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

[barutanseijin]

A pair of new shell loafers arrived today from TSM. Nothing really exciting for you guys, not rare shell or a quirky makeup or anything, just 987s. I like black shell, what can i say?

1. Unfortunately, they seem to have been jammed into the somewhat-smaller-than-it-should-be box with too much force. As a result, one of the shoes arrived with deformations/rolls. I guess these will be going back.

 

[Darkishhaddock]

It is “Legacy” cow hide from Horween.

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?

I read this on another blog: It is sourced from Horween and this particular leather tannage is called Legacy, a variant of Latigo calfskin.

 

[barutanseijin]

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 of 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).

View attachment 1543437

I only like the black shell chukkas. Best of the lot in my opinion. Go for the deal.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

A pair of new shell loafers arrived today from TSM. Nothing really exciting for you guys, not rare shell or a quirky makeup or anything, just 987s. I like black shell, what can i say?

1. Unfortunately, they seem to have been jammed into the somewhat-smaller-than-it-should-be box with too much force. As a result, one of the shoes arrived with deformations/rolls. I guess these will be going back.

I get the sense that all Alden's are crammed into a box too small for them (and the Brooks Brothers by Alden are crammed into an even smaller box).

 

[jischwar]

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).

View attachment 1543437

Seems like you really want these. If they are on sale, it makes them even more of a no brainer!

 

[Darkishhaddock]

I had been looking for natty cxl indy ever since Alden stopped production and I was too late to buy one. Panic bought this pair when it popped on eBay. Not feeling the wedge sole so far and may have to spend more to switch them to a proper stitched commando or neocork. Also, I noticed that they fit snugger all over compared to my other TB pairs. The owner had it resoled to a Vibram 2021 and that could be the reason for the tighter fit. Any recommendations for a cobbler that can resole it without sacrificing the volume even further?

 

[James1051]

I had been looking for natty cxl indy ever since Alden stopped production and I was too late to buy one. Panic bought this pair when it popped on eBay. Not feeling the wedge sole so far and may have to spend more to switch them to a proper stitched commando or neocork. Also, I noticed that they fit snugger all over compared to my other TB pairs. The owner had it resoled to a Vibram 2021 and that could be the reason for the tighter fit. Any recommendations for a cobbler that can resole it without sacrificing the volume even further?
View attachment 1543520

Great looking boots and while I'm not normally a wedge sole guy, I think they work (visually) on the natty cxl quite well.

Cobblers? Aram at AH One is a talented guy, I'll bet he can help.

 

[woofmang]

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.

That's what they make hoses for...

 

[Thrift Couture]

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).

View attachment 1543437

I purchased my pair on a whim, and couldn’t be happier. I you like the boot and the price is right, go for it. They go well with anything casual. I am a fan of the PTB, and I wanted to grab a pair in black shell cordovan. The chukkas filled the void.

 

[audog]

Does anyone else here find polishing shoes/boots a peaceful stress reliever?

That's what they make hoses for...

Yep, that's the method I used with the dog "stuff". Now for the rant, if one has a dog, or dogs, for GOD'S sake clean up after them if they poop in a yard other than your own. I stepped in it in my front yard (my dogs don't go out there) so I know it wasn't my dogs.....And get off my lawn!

 

[audog]

I purchased my pair on a whim, and couldn’t be happier. I you like the boot and the price is right, go for it. They go well with anything casual. I am a fan of the PTB, and I wanted to grab a pair in black shell cordovan. The chukkas filled the void.
View attachment 1543536 View attachment 1543537

If only 6 eyelet..........

 

[audog]

I had been looking for natty cxl indy ever since Alden stopped production and I was too late to buy one. Panic bought this pair when it popped on eBay. Not feeling the wedge sole so far and may have to spend more to switch them to a proper stitched commando or neocork. Also, I noticed that they fit snugger all over compared to my other TB pairs. The owner had it resoled to a Vibram 2021 and that could be the reason for the tighter fit. Any recommendations for a cobbler that can resole it without sacrificing the volume even further?
View attachment 1543520

I like them, even with that sole, but understand your desire to convert them to a more traditional Indy sole. In addition to Ah-one, there is Bedo's and Pekin shoe repair.

 

[audog]

Does anyone else here find polishing shoes a nice relaxing way to escape the crap going on in the world right now?

 

[Thrift Couture]

If only 6 eyelet..........

It's weird, but the 6 eyelet chukka always seemed a bit off balance to me. Even my Plaza last NST pair. As much as I like them, I don't find myself reaching for them too often.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

If only 6 eyelet..........

You sound like a broken record...

It's weird, but the 6 eyelet chukka always seemed a bit off balance to me. Even my Plaza last NST pair. As much as I like them, I don't find myself reaching for them too often.
View attachment 1543617

I agree. It's not a shoe and it's not a boot but (IMHO) it's not a chukka either.