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

[sterlingindigo]

My understanding is that Alden has used the Truebalance last primarily for Indy boots. For that boot I believe the over the ankle height combined with 9 eyelets/hooks contributes as much to the good fitting characteristics as does the last.
Several years ago I think Alden included in their stock line a low cut shoe produced on the Truebalance last, and some people referred to that one as the "Indy shoe", but it did not stay within the line for more than a few years. Also, I guess some retailers in recent years have offered a Truebalance lasted "Indy shoe make up". I've never worn a pair of Truebalance lasted low cut footwear so I will not comment on how the last fits and, or, looks for a low cut shoe.
So, my thinking is that the Truebalance last is a proven good fit for the Indy boot pattern but for low cut footwear the last has not had widespread use and, or, been especially popular. I am curious to know why Alden has chosen to produce so many low cut shoes using the Barrie last instead of the Truebalance last.

It’s a chunky look for sure but I like it for sodding around. The five eye feels and looks just like the big brother. There is a six eye through TSM I haven’t tried. But I expect that fits a little different on the instep. I suppose there only leaves two options for bluchers, an Indy stitch toe or a plain toe. I can’t imagine any other pattern on it.

 

[Vocans]

Speaking of uncommon boot lasts, Brogue has a pair of Color 8 u tips on Copley. Never seen a Copley boot before

Alden x Brogue Wheelers Boot

Features: -Copley Last-Color 8 Shell Cordovan-360 Degree Antique Reverse Welt-Commando Sole -Goodyear Welted-Made in USA Copley last has a higher instep than Barrie last. Fairly wide forefoot area, and a narrow heel cup. Very comfortable and looks sleeker than Barrie or Trubalance last...

www.brogueshop.com

 

[H. E. Pennypacker]

I used to view handsewn u tips aesthetically off-putting. Although, ever since I began lusting for a pair of C&J Galway 2, handsewn u tips have become more and more eye-pleasing

 

[Shawnc]

Plaza gets a lot of attention but for me, Hampton is my favorite dress-up boot last. On the left are my modified Dearborns on Hampton after I darkened the antique edges......

 

[DG123]

It’s a chunky look for sure but I like it for sodding around. The five eye feels and looks just like the big brother. There is a six eye through TSM I haven’t tried. But I expect that fits a little different on the instep. I suppose there only leaves two options for bluchers, an Indy stitch toe or a plain toe. I can’t imagine any other pattern on it.

I do not believe I've seen a five eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. Is it essentially the same "Indy shoe" low cut pattern that Shoe Mart sells , but with 5 eyelets rather than 6 ?

 

[sterlingindigo]

I do not believe I've seen a five eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. Is it essentially the same "Indy shoe" low cut pattern that Shoe Mart sells , but with 5 eyelets rather than 6 ?

There were two of us with five eye Bainbridge Indy shoes from Brick & Mortar a few, ok several pages now, ago. Hell, here’s another pic.

 

[JayDotz]

I do not believe I've seen a five eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. Is it essentially the same "Indy shoe" low cut pattern that Shoe Mart sells , but with 5 eyelets rather than 6 ?

Brick & Mortar has run a few recently in color 8 and cxl.

 

[sterlingindigo]

I do not believe I've seen a five eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. Is it essentially the same "Indy shoe" low cut pattern that Shoe Mart sells , but with 5 eyelets rather than 6 ?

There were two of us with five eye Bainbridge Indy shoes from brick n mortar a few ok several pages now ago. Here’s another pic.

I do not believe I've seen a five eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. Is it essentially the same "Indy shoe" low cut pattern that Shoe Mart sells , but with 5 eyelets rather than 6 ?

Also keep an eye on Leather Soul if they ever replenish their Indy shoe, also five eye. But yeah TSM is six.

 

[DG123]

There were two of us with five eye Bainbridge Indy shoes from Brick & Mortar a few, ok several pages now, ago. Hell, here’s another pic.
View attachment 1608428

Thanks for the photo of the (good looking) 5 eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. My guess is that guys who have this one and the Indy boot find that the boot seems to "fit better" (due to the over the ankle height, extra eyelets-lacing-support etc...) , but I am not sure about that, only a guess.

 

[DG123]

Brick & Mortar has run a few recently in color 8 and cxl.

View attachment 1608429 View attachment 1608430

I think those pairs look great. The low cut patterns reveal that the Truebalance truly is a (near) orthopedic style last. I understand that fashion is about looks, which is a separate subject. But for those interested in high quality footwear that is functionally sound, Alden's Truebalance and Modified lasts serve that purpose.

 

[FibroblastsMakeLeather]

Thanks for the photo of the (good looking) 5 eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. My guess is that guys who have this one and the Indy boot find that the boot seems to "fit better" (due to the over the ankle height, extra eyelets-lacing-support etc...) , but I am not sure about that, only a guess.

I am the other with the Bainbridge (see reposted pic below). I think @sterlingindigo summed it correctly. "They are awesome". The slight differences in design that Yenni implemented differentiate it from a 403 that isn't a boot. The tonal stitching and darker neo-cork are some of those things that make it different.

Regarding fit. For me, I find that the Bainbridge is more comfortable than my 403s. I love my 403s and have had them for 4 years but the Bainbridge is another level of comfort. I find the fit around the ankle of my 403s to sometimes be cumbersome. But I would think it is a personal preference And sometimes I just need to wear a boot...

 

[sterlingindigo]

Thanks for the photo of the (good looking) 5 eyelet Truebalance lasted shoe. My guess is that guys who have this one and the Indy boot find that the boot seems to "fit better" (due to the over the ankle height, extra eyelets-lacing-support etc...) , but I am not sure about that, only a guess.

I just wanted an Indy boot to wear for when it’s too hot for boots. I know, it’s always boot weather. But not in shorts. Not in shorts with my legs. I have years of skipped leg days.

 

[sterlingindigo]

I am the other with the Bainbridge (see reposted pic below). I think @sterlingindigo summed it correctly. "They are awesome". The slight differences in design that Yenni implemented differentiate it from a 403 that isn't a boot. The tonal stitching and darker neo-cork are some of those things that make it different.

Regarding fit. For me, I find that the Bainbridge is more comfortable than my 403s. I love my 403s and have had them for 4 years but the Bainbridge is another level of comfort. I find the fit around the ankle of my 403s to sometimes be cumbersome. But I would think it is a personal preference And sometimes I just need to wear a boot...
View attachment 1608434

Yeah, and the machine stitch is nice too. That color 8 that Jay posted though, wow! I think I would’ve gone with those if I had the choice. But I’m extremely happy with these and the Neocork is great.

 

[DG123]

I am the other with the Bainbridge (see reposted pic below). I think @sterlingindigo summed it correctly. "They are awesome". The slight differences in design that Yenni implemented differentiate it from a 403 that isn't a boot. The tonal stitching and darker neo-cork are some of those things that make it different.

Regarding fit. For me, I find that the Bainbridge is more comfortable than my 403s. I love my 403s and have had them for 4 years but the Bainbridge is another level of comfort.
View attachment 1608434

Sold ! I am IN when the opportunity for me to order a pair presents itself.

 

[FibroblastsMakeLeather]

Yeah, and the machine stitch is nice too. That color 8 that Jay posted though, wow! I think I would’ve gone with those if I had the choice. But I’m extremely happy with these and the Neocork is great.

I had to go back to his post, but yea. Those color 8 are truly superb. Issue is for me is that I have moved away from Cordovan and focusing on CXL and grained leathers.