The Official Alden Thread for 2021 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[barutanseijin]

I went to the trunk show at B+M earlier this month, and as Misterg12 noted it was sort of like an open house. There was a table of the latest Alden stock on display but in just one size (not mine). I had secretly hoped the Alden rep would show up with a semi-trailer full of the various lasts in all sizes so I could finally try on the elusive 379X and Modified, but I guess parking was too limited for that . It was a pleasant atmosphere with people dropping by, and I did try on some B+M boots in Grant and Plaza, which I hadn't had a chance to try out yet, though I ended up buying a pair of longwings in tried and true Barrie. I love the earthiness of dark brown suede, and the free shoe trees and chocolates with each purchase helped the decision!

View attachment 1689293

For Modified, visit Moulded Shoe in NYC. (I know, a whole continent away). TSM has seconds in Modified & some other shops have the odd pair.

Brogue, has a bunch of 379x makeups. They’re in the SF area if you ever get down there.

At least you know Barrie works.

 

[audog]

Saddles with my namesake. He’s not looking much like a sheepdog due to a recent buzz cut, but it’ll grow back.



View attachment 1689303

Dogs in shoe threads are a major +1 point thing.....Nice saddles as well.

 

[audog]

For Modified, visit Moulded Shoe in NYC. (I know, a whole continent away). TSM has seconds in Modified & some other shops have the odd pair.

Brogue, has a bunch of 379x makeups. They’re in the SF area if you ever get down there.

At least you know Barrie works.

I have found that modified and 379 are pretty close in fit...kind of like Aberdeen and Hampton. or TB and Barrie, minor differences in all, but not enough to be "uncomfortable "

 

[Hisheirness23]

Another late-ish night at the office. Not complaining (actually the opposite) and just happy to be back! Celebrating Wingtip Wednesday with the Saunders Wingtip Boots from Jim & Matt. Still thinking of you, two!

 

[Caligula77]

Ravello CTB

 

[galileo]

Late wingtips

 

[BAK]

I very much agree. I appreciate commando for what it is, but I think it is being overdone currently. Double leather or waterloc is where it's at for me. More comfortable, feels more sturdy, and looks better without the black toe.

FYI, double waterloc leather sole Snuff Indy just posted to crowdfund today at Madison.

Spoiler: All State Indy

 

[BAK]

What happens at a trunk show?

Everyone's answers are mostly correct - it's a chance to view shoes, talk shop and have questions answered. Most smaller retailers can only invest in a handful of stock shoes, so it's an opportunity to view the salesman's samples of the majority of the entire stock program. It's not a chance to try on a variety of lasts unless you happen to be the same size as the samples on hand (most are size 8D), and even then it is only a L or R shoe, not a pair. And keep in mind it's only stock lasts - so no 379X, Grant, Modified, etc.

If you'd like to try on shoes or have a particular stock model you're hoping to purchase (maybe you need to try a couple sizes in a shoe to dial in fit) I'd suggest you get in touch with the retailer a week or so in advance to ask whether they have your model(s) and size(s) already on hand in the store. If not most retailers should be willing to order from the factory whatever you need in time for the event.

If you're just hoping to kick tires by trying on sizes (without intent to purchase immediately, which is fine) and the retailer needs to order in shoes for your request it would be courteous to offer to pay their shipping costs.

I'll be at Zahner's trunk show in Vernon, CT on Saturday, October 30 if anyone's in the area. Cheers.

 

[audog]

Loden suede Thursday morning

 

[FryingOilman]

Everyone's answers are mostly correct - it's a chance to view shoes, talk shop and have questions answered. Most smaller retailers can only invest in a handful of stock shoes, so it's an opportunity to view the salesman's samples of the majority of the entire stock program. It's not a chance to try on a variety of lasts unless you happen to be the same size as the samples on hand (most are size 8D), and even then it is only a L or R shoe, not a pair. And keep in mind it's only stock lasts - so no 379X, Grant, Modified, etc.

If you'd like to try on shoes or have a particular stock model you're hoping to purchase (maybe you need to try a couple sizes in a shoe to dial in fit) I'd suggest you get in touch with the retailer a week or so in advance to ask whether they have your model(s) and size(s) already on hand in the store. If not most retailers should be willing to order from the factory whatever you need in time for the event.

If you're just hoping to kick tires by trying on sizes (without intent to purchase immediately, which is fine) and the retailer needs to order in shoes for your request it would be courteous to offer to pay their shipping costs.

I'll be at Zahner's trunk show in Vernon, CT on Saturday, October 30 if anyone's in the area. Cheers.

This is good to know since this is the show that I plan on attending; I haven't been to one before. I recently discovered Zahner's about a year ago and have been looking forward to one of their shows. Excited to see a bunch of different Alden footwear without making the 1.5 hr+ trip to The Shoe Mart, which will eventually happen in the future.

 

[Misterg12]

Color 8 for the day.

 

[Mr Clemson]

Alden NYC (Madison) kindly agreed to run the Indy boot that I have been looking for with the following specs:

Snuff Suede
Trubalance last
Brass hardware
270 antique flat welt
Gold/tonal stitching
Double waterloc soles

This should look a little sleeker than the traditional Indy while still maintaining the Indy characteristics. Should also be very comfortable!

The pre-order is live if anyone is interested in this particular boot: All State Indy

 

[Alden Northwest]

FYI, double waterloc leather sole Snuff Indy just posted to crowdfund today at Madison.

Spoiler: All State Indy

View attachment 1689477

Good looking boot. A few minor changes from the pair that Ealdwine ran awhile ago. I have the Ealdwine pair so I'll sit this out, I do like the brass though!

 

[scurvyfreedman]

What suede cleaners do people use?

Spoiler: Wearing my Alfred Sargent split toes for the first time in a long time and they need a little cleanup

 

[Darkishhaddock]

Folks who wear different sizes in TB vs. Barrie, do you go up half length or half width. I’m thinking I’d be better off with a different size across the two lasts to alleviate some instep pressure in Barrie.

Quoting my own post since I did not get any response last time. I’m finding that my Barrie lasted pairs are now fitting tighter over my instep. Maybe I’ve spent too much time with TB or feet have changed. Any case, I need a new size in Barrie and I’m in Midwest, with no local retailers. I tried 8.5E Barrie against my 8.5D TB and there is no instep pressure but the length and volume is noticeably more (see pic with Barrie left, TB right). I can make do with thicker socks but wondering if anyone has any advice that will help me dial in the fit. Thanks in advance.