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

[NYCTechNerd]

Rookie question, my shell shoes have a shell cordovan stamp in the sole. Does this mean my sole is also shell cordovan?

No, your sole is not shell.
And yes, it is stupid that Alden (and others) do that.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

Following up on this fit question regarding socks, does anyone change their fit depending on if they are wearing no-socks, thinner dress socks, or thicker "boot" socks?

I wear 9.5D Barrie lasted shoes with thinner/standard dress socks but I wear thicker wool socks with boots so should I size up to 10D for a Barrie lasted boot (which is my brannock and what I get for TTS lasted shoes)?

This never got any traction the other day so I thought I would try again...any thoughts?

 

[chipshot]

Had to roll with these today for hail and rain on my medical appointment this a.m. Alden Suede is comforting and the waterloc soles were the shizzle..

 

[JayDotz]

This never got any traction the other day so I thought I would try again...any thoughts?

When possible I go up a width in boots to accommodate thicker wool socks. 9D Barrie shoes, 9E Barrie boots....Of course, I’ll still take a 9D in a boot if it’s an exotic I really want.

 

[sterlingindigo]

Rookie question, my shell shoes have a shell cordovan stamp in the sole. Does this mean my sole is also shell cordovan?

No, they’re leather soles.

 

[audog]

No, your sole is not shell.
And yes, it is stupid that Alden (and others) do that.

Maybe they do this, so that when you are sitting at your desk, with your feet up on the desk, people will say "OOOOOO, shell shoes".

 

[Tseg]

Maybe they do this, so that when you are sitting at your desk, with your feet up on the desk, people will say "OOOOOO, shell shoes".

Dang, never thought of this approach, I guess I can stop walking on my hands now?

 

[jnik]

Didn't realize this was going to happen and almost wore leather soles today, dodged one there

 

[sazon]

Alden of Carmel earth chamois all terrain Indys.

 

[Johnniegold]

Tipsy Tuesday.
Whiskey.
View attachment 1543083

Not gonna lie... that is my grail.
Beautiful ?

 

[smfdoc]

Rookie question, my shell shoes have a shell cordovan stamp in the sole. Does this mean my sole is also shell cordovan?

I, for one, appreciate some of the makers who printed shell cordovan on the soles. It helps identify some of the vintage shoes I see. It is difficult to imagine anyone using shell on the soles these days, but it did happen in the past. I posted this old ad before, about 40 pages back, but it does show shell was used on some soles.

 

[audog]

I've never tried a neocork sole. How does it compare to commando for comfort? Is it waterproof? Does it seem to wear well?

I found this article today:

Rain…

In San Francisco the hottest time of year is usually the end of September and early October but rain and colder weather is right around the corner. My experience growing up here is that after the h…

theagatineeyelet.wordpress.com

 

[audog]

Alden of Carmel earth chamois all terrain Indys.
View attachment 1543409 View attachment 1543410

Great sole for snow, or mud (although it is a pain to clean mud out of the lugs, or dog poop out of the lugs). Great leather for winter weather as well.

 

[audog]

I should know, and probably did at one time, but what the heck is "Work Boot leather" as used on 405's? It isn't CXL, so is it calf?

 

[NYCTechNerd]

How would one style a Black Shell Chukka? Suit? Sportscoat and wool trousers? Chinos? Jeans?

What works with these (and what does not)?

View attachment 1532909

Following up to my earlier post, when would one purchase a Black Shell Chukka boot?
(assuming most of your wardrobe is casual for work and personal)

And you already have the following:

• Black calfskin oxford
• Dark Brown calfskin brogue
• Dark Brown suede PTB
• Snuff Suede LWB
• Cognac NST with rubber sole

What would you purchase before you purchased the boots shown below?

(Would it matter if the black shell chukka was 35% off retail? I am trying to not be the guy who buys something because it is on sale when I know there are other more sensible shoes or boots I should get first).