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

[audog]

Color 8, cause why the shell not?

 

[AHS]

Hi all.

I’ve written on this thread before about my challenges finding Aldens in my unusual size. I wear an 11 AA/B on the Barrie last.

These popped up on eBay last week: cigar shell chukkas model 13132 in my size. I got them for a decent price.

The seller was upfront about the very different patina / color on them. The left boot still has its cigar olive tones, while the right boot front section has faded considerably and looks the way any shell shoe often does after years of wear and lots of direct sunlight.

I don’t mind some variation, but any advise on how to even the color shade on these boots? Should I darken the lighter boot with brown wax? Should I try to sun fade the front section of the left boot? A little bit of both LOL?

Thanks for your thoughts.

AHS

 

[JSO1]

Looks like the left boot's vamp got a piece from a different shell which explains why it faded differently. I think it's unlikely you'll get it to match the rest, even with sun fading.

 

[AHS]

Looks like the left boot's vamp got a piece from a different shell which explains why it faded differently. I think it's unlikely you'll get it to match the rest, even with sun fading.

Thanks. That makes good sense.

I guess I have no choice but to try and fade it. Any other options? Will brown and black wax darken the lighter boot? Anything Alden or a good cobbler can do with staining the shell?

 

[stook1]

Thanks. That makes good sense.

I guess I have no choice but to try and fade it. Any other options? Will brown and black wax darken the lighter boot? Anything Alden or a good cobbler can do with staining the shell?

Wouldn't Alden refinish them for you if you send them in? They'll end up darker presumably.

 

[zippyh]

Cigar Indy

 

[FatTuesday]

Hi all.

I’ve written on this thread before about my challenges finding Aldens in my unusual size. I wear an 11 AA/B on the Barrie last.

These popped up on eBay last week: cigar shell chukkas model 13132 in my size. I got them for a decent price.

The seller was upfront about the very different patina / color on them. The left boot still has its cigar olive tones, while the right boot front section has faded considerably and looks the way any shell shoe often does after years of wear and lots of direct sunlight.

I don’t mind some variation, but any advise on how to even the color shade on these boots? Should I darken the lighter boot with brown wax? Should I try to sun fade the front section of the left boot? A little bit of both LOL?

View attachment 1622867
View attachment 1622871 View attachment 1622870

Thanks for your thoughts.

AHS

I'd try sun-fading the darker boot. Cover the areas that are already light with paper & masking tape. Give it a week or 2 and reassess.

If sun-fading fails, I'd recommend redyeing them the same color. Wax or creme won't do much.

 

[audog]

I'd try sun-fading the darker boot. Cover the areas that are already light with paper & masking tape. Give it a week or 2 and reassess.

If sun-fading fails, I'd recommend redyeing them the same color. Wax or creme won't do much.

Sun fade is a hit or miss proposition ( mostly miss) the results may not turn out as the pre-sun fade mental image. But that is 1/2 the fun of the experiment.

 

[savvysartorial]

#8 splits for Friday Eve

 

[AHS]

Wouldn't Alden refinish them for you if you send them in? They'll end up darker presumably.

I'd try sun-fading the darker boot. Cover the areas that are already light with paper & masking tape. Give it a week or 2 and reassess.

If sun-fading fails, I'd recommend redyeing them the same color. Wax or creme won't do much.

Sun fade is a hit or miss proposition ( mostly miss) the results may not turn out as the pre-sun fade mental image. But that is 1/2 the fun of the experiment.

Thanks, all, for your thoughts. I’m going to try to fade the dark area of the one boot.

I’ll provide an update in a couple weeks. Should be interesting…

AHS

 

[saurabh]

Alden Color 8 Shell Plaza last Indy boots

 

[mdubs]

That is just a sharp boot and a great shade of Color #8!!! Enjoy them!

-Mike

 

[mdubs]

Thanks, all, for your thoughts. I’m going to try to fade the dark area of the one boot.

I’ll provide an update in a couple weeks. Should be interesting…

AHS

I was contemplating that pair for a few minutes but glad they landed in good hands. Agree with JSO, but hope they get to where you want them! Keep us informed!!!

-Mike

 

[mdubs]

Cigar Indy
View attachment 1622886

There is just something amazing about those lovely old Cigar Indy’s. Keep rocking them bud!

-Mike

 

[mdubs]

Color 8, cause why the shell not? View attachment 1622866

I see what you did there. Haven’t seen that one before. Those splits are top notch bud!

-Mike