The Official Alden Thread for 2022 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[classicalthunde]

Primary advantage is if the uppers need work. There may be a small price advantage but it is more than offset by turnaround time, lack of customization, etc. But if the upper need repainted, I would not hesitate to use Alden.

Thanks, I think the the uppers appear to be in pretty decent condition (see below). So I'll likely just send to Aram for a standard refurbish, replace the soles, and change the welt out to an antique welt...I've been dying to get my hands on a pair of Color 8 Brooks Brothers Aldens with the foxing on the heal, so super excited for these

 

[Shawnc]

Aram does really good work. The only thing I’ll point out is that from my understanding there is nothing standard about changing the welt. He can certainly do it but the process is more involved.

 

[barutanseijin]

Whiskey wingtips after another weird workday.

Not sure about these. I’m more of a dark shoes guy. On the other hand, whiskey can take on some nice tones as it ages.

 

[smfdoc]

thoughts on the cordovan black plain toe blucher for black tie tuexdo wedding?

I agree with @scurvyfreedman is suitable shoes for black tie. Keep in mind that most of the guys in tuxedos will have rented theirs and also rented patent shoes. Bluchers would look like redneck cousins in that crowd. Just remember that you can also go rent some shoes for the occasion. Have fun.

 

[Norwester]

Thanks, I think the the uppers appear to be in pretty decent condition (see below). So I'll likely just send to Aram for a standard refurbish, replace the soles, and change the welt out to an antique welt...I've been dying to get my hands on a pair of Color 8 Brooks Brothers Aldens with the foxing on the heal, so super excited for these

View attachment 1792858

I coincidentally just had Aram refurbish a pair of BB tassel loafers that I had bought on eBay, and am quite pleased with the results. (I already stubbed the left toe so that blemish is on me). You can text Aram and ask about what you want to have done; in my case I wanted as much of the cork replaced as possible, as well as the half sock-lining, so the shoes would mold to my feet. I had JR soles with Vibram heels and protector soles added so I wouldn't slip on the vinyl tiles at my office. The stitching work is top-notch; it seems it can be hit-or-miss with Alden refurbishing. I suppose the advantages of Alden refurbishing would be one-price for everything (shipping, for example, is extra with Aram), they have original parts (Aram created these sock-liners from leather), and free shoe trees. But if it's a special pair of shoes that you want to receive personal treatment from a gifted shoemaker then the few extra dollars seem well worth it. I'm already planning to send some more conversion work to him.

 

[classicalthunde]

I coincidentally just had Aram refurbish a pair of BB tassel loafers that I had bought on eBay, and am quite pleased with the results. (I already stubbed the left toe so that blemish is on me). You can text Aram and ask about what you want to have done; in my case I wanted as much of the cork replaced as possible, as well as the half sock-lining, so the shoes would mold to my feet. I had JR soles with Vibram heels and protector soles added so I wouldn't slip on the vinyl tiles at my office. The stitching work is top-notch; it seems it can be hit-or-miss with Alden refurbishing. I suppose the advantages of Alden refurbishing would be one-price for everything (shipping, for example, is extra with Aram), they have original parts (Aram created these sock-liners from leather), and free shoe trees. But if it's a special pair of shoes that you want to receive personal treatment from a gifted shoemaker then the few extra dollars seem well worth it. I'm already planning to send some more conversion work to him.

View attachment 1793046

those look great! Do you happen to have before pics?

 

[Norwester]

those look great! Do you happen to have before pics?

I only took one before photo (to text to Aram in discussing the shoes). The uppers were in decent shape, but as you can see the insole/foot bed was well broken in, especially in the heel. After refurbishing, the cork foot bed and heel pad felt pretty much like new. I am now enjoying breaking them into the mold of my own feet.

 

[Hisheirness23]

Curious if people wear the same size in Plaza last as they do their Barrie last, or do you go up a half-size from your Barrie last? My Durham boots from Ealdwine are my first Plaza last boots and I wasn't sure if it was the suede upper or the last, but these fit a little big across the ball of my feet (half size up from Barrie) and maybe I should be looking at the same size in Plaza as Barrie?

 

[barutanseijin]

Curious if people wear the same size in Plaza last as they do their Barrie last, or do you go up a half-size from your Barrie last? My Durham boots from Ealdwine are my first Plaza last boots and I wasn't sure if it was the suede upper or the last, but these fit a little big across the ball of my feet (half size up from Barrie) and maybe I should be looking at the same size in Plaza as Barrie?
View attachment 1793133

I do, but i’ve only tried loafers in Plaza. The same size might not work in situations where i’d be wearing thicker socks.

P.S. Nice shirt

 

[sterlingindigo]

.

Curious if people wear the same size in Plaza last as they do their Barrie last, or do you go up a half-size from your Barrie last? My Durham boots from Ealdwine are my first Plaza last boots and I wasn't sure if it was the suede upper or the last, but these fit a little big across the ball of my feet (half size up from Barrie) and maybe I should be looking at the same size in Plaza as Barrie?
View attachment 1793133

up a half from Barrie for me

 

[madhat]

.

up a half from Barrie for me

Me too.
11EE TB and Barrie
11.5EE Plaza…except for my wholecut loafers that are 11EE.

 

[sterlingindigo]

thoughts on the cordovan black plain toe blucher for black tie tuexdo wedding?

A lot of rentals are black patent bluchers. Doesn’t make it right, traditionally. Barrie last, shell, 360 reverse welt and double leather soles all just add to the already casual blucher format Traditionally, you’d want a plain toe oxford, wholecut or grosgrain bow pump loafer, in a 270 welt, single leather sole under black calf. Personally, I use a black shell plain toe oxford 270 welt, plaza last. I like the black shell plain toe 270 welt loafer on Aberdeen as well. Features I think you can cheat on; 360 welt, shell if they’re impeccably maintained, maybe a black cap toe oxford. I’d only pick one if you’re going to cheat. Features that I wouldn’t cheat on; single leather sole, closed lacing system, elegant last. The black shell PTB’s are at least five features removed from optimum.

 

[audog]

Mrs. smfdoc says I have too many shoes. She may have a very tiny kernal of truth in that statement. I was looking through prior photos to find a specific one and I suddenly thought "Oh, I had forgotten I had those." To justify their existence they were located and worn today. 6 eyelet reverse chamois chukkas.

View attachment 1792791

My wife says the same thing about my closet........

 

[audog]

Playing the part of an ill receptionist at the place I retired from 6 yrs ago.....Gauze in mouth covering hole, but hey, not complaining and have Blue Suede Shoes on, so all is good......

 

[smfdoc]

Wingtip Wednesday forum pals.