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

[slows2k]

I love shell but my heart belongs to suede, especially snuff. Chocolate brown is a close runner up. CXL is nice too, but regular calf never did much for me except for when done up as pebble grain.

Color 8 is king without any doubt.

 

[drjackal]

I think it’s a classic case of desirability driven by scarcity - if color#8 is as rare as cigar or whiskey, ppl would really be wayyy more excited about them

 

[FatTuesday]

TSM shoe train is supposed to be here today...

...dropping this off:

Spoiler: Something from Quoddy, too!

This is scheduled to arrive today, too.

Stay tuned!

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Stupid question, but is there anyone else on here, who likes color 8 and black shell more than the "exotic" colors? Maybe even prefer CXL or calf over shell? Asking for a friend......

I like Cigar and Mocha the best (bc I like dark brown), but I prefer color 8 over the lighter shells. Whiskey doesn't really do much for me. I've only seen Ravello in person once. I'm anti-black shoes except for the most formal occasions, so I find no use for black shell.

My dress shoes follow the same path. I prefer my dark brown (AS dark oak) oxfords in calf and oxblood over my black and lighter brown (C&J chestnut) oxfords.

I also like suede for more casual shoes (bluchers and slip ons) over calf and lighter shell.

 

[vnguyen_md]

I am a fan of the whole rainbow

 

[Mghart]

I no longer have any real desire for exotic shell at this point. Color 8 and black are far more versatile imo. The exotics look nice for sure, but to me I feel all the charm is wrapped up in scarcity and not the wearability of the color itself.

I'd actually take horsebutt over shell as I think it has a little more character with age. I think a really fine calfskin on the higher end of the shoe spectrum (Aldens calf is nice, but not amazing) is still probably the most versatile and theres a reason most mtm or bespoke makers use it.

 

[Akeem]

I prefer lighter colors in my footwear in general. Ravello is the GOAT, especially this older/lighter shade. My perfect Alden boot would be an Indy on double leather in this shade.

Scored an old gem — Ravello PT boot on 379X for the 30th anniversary of BEAMS Japan in 2005. Unreal color. Can’t believe someone resisted wearing these for 15 years...

View attachment 1451291

 

[vnguyen_md]

Those are just ridiculous @JSO1

 

[Commisar]

Good morning all, I'm looking to purchase my first pair of Indy boots, specifically the 405 in brown Calfskin. I got sized in Dallas at Culwell and Son, they suggested a 9D.

I am a 9.5D Brannock, 9.5D in all AE dress shoes, 9.5D in my AE 1757 last Higgins Mill boots, and a 10D in Nocona cowboy boots and all tennis shoes.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Note that I'll be wearing the boots with thick wool work/boot socks

 

[vnguyen_md]

9D

 

[Vincent George]

I no longer have any real desire for exotic shell at this point. Color 8 and black are far more versatile imo. The exotics look nice for sure, but to me I feel all the charm is wrapped up in scarcity and not the wearability of the color itself.

I'd actually take horsebutt over shell as I think it has a little more character with age. I think a really fine calfskin on the higher end of the shoe spectrum (Aldens calf is nice, but not amazing) is still probably the most versatile and theres a reason most mtm or bespoke makers use it.

I have navy and green from AE and am on a cigar wait list. But I agree—one shoe in each of these has scratched the itch for me.

 

[JSO1]

I prefer lighter colors in my footwear in general. Ravello is the GOAT, especially this older/lighter shade. My perfect Alden boot would be an Indy on double leather in this shade.

Those are just ridiculous @JSO1

Thanks for reminding me that I have these and still have not worn them.

 

[Vocans]

Black shell doesn't really do much for me unless it's paired with contrasting eyelets or a lighter edge or something to make it less murdered out. Color 8 is definitely king for versatility and I went with my Tankers today

With that being said, Color 4 and Ravello are probably my favorites.

 

[lcdx22]

Thanks for reminding me that I have these and still have not worn them.

Hopefully they don't go unloved for another 15 years

 

[Thrift Couture]

Not a huge fan of black shell cordovan, or the chukka boot. But I must say, Alden makes a damn fine chukka boot in black shell cordovan. Especially at seconds pricing.