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

[NYCTechNerd]

I would ask all of you, fellow Alden enthusiasts, to join me in a moment of silence as part of my day of mourning because I will probably never wear a 2 eyelet Chukka. I know this will only give @audog more reason to push his love for the 6 eyelet demi-boot but I am simply not a fan of it.

Yesterday I visited AoM to try on Barrie lasted suede chukkas only to realize that my narrow heel will not work with them. The 9.5D was too long. The 9E was a better overall fit but by heel was moving way too much up and down as well as side to side. They tried a tongue pad on the 9E which mostly solved the up and down but the lateral movement was unnerving. I also tried a Barrie lasted unlined suede PTB to confirm our thoughts and the 9.5D is probably too long and not wide enough whereas the 9E was a better overall fit and no heel slip due to more eyelets and more lacing.

I will post later asking about the differences in 9.5D and 9E but for now I mourn...no Chukkas for me.
(Snuff lined on Goodyear and Tan lined on Crepe)

 

[lcdx22]

I would ask all of you, fellow Alden enthusiasts, to join me in a moment of silence as part of my day of mourning because I will probably never wear a 2 eyelet Chukka. I know this will only give @audog more reason to push his love for the 6 eyelet demi-boot but I am simply not a fan of it.

Yesterday I visited AoM to try on Barrie lasted suede chukkas only to realize that my narrow heel will not work with them. The 9.5D was too long. The 9E was a better overall fit but by heel was moving way too much up and down as well as side to side. They tried a tongue pad on the 9E which mostly solved the up and down but the lateral movement was unnerving. I also tried a Barrie lasted unlined suede PTB to confirm our thoughts and the 9.5D is probably too long and not wide enough whereas the 9E was a better overall fit and no heel slip due to more eyelets and more lacing.

I will post later asking about the differences in 9.5D and 9E but for now I mourn...no Chukkas for me.
(Snuff lined on Goodyear and Tan lined on Crepe)
View attachment 1593778 View attachment 1593779

Why not try the Leydon last Chukka? Or is unlined out of the equation?

 

[lcdx22]

When all your Preorders from last summer start arriving at the same time it makes you feel like am addict.

Another new drop. Grant lasted wingtip boots from B+M.

 

[lcdx22]

As someone else later to the game on Alden collecting (really didn't take off until 2018 or so), I've had a lot of luck the past couple of years on expanding my exotic stable. My $0.02 is that there aren't really as many high spend VIP only exotic retailers as people sometimes make it out to be (but there certainly are a couple). For shops without fully open lists, it's moreso cultivating a relationship with that retailer than anything else. Yes, one way to build on that relationship is obviously by buying a bunch of stuff from them but I can't even say how many pairs I've acquired just by regularly keeping in touch with retailers or just asking at the right time, and these are mostly shops where I haven't placed a ton of orders.

Even the larger retailers will only get an exotic allocation every few months (and smaller shops may go years in between) and if you don't put some effort into staying in touch with them from time to time, their run is likely going to be filled by the time they remember that random guy who bought one pair from them over a year ago and then never reached out since.

What he said. I purchased my first pair of Alden last May. And have been able to get my hands on rare shell since. As mentioned for sure buying from a retailer helps but it's not the only way. Stay engaged, reach out and ask.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

Why not try the Leydon last Chukka? Or is unlined out of the equation?

Leydon = too narrow.

I have been told by the experts (Moulded and AoM) that I can fit Modified, Barrie, and maybe Van (in that order) but anything else will not work for me due to my wide forefoot (aka flared) and very narrow heel.

 

[audog]

I would ask all of you, fellow Alden enthusiasts, to join me in a moment of silence as part of my day of mourning because I will probably never wear a 2 eyelet Chukka. I know this will only give @audog more reason to push his love for the 6 eyelet demi-boot but I am simply not a fan of it.

Yesterday I visited AoM to try on Barrie lasted suede chukkas only to realize that my narrow heel will not work with them. The 9.5D was too long. The 9E was a better overall fit but by heel was moving way too much up and down as well as side to side. They tried a tongue pad on the 9E which mostly solved the up and down but the lateral movement was unnerving. I also tried a Barrie lasted unlined suede PTB to confirm our thoughts and the 9.5D is probably too long and not wide enough whereas the 9E was a better overall fit and no heel slip due to more eyelets and more lacing.

I will post later asking about the differences in 9.5D and 9E but for now I mourn...no Chukkas for me.
(Snuff lined on Goodyear and Tan lined on Crepe)
View attachment 1593778 View attachment 1593779 View attachment 1593812

I have nothing against "normal" chukkas, just prefer the 6 eye Demi-boot.

 

[DG123]

Hello All,
On a Brannock I measure AA heel and ball width of B, size length of 12. For decades, in most brands 13B has been the size I purchase and wear, though the fit is usually not ideal.
I am grateful to Alden for producing the size 12.5 B model 405 Indy boot. It is probably a combination of the Trubalance last, that it is a boot vs low , the Neocork sole , the Thomas heel, and the work boot leather that provide me the best fitting and most comfortable walking footwear I've ever worn. Below is a photo of my 8 year old 405's next to my brand new pair of same.
Also, if any other Indy boot B width customers here at Styleforum could recommend for me a low cut casual Alden shoe model which is offered in the B width, one well suited for wearing around the house, I would appreciate it.

 

[FatTuesday]

Alden LHS 724 calfskin penny loafers this beautiful spring day...

...along with GS diver.

