment 1487373

When did Alden drop the v-cleat...did they ever move it in from the edge like Florsheim? At first I was going to say those aren't 75 with the cleat at the edge, until I reread and saw Alden!
Nice photo skills.

 

[jpm1]

When did Alden drop the v-cleat...did they ever move it in from the edge like Florsheim? At first I was going to say those aren't 75 with the cleat at the edge, until I reread and saw Alden!
Nice photo skills.

Thank you. I don’t know exactly when they stopped, but my guess is that the latest they might have used the cleat is the early 80s.

 

[sam67]

Thank you. I don’t know exactly when they stopped, but my guess is that the latest they might have used the cleat is the early 80s.

Was there a functional purpose for the cleat or is just aesthetic?

 

[jpm1]

Was there a functional purpose for the cleat or is just aesthetic?

It was to reduce wear on the heel. Traditionally, before there was rubber, heels were made of leather. Leather heels being the traditional shoe construction, many brands continued to use them through the years. Florsheim May have been the last to use the cleated heel in the early 90s.

 

[audog]

So I was on IG today and for you Pumpkin color Indy boots fans who happen to be a 10.5, Ealdwine found a hidden treasure in their stock. If they were my size, they would be on the way....

 

[chipshot]

Nice heads up for someone ^

 

[chipshot]

Unlined BB 8's.. such a fantastic shoe.. sorry they discontinued the model along with all the other Alden and C&J stock. Don't know who's at the helm but the brand is cheapening itself into oblivion.. Sad as they were the go to brand for my working days.. it kills me to see what they are doing to an iconic American haberdashery....

 

[audog]

Unlined BB 8's.. such a fantastic shoe.. sorry they discontinued the model along with all the other Alden and C&J stock. Don't know who's at the helm but the brand is cheapening itself into oblivion.. Sad as they were the go to brand for my working days.. it kills me to see what they are doing to an iconic American haberdashery.... View attachment 1487419

I totally agree with your assessment. They were my go to for workwear as well, until I found a custom clothier who actually measured me and did MTM suits/shirts/trousers. They all hang (BB and his) in my closet, and I wear jeans......times change.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

Unlined BB 8's.. such a fantastic shoe.. sorry they discontinued the model along with all the other Alden and C&J stock. Don't know who's at the helm but the brand is cheapening itself into oblivion.. Sad as they were the go to brand for my working days.. it kills me to see what they are doing to an iconic American haberdashery....

Me three. Brooks Brothers is not what it used to be and I am a 3rd generation customer of the original 44th and Madison store.

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Happy Friday - Cigar Indys today.

View attachment 1487377

Those are too nice. My favorite shade in the ultimate boot.

 

[scurvyfreedman]

It was to reduce wear on the heel. Traditionally, before there was rubber, heels were made of leather. Leather heels being the traditional shoe construction, many brands continued to use them through the years. Florsheim May have been the last to use the cleated heel in the early 90s.

I've seen Bedo's videos in which Steve restores Florsheims and installs a new cleat. Pretty cool.

 

[audog]

I've seen Bedo's videos in which Steve restores Florsheims and installs a new cleat. Pretty cool.

Steve seems to be a shoe/boot whisperer. Guy does magic.

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Steve seems to be a shoe/boot whisperer. Guy does magic.

I think he had one video where he restores old Florsheims and keeps all of the original nails from the heel and then reinstalls them in the exact original pattern. Something like 90 nails per heel. Such a great devotion to craft.

 

[audog]

I hope someone snagged the pumpkin Indy's today,,,,

 

[Vincent George]

I hope someone snagged the pumpkin Indy's today,,,,

I haven’t seen many new “405” pics lately. Would like to see if the pumpkin tone is totally gone...