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

[James1051]

Question for the group: suppose a pair of new shoes is delivered and one shoe of the pair is a slightly different shade than the other: one classic olive tone cigar, the other more like a mocha brown. The difference is not great but its there when the light hits them.

Can the shoes be re-dyed to get them closer to one shade or the other?

If not, would you keep or pass?

 

[Shawnc]

Hey @James1051, I have had shell's that arrived with slight differences in the shade and it is simply at this point not much of a problem for me. When I first got into this expensive shell shoe game, I would not dare accept less than perfection for my [insert indignation emoticon] $600 shoes. Fast forward 7-8 years and the differences add a bit of uniqueness and character that I actually like. And really, no one outside of this forum pays anywhere near as much attention to our shoes as we do. Stated differently, most folks won't even notice the difference.

Now, having said all of that, in my limited experience, the difference between olive-tone cigar and mocha is far more dramatic than 'slight'. It conjures up images of dark brown versus light brown. I guess the best way to opine would be if you could post a quick pic as I doubt that you would even be asking the question if the difference was as dramatic as the vision I have in my brain.

Lotta words without taking a position. Will do better if you post a pic.

 

[James1051]

Hey @James1051, I have had shell's that arrived with slight differences in the shade and it is simply at this point not much of a problem for me. When I first got into this expensive shell shoe game, I would not dare accept less than perfection for my [insert indignation emoticon] $600 shoes. Fast forward 7-8 years and the differences add a bit of uniqueness and character that I actually like. And really, no one outside of this forum pays anywhere near as much attention to our shoes as we do. Stated differently, most folks won't even notice the difference.

Now, having said all of that, in my limited experience, the difference between olive-tone cigar and mocha is far more dramatic than 'slight'. It conjures up images of dark brown versus light brown. I guess the best way to opine would be if you could post a quick pic as I doubt that you would even be asking the question if the difference was as dramatic as the vision I have in my brain.

Lotta words without taking a position. Will do better if you post a pic.

I do have a photo, but it is not mine and wouldn't feel right about posting it without the retailer's OK. Hope to hear from him later

What about dyeing them? Can't Alden re-dye them?

 

[Johnniegold]

Question for the group: suppose a pair of new shoes is delivered and one shoe of the pair is a slightly different shade than the other: one classic olive tone cigar, the other more like a mocha brown. The difference is not great but its there when the light hits them.

Can the shoes be re-dyed to get them closer to one shade or the other?

If not, would you keep or pass?

I consider myself fortunate to be able to marvel at two different shades of ravello on one pair of shoes. Saved me about $800. ?

Some days, I love the right shoe. Other days, I love the left shoe. ??

Finally, I have received many compliments about these shoes. I have yet to have anyone say to me:

“Hey man, do you know your shoes are two different colors?” ?

 

[Shawnc]

I do have a photo, but it is not mine and wouldn't feel right about posting it without the retailer's OK. Hope to hear from him later

What about dyeing them? Can't Alden re-dye them?

Makes sense. Most retailers aren't going to want you to post that picture and I don't blame them. I thought you had the shoes in hand or I wouldn't have even suggested it.. In my inexperienced position on this, if the difference is not due to extraneous factors such as one shoe being a display model, the difference in shades will not be corrected by re-dyeing as it is like caused by differences in the material. I have a pair of Strand seconds that were noticeably different upon receipt. The differences have evened out over time so much that the only time I notice it is when I take a picture.

 

[mdubs]

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ShoeTree, looking great in those particularly rugged looking Indy Boots today!

Love the colour of these JCrew Alpine LHSes. The additional dark pipping is a nice touch. Built for inclement weather with a hard Waterloc sole. Tank LHS, circ. ‘17. No longer offered.. at least for now.
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Chippy, those are looking great. Interesting how much a tiny detail, such as the piping color can make a design!

Finally warmed up. Ealdwine Davie boots in the morning sun.

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GGMac, those Chamois Cap Toe Boots are looking great on you and glad that you are getting some nice sun!

The Ravellos received the deer/sleeking bone treatment along with some Renovateur, fawn cordovan cream, a light touch of cognac wax polish and a hint of mirror gloss on the toes and heels.

Heading to an old friend’s tonight who are moving out of the old neighborhood after 25 years (we moved 2 years ago after 23 years).

I’ll wear these tonight.

