The Official Alden Thread for 2024 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[Watchman1]

Cigar MCT on Hampton!

Cheers!

 

[sterlingindigo]

View attachment 2198313

Cigar MCT on Hampton!

Cheers!

The elusive Alden brown shell oxford! Been wanting a pair for the longest time.

 

[single_origin]

Is Alden suede (e.g. 6224L) treated with any water repellant out of the factory? In a fashion similar to Crockett & Jones repello suede?

 

[slows2k]

Is Alden suede (e.g. 6224L) treated with any water repellant out of the factory? In a fashion similar to Crockett & Jones repello suede?

Not that I have ever seen, no.

 

[JTMD]

Hi All,

Not sure where my question belongs but as I usually hang here, I'll ask you gents..

Does anyone have any experience using the company Reship? If I understand correctly they give you a US address, you get your things shipped there, and then the company re-ships it to you for a handling fee of around $15. As I live in Europe, this would be handy for purchases from certain US stores that refuse to ship overseas (I.E. shoebank doesn't ship Aldens overseas). In theory it sounds pretty nice. Easier, cheaper, and quicker than having my poor mother receive it and ship it on...curious what the downsides might be though.

Thanks in advance...

 

[smfdoc]

Happy Tuesday forum pals. #wearyourrares

 

[kubalondon]

I am looking at a penny loafer from Alden (cordovan leather, colour 8). I am normally size 9 in Crockett Jones (Harvard loafers fit like a glove). I experienced some hill slippage in size 9 US loafer (say one every few steps). Is this to be expected / normal? Mindful of it as the initial post here is indicating that cordovan leather doesn't stretch much, so don't want to end up with too tight shoe either. I am based in the UK so there is only D width available. Tried US 9.5 and was getting heel slippage about every other step (store said it's normal, but I am not sure..).

 

[jellyroller]

I am looking at a penny loafer from Alden (cordovan leather, colour 8). I am normally size 9 in Crockett Jones (Harvard loafers fit like a glove). I experienced some hill slippage in size 9 US loafer (say one every few steps). Is this to be expected / normal? Mindful of it as the initial post here is indicating that cordovan leather doesn't stretch much, so don't want to end up with too tight shoe either. I am based in the UK so there is only D width available. Tried US 9.5 and was getting heel slippage about every other step (store said it's normal, but I am not sure..).

I assume the Alden loafer you tried was on the Van last. For what it's worth, I take a 7.5E (regular width) UK in C&J Harvard and an 8E (slightly wider than average) US in Alden Van last.

 

[Texasmade]

Hi All,

Not sure where my question belongs but as I usually hang here, I'll ask you gents..

Does anyone have any experience using the company Reship? If I understand correctly they give you a US address, you get your things shipped there, and then the company re-ships it to you for a handling fee of around $15. As I live in Europe, this would be handy for purchases from certain US stores that refuse to ship overseas (I.E. shoebank doesn't ship Aldens overseas). In theory it sounds pretty nice. Easier, cheaper, and quicker than having my poor mother receive it and ship it on...curious what the downsides might be though.

Thanks in advance...

I've never heard of them but I can think of a few downsides.
1. Site could be a scam.
2. If size is off or there's a defect, returns are going to be much harder.
3. Import duties to Europe.

If you have a few hundred euros to take the chance then why not. The site could save you quite a bit of money.

 

[kubalondon]

I assume the Alden loafer you tried was on the Van last. For what it's worth, I take a 7.5E (regular width) UK in C&J Harvard and an 8E (slightly wider than average) US in Alden Van last.

Thank you. It is the Van last but stockists in the UK normally have only one width (D), which is in and of itself not ideal. Easier to shop at JM Weston here with different widths.. But then again, none of them are as appealing as these loafers in cordovan and in van last. Just look soo versatile.

And do you recall if there is any heel slippage to start with? I was told it’s a ‘thing’ with Alden as soles are stiff and takes time for the shoe to soften and heel slippage reduce.

 

[jellyroller]

Thank you. It is the Van last but stockists in the UK normally have only one width (D), which is in and of itself not ideal. Easier to shop at JM Weston here with different widths.. But then again, none of them are as appealing as these loafers in cordovan and in van last. Just look soo versatile.

And do you recall if there is any heel slippage to start with? I was told it’s a ‘thing’ with Alden as soles are stiff and takes time for the shoe to soften and heel slippage reduce.

I don’t recall with Alden specifically but in terms of shoes generally that I’ve owned, some have had slight heel slippage that went away completely after I’d broken in the shoes, while others that had slight heel slippage to start only got worse as I broke them in. Sorry - I’m sure that’s not very helpful.

 

[kubalondon]

I don’t recall with Alden specifically but in terms of shoes generally that I’ve owned, some have had slight heel slippage that went away completely after I’d broken in the shoes, while others that had slight heel slippage to start only got worse as I broke them in. Sorry - I’m sure that’s not very helpful.

To be fair, this is helpful. I am fairly new to these higher end brands so proceeding carefully and don’t want to end up having to sell my shoes that I ‘bought for life’.

 

[JTMD]

I've never heard of them but I can think of a few downsides.
1. Site could be a scam.
2. If size is off or there's a defect, returns are going to be much harder.
3. Import duties to Europe.

If you have a few hundred euros to take the chance then why not. The site could save you quite a bit of money.

1..indeed...that's why I'm making enquiries.

2. I suppose liability might indeed come into play should damage occur between receiving and re-shipping. In this case no returns are accepted anyways.

3. I imagine that I'll be paying duty on imported goods no matter the method of shipping. By sending them to my mother instead of the re-shipping company I'll also get hit with $100 in US/State taxes. The 15% Switzerland is enough. Another 10% to the US/illinois/Crook county every time I want a pair of Aldens is an unnecessary add on


Again, not a matter of having a few hundred to take the chance versus trying to find out if it's a viable option for orders out of the US. I actually had someone on a shoe forum recommend the service. I'm not just pulling this out of my rear.

I mostly see positive reviews of the service but was hoping someone here might know more..

 

[Markintosh]

Happy Tuesday forum pals. #wearyourrares

View attachment 2198811

Whiskey Cordovan?

 

[Markintosh]

I am looking at a penny loafer from Alden (cordovan leather, colour 8). I am normally size 9 in Crockett Jones (Harvard loafers fit like a glove). I experienced some hill slippage in size 9 US loafer (say one every few steps). Is this to be expected / normal? Mindful of it as the initial post here is indicating that cordovan leather doesn't stretch much, so don't want to end up with too tight shoe either. I am based in the UK so there is only D width available. Tried US 9.5 and was getting heel slippage about every other step (store said it's normal, but I am not sure..).

If it's helpful...I have a high instep - I have C&J Boston G fitting 10.5 UK fits very well, same in C&J Pembroke 10.5 UK G fitting, in Alden Van last, I take an 11E, fit is amazing...VERY comfortable...no heel slip....