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

[shoetree]

I have always worn "dress" shoes with leather soles and had rubber sole protectors (aka toppers) put on them. The 9794 LWB and 9503 PTB both have the oiled leather soles but I am not sure if rubber sole protectors can be added so I may just wear them and when the soles need to be replaced go for non-oiled leather soles and have rubber sole protectors added. I like glued-on rubber sole protectors more than the Commando sole because it is easier and less expensive to replace (3 glued-on sole protectors for about each 1 full resole) than the Commando which is stitched-on and requires a full resole when the rubber portion wears out.

My first ever pair of Dailnite-like full rubber soles came on a pair of Carmina PTBs I purchased last summer and the experience has taught me that I hate hard full rubber soles with the passion of 1000 suns. Softer/blown rubber soles such as the Othello sole on my AE Wilbert is actually quite nice and comfortable. So, going forward I will continue to use full leather soles and rubber sole protectors for my "urban" shoes (or blown rubber soles such as the Alden branded Goodyear or Vibram ones they offer on some shoes and boots).

I agree with your preference for sole protectors. If you walk around a lot on pavement it’s hard to find a better combination of comfort and durability than a double leather / sole protector combo. The neocork sole is also one of my favorites. Comfortable and nearly bulletproof. I don’t put sole protectors on oiled soles. I was told that because of the oil, the glue is not as effective. Metal toe plates are a good option though. I’ve put them on a few pairs. Enjoy your shoes in the city. The good news is that when they finally wear out, you don’t have to walk far for a repair or a replacement.

 

[sazon]

@djbanor Color 4 say WHAT ???

 

[NYCTechNerd]

I agree with your preference for sole protectors. If you walk around a lot on pavement it’s hard to find a better combination of comfort and durability than a double leather / sole protector combo. The neocork sole is also one of my favorites. Comfortable and nearly bulletproof. I don’t put sole protectors on oiled soles. I was told that because of the oil, the glue is not as effective. Metal toe plates are a good option though. I’ve put them on a few pairs. Enjoy your shoes in the city. The good news is that when they finally wear out, you don’t have to walk far for a repair or a replacement.

I don't do toe taps because they can ruin wood floors and get caught on some types of carpet but most importantly because I do not wear out my toes any faster than the rest of the sole (and don't like the clicking sound I hear when others have taps installed).

 

[Don L]

Dial 4 for...

View attachment 1588909 View attachment 1588910

Stunning

 

[mdubs]

Gentlemen, as you have seen, please find the recently run Color #4 Medallion Cap Toe Bluchers. Such an amazing rendition of this fine and unique blucher...

With my recent #4's...

And with their Ravello twins.

More pictures can be found here... Actual text to come soon!

Alden Color #4 MCT Bluchers – Alden of San Diego

aldenofsandiego.com

-Mike

 

[MoosicPa]

Gentlemen, as you have seen, please find the recently run Color #4 Medallion Cap Toe Bluchers. Such an amazing rendition of this fine and unique blucher...

View attachment 1589035

View attachment 1589036

View attachment 1589037

View attachment 1589039

With my recent #4's...

View attachment 1589038

And with their Ravello twins.

View attachment 1589040

More pictures can be found here... Actual text to come soon!

Alden Color #4 MCT Bluchers – Alden of San Diego

aldenofsandiego.com

-Mike

Great pics Mike, mine are do to be delivered tomorrow... can't wait!

 

[jischwar]

Which shop ran these?

 

[djbanor]

Which shop ran these?

Alden DC.

 

[audog]

Gentlemen, as you have seen, please find the recently run Color #4 Medallion Cap Toe Bluchers. Such an amazing rendition of this fine and unique blucher...

View attachment 1589035

View attachment 1589036

View attachment 1589037

View attachment 1589039

With my recent #4's...

View attachment 1589038

And with their Ravello twins.

View attachment 1589040

More pictures can be found here... Actual text to come soon!

Alden Color #4 MCT Bluchers – Alden of San Diego

aldenofsandiego.com

-Mike

WOW

 

[audog]

Been working outdoors all day in the other "A" company boots, which I must admit are going to be sold or donated. My feet are not liking them (Dainite sole). Switched

to a more "proper" boot for the late afternoon and trip to get a Shingles vaccination, which my wife tells me I need (?).

 

[NYCTechNerd]

I thought it was an AE thing but now I am starting to realize that I do not do well ordering shoes online, especially factory seconds, so this might be my final time (at least for the foreseeable future).

Would it make sense that if I am a good candidate for the Modified last, that I would be a 9E on Modified (confirmed in-person by Ronnie of Moulded Shoe via trying on several Modified lasted shoes) and 9.5D on Barrie (not confirmed by Ronnie but rather via shoes I currently own and were the best fit of any shoe from any brand before I learned about the Modified last)?

Should I try a 9E on Barrie and see if it fits even better than the 9.5D I currently assume works for me?

 

[James1051]

Dial 4 for...

View attachment 1588909 View attachment 1588910

Gentlemen, as you have seen, please find the recently run Color #4 Medallion Cap Toe Bluchers. Such an amazing rendition of this fine and unique blucher...

View attachment 1589035

View attachment 1589036

View attachment 1589037

View attachment 1589039

With my recent #4's...

View attachment 1589038

And with their Ravello twins.

View attachment 1589040

More pictures can be found here... Actual text to come soon!

Alden Color #4 MCT Bluchers – Alden of San Diego

aldenofsandiego.com

-Mike

Gasp!
Those are outstanding guys Congrats!

 

[chipshot]

Grab and go loafers for a busy morning Cigar LHSes

 

[lcdx22]

Dial 4 for...

View attachment 1588909 View attachment 1588910

Those are to die 4.

Gentlemen, as you have seen, please find the recently run Color #4 Medallion Cap Toe Bluchers. Such an amazing rendition of this fine and unique blucher...

View attachment 1589035

View attachment 1589036

View attachment 1589037

View attachment 1589039

With my recent #4's...

View attachment 1589038

And with their Ravello twins.

View attachment 1589040

More pictures can be found here... Actual text to come soon!

Alden Color #4 MCT Bluchers – Alden of San Diego

aldenofsandiego.com

-Mike

Great pictures as always. Super excited for my pair to arrive tomorrow!

 

[nbernie]

whiskey bal to get my first shot. Turns out I was scheduled yesterday. Walked to a bunch of pharmacies. No extras. Took the subway back to Brooklyn. As I pull into the station, call from one of the pharmacies I visited - one shot left if I can get back in 20. Hop on the train other way. Conductor comes on, there’s a track fire, no service. Run upstairs, get in a cab, make it with 1 minute until the shot expires, get vaccinated. Felt like a Seinfeld episode; can attest Aldens are not made for a full tilt sprint; these shoes now have quite a good memory associated with them.