 

[James1051]

Hello All,
On a Brannock I measure AA heel and ball width of B, size length of 12. For decades, in most brands 13B has been the size I purchase and wear, though the fit is usually not ideal.
I am grateful to Alden for producing the size 12.5 B model 405 Indy boot. It is probably a combination of the Trubalance last, that it is a boot vs low , the Neocork sole , the Thomas heel, and the work boot leather that provide me the best fitting and most comfortable walking footwear I've ever worn. Below is a photo of my 8 year old 405's next to my brand new pair of same.
Also, if any other Indy boot B width customers here at Styleforum could recommend for me a low cut casual Alden shoe model which is offered in the B width, one well suited for wearing around the house, I would appreciate it. View attachment 1593828

Another 13B here who goes 12.5B on trubal and Barrie. I’ve found that Alden will make those sizes for you in anything if you get your name in on a preorder. Nobody stocks our size routinely. Not enough of us to make doing so worthwhile.

 

[DG123]

Leydon = too narrow.

I have been told by the experts (Moulded and AoM) that I can fit Modified, Barrie, and maybe Van (in that order) but anything else will not work for me due to my wide forefoot (aka flared) and very narrow heel.

What is your size in a Truebalance or Modified last shoe/boot?

 

[savvysartorial]

Thursday. Alden Black Shell Cordovan PCT Balmorals.

View attachment 1593703

View attachment 1593704

View attachment 1593705

View attachment 1593706

-Mike

One of my favorite shoes! They're absolute classics.

I think only a handful of us have this makeup, but it's so perfect and clean looking.

Hello All,
On a Brannock I measure AA heel and ball width of B, size length of 12. For decades, in most brands 13B has been the size I purchase and wear, though the fit is usually not ideal.
I am grateful to Alden for producing the size 12.5 B model 405 Indy boot. It is probably a combination of the Trubalance last, that it is a boot vs low , the Neocork sole , the Thomas heel, and the work boot leather that provide me the best fitting and most comfortable walking footwear I've ever worn. Below is a photo of my 8 year old 405's next to my brand new pair of same.
Also, if any other Indy boot B width customers here at Styleforum could recommend for me a low cut casual Alden shoe model which is offered in the B width, one well suited for wearing around the house, I would appreciate it. View attachment 1593828

Nice looking boots and happy you found something to fit!

You should check out Modified last.... You will likely wear the same size, 12.5B. Very tight and comfortable heel cup and a nice area for the toes to splay.

Call Moulded Shoe in NYC. Ronnie will be happy to help out.

 

[Sheepdog]

Where can I find a schedule for upcoming Alden trunk shows? (assuming any are planned in light of health concerns, etc.)

Thanks!

 

[savvysartorial]

Gents,

Looking to sell my 10.5D midnight suede Ottawa boot. Worn only a handful of times and the soles are basically brand new.

I haven't worn these as much as they deserve for a gorgeous boot, so I hope to find them a new home. Will ship with bags and the flannel bonus cloth plus three sets of laces (blue, Guarded Goods in the boots, and leather).

Please PM for further discussion.

Clearing out some Navy suede... Any 10.5D Barrie will enjoy these.

Selling Grant Stone NST boots.

Alden x J Crew - Navy Suede Wingtip boot - 10.5D - Barrie Last

Gents, letting go of my Navy Suede wingtip boots. A rare makeup that was offered by J. Crew in the 2013. Double leather sole and they've been treated with a healthy dose of waterproofer. Original box and brand new flat laces (in photo) are included.


Haven't worn them around too much, so let's get them to a good home!


Please PM to discuss.

View attachment 1593873 View attachment 1593874 View attachment 1593875 View attachment 1593876 View attachment 1593877 View attachment 1593878 View attachment 1593879

Posting here for visibility as well; full post in Alden B/S/T.

Selling my Navy suede WTB, 10.5D.

 

[DG123]

Nice looking boots and happy you found something to fit!

You should check out Modified last.... You will likely wear the same size, 12.5B. Very tight and comfortable heel cup and a nice area for the toes to splay.

Call Moulded Shoe in NYC. Ronnie will be happy to help out.

Moulded Shoe typically does not carry any Modified last size 12.5B footwear, so I don't believe I could try on a pair of Modified 12.5B. In the past I've tried to order a pair from them but the shop rep (s) have told me they prefer to sell only to those who have tried on a pair and, or, have been fit at their shop. I am in California , but maybe one day I will visit NYC and get a fitting.
In the meantime I respect the Moulded Shoe store policy, which seems to be a high level of professionalism and integrity.

 

[savvysartorial]

Moulded Shoe typically does not carry any Modified last size 12.5B footwear, so I don't believe I could try on a pair of Modified 12.5B. In the past I've tried to order a pair from them but the shop rep (s) have told me they prefer to sell only to those who have tried on a pair and, or, have been fit at their shop. I am in California , but maybe one day I will visit NYC and get a fitting.
In the meantime I respect the Moulded Shoe store policy, which seems to be a high level of professionalism and integrity.

They can certainly run a 12.5B, but then you'd stuck with that makeup.

Found one (probably not your style) in 12.5. There may be more.

#539 Black Calfskin — mouldedshoe

Algonquin Split Toe Modified Last Leather Soles Erco Rubber Heels Full Leather Linings Proudly Made in USA by Alden Shoe Co. To ensure your best fit and satisfaction please contact us to guide you through the purchase of shoes.

www.mouldedshoeny.com

Interesting, well best of luck with finding your makeup. Alden allows some stores to carry a couple of Modified makeups, but the legacy ones like Moulded are where Modified has its home.