I figured it was the least I could do. ?

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Johnnie, those Ravello Chukkas are a good way to great anyone as they are looking superb! Hope that you and a good time with your old neighbor and friend.

Well, last day of the month, so better late than never.

For winter in Boston, I find it's an absolute necessity to wear genuine Vibram brand soles. I found this out the hard way, trying to rationalize why the Alden/Goodyear AT sole was causing me to fall on my rear end whenever I encountered an unexpected icy patch. The final straw was the Halloween snowstorm when I was spinning out of control on my back while a car neatly avoided me.

So, the Modified Last CXL PTB (Alden D8816H) with All Terrain soles got an upgrade. Changed to Vibram Lug Soles using the MegaGrip rubber. Its a softer grippier sole (so the heel wears faster), but the safety improvement was huge. This was especially important for me because I like to go for after dinner walks in the dark, not knowing where I am stepping. 3 months, and no incidents, so it was well worth the added expense. And yes, the heel is showing some signs of wear, but heel replacements are possible even with one piece soles.

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Boyd, thanks for sharing those awesome CXL PT Boots! Definitely could see those boots, especially with those super heavy soles being perfect for a hearty winter!!!!

-Mike

 

[mdubs]

Leisure Sunday. Alden Unlined Tan Suede LHS.

-Mike

 

[barutanseijin]

Question for the group: suppose a pair of new shoes is delivered and one shoe of the pair is a slightly different shade than the other: one classic olive tone cigar, the other more like a mocha brown. The difference is not great but its there when the light hits them.

Can the shoes be re-dyed to get them closer to one shade or the other?

If not, would you keep or pass?

Like this?

I figure the. color will shift over time anyway.

Also, it’s rare that the light hits the left and right in exactly the same way. Shadows, angles to light light sources, reflections of other objects etc will affect how we see the left and right. On top of that, one shoe obscures the other when seen from the side. You notice the difference in color more because you see them from directly above. Most people won’t have that good a view

 

[FatTuesday]

Question for the group: suppose a pair of new shoes is delivered and one shoe of the pair is a slightly different shade than the other: one classic olive tone cigar, the other more like a mocha brown. The difference is not great but its there when the light hits them.

Can the shoes be re-dyed to get them closer to one shade or the other?

If not, would you keep or pass?

I think it's more common that shell footwear do not match than match perfectly. Many manufacturers use a coat of acrylic to color them. Once the acrylic wears off, the true colors become apparent. This happens gradually. I consider this a characteristic of natural leather and it does not concern me.

Other manufacturers use polish to even out colors prior to selling.

If you send back to Alden, they will prolly just topcoat them with acrylic.

 

[audog]

Leisure Sunday. Alden Unlined Tan Suede LHS.

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-Mike

Beautiful and I can't wait for suitable weather here to wear that color of footwear again. Funny, was looking at first photo and thought, OMG he has a spot on his suede!, Scrolled down and spot moved then I realized it is a spot on my laptop screen, so cleaned the screen and now your shoes look proper.

 

[Vincent George]

Question for the group: suppose a pair of new shoes is delivered and one shoe of the pair is a slightly different shade than the other: one classic olive tone cigar, the other more like a mocha brown. The difference is not great but its there when the light hits them.

Can the shoes be re-dyed to get them closer to one shade or the other?

If not, would you keep or pass?

Sure. A lot of people like different colored shoes.

 

[audog]

It's a slightly rainy day, but not so that Apex boots are out of the question.

 

[mdubs]

Beautiful and I can't wait for suitable weather here to wear that color of footwear again. Funny, was looking at first photo and thought, OMG he has a spot on his suede!, Scrolled down and spot moved then I realized it is a spot on my laptop screen, so cleaned the screen and now your shoes look proper.

LoL, I have done that same thing as well, thinking there was wrong with a photo or something to realize that it was a spot or smudge on my display!!! Looking forward to more being able to rock the beautiful suedes as well!!!

It's a slightly rainy day, but not so that Apex boots are out of the question. View attachment 1564407

Looking great AuDog in those lovely Apex Boots. Hope that they are keeping you dry and nicely supported!

-Mike

 

[chipshot]

Love the eggplant ? colour.. I can’t stop looking at them when the sun strikes them just right.

 

[mdubs]

Looking superb there Chippy!!! Loving those Color #8 Full-Straps!!!

-Mike