The Official Alden Thread for 2023 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[barutanseijin]

BB black shell LHS.

I agree with @Shawnc. These are the most comfortable version of LHS. For some reason, this particular pair is even better. I wear them more than my color 8 BB LHS.

 

[M635Guy]

A couple days in a row of "Shoes I Should Wear More":

Yesterday was slipper-like bliss

Today is Tanker Thursday:

These are so dang comfortable...

 

[Shawnc]

Whadaya think guys, repairable……….

 

[acessmokin]

Whadaya think guys, repairable……….

View attachment 1892523

Ooooffffff

 

[Shawnc]

BB black shell LHS.

I agree with @Shawnc. These are the most comfortable version of LHS. For some reason, this particular pair is even better. I wear them more than my color 8 BB LHS.

Given my last post I am even more happy to hear your choice of Black over C8 as it may be my only option going forward. Enough about me, yours look great!

 

[sazon]

I was just checking - the annual price increase took black/color 8 cordovan boots to the mid $900s 😲

Inflation hits everything, but that’s getting very pricey. I have a few orders for 2023 but they will definitely be on a downtrend

I agree ! The prices are really making me be very very selective on future purchases. I know we go through this same discussion every year, but this last increase was pretty hefty. Handsewn calf models now north of 7 bills....Ooof

I think its especially for shocking for those of us who've been in this game 10+ years. Shell has increased 50% over the last 11-12 years. That's nothing to sneeze at.

 

[PACostag]

Does anyone happen to know of a retailer who has a Black Chamois RO Indy Boot on the neocork/crepe/wedge? Preorder also works. I've browsed a bunch and cannot find anyone with this makeup.

 

[Norwester]

Whadaya think guys, repairable……….

View attachment 1892523

Their brethen in Seattle are holding a vigil, but something tells me that is not going to buff right out.

 

[bemk]

Well, originally I wanted to proudly show you my 2nd pair of Alden Shells after giving them some TLC, but I had some bad luck with these. They are 2nd hand.

When they came I instantly noticed, that the stitching on the rear upper at the back inside was pretty loose and I can see from how the leather has rolled, that it should originate from someone getting in and out of the boots without having them unlaced sufficiently:

On the pictures I got, that part was out of focus and the seller answered that it hadn't been apparent to him upon inspection. They were in "excellent condition" he said, "7/10" he said.

Okay, my cobbler can fix it easily and so today I cleaned them, which was badly needed and treated them with Cordovan Creme as they were quite dry:

Upon arrival I had only slipped into them shortly to get a feeling for how much the sole was moulded and had put them aside as I was waiting for delivery of the care products.
Then I finally mounted a new pair of original laces, which I had ordered for them and got into them and laced them up for the first time.

And when I reached the first speed-hooks, I didn't want to believe my eyes:

This is even worse when fully laced.
I looked again at the pictures the seller had sent and the only halfway-frontal picture was cut off at that area, the others were from an angle which doesn't show the asymmetry, which - I bet - surely also wasn't apparent to him upon inspection and when lacing and wearing them.

Two days ago I had been a bit frustrated after unboxing them, today I wanted to find joy with them after giving them a fine treatment and now this. I will put them up on a local site for classifieds and enjoy my Cap Toe Color 8 Boots, which I had shown here a few days ago, until I find a nice Alden Shell edition, which matches my wishes. A new pair, I mean.

 

[GGMac]

Does anyone happen to know of a retailer who has a Black Chamois RO Indy Boot on the neocork/crepe/wedge? Preorder also works. I've browsed a bunch and cannot find anyone with this makeup.

Totem has one on 379X. Limited availability (8,9,11.5) and not sure if they will run again.

Alden x Totem EXCLUSIVE "The Lombard" Indy Boot - Reverse Earth Chamoi

Our very first exclusive Alden Indy Boot in Reverse Earth Chamois. This Black and Tan model is crafted using the comfortable 379X "Military" last. We chose the luxurious Reverse Earth Chamois that is supple, durable, and will look great after years of wear. All set atop on a super comfortable...

totemshop.com

 

[PACostag]

Totem has one on 379X. Limited availability (8,9,11.5) and not sure if they will run again.

Alden x Totem EXCLUSIVE "The Lombard" Indy Boot - Reverse Earth Chamoi

Our very first exclusive Alden Indy Boot in Reverse Earth Chamois. This Black and Tan model is crafted using the comfortable 379X "Military" last. We chose the luxurious Reverse Earth Chamois that is supple, durable, and will look great after years of wear. All set atop on a super comfortable...

totemshop.com

I forgot to exclude this one, my size is long gone

 

[GGMac]

I forgot to exclude this one, my size is long gone

Understand. Mine is also long gone and wish I would have pulled the trigger

 

[branpureza]

Does anyone happen to know of a retailer who has a Black Chamois RO Indy Boot on the neocork/crepe/wedge? Preorder also works. I've browsed a bunch and cannot find anyone with this makeup.

"Maples" Black Suede Indy Boot — Brick + Mortar

**Would you like to be added to the next order? Complete the Pre-Order Inquiry Form to add your size. See our Fit/Size guide Item Order Guide No: #HB0087 Order Inquiry Form Pre-Order Inquiry Form Trubalance Last 360 Pre-Stitched Reverse Welt Antique Welt and Sole Edge Sah

www.brickmortarseattle.com

These are pretty close.

They also have Reverse Earth but they're on commando.

 

[GGMac]

I love me some Alden suede. My first milkshake suede courtesy of our friends at Ealdwine on the left. The Redwood from AOM on the right flank the Hobson from David Wood. Milkshake, Tan, Snuff as a point of reference. The Ealdwine JJ Dr. Jones and Madison Redwood’s are my latest arrivals.

 

[BoydsShoes]

i can “fit” in an 8.5C barrie but since it tapers in the toe box i prefer to take a D and tighten the laces. it’s a little looser in the heel but i have more space for my toesies lol. im not sure if this strategy would work with boots though.

maybe a controversial take but im not in love with the barrie last, at least when its on my feet.. however, i do think it makes for beautiful make ups. i guess i love how it looks but not how it feels for me lol

Not controversial at all. This is similar to my experience with Barrie. 9.5C Brannock, tried 9.0D in Barrie, and it came close to ruining my foot. I have messed around with a lot of other sizes in Barrie, but basically, a size that "fits" bumps against my small toes and is too loose in the heel. Then it gets worse from there. The good news, is that there is so much made in the Barrie last, I can just ignore most make-ups, and concentrate on lasts that fit (TB, Plaza, 379, ML). Allows me to whittle down the potential purchases.