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

Markintosh

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GBMLC (God bless my local cobbler - LOL)....just got my new unworn 975 black cordovans back...I'm AMAZED at what they were able to do...SO worth it...$25 and back in 3 days, versus shipping to East Coast...I'm so happy with these...these are my favorite Alden models...I just love them...check out he before and after pictures....You can see the white crusty stuff on the pic on the left, that's dried glue..so not only did they resew it, but they were able to clean the glue off...this cobbler I use also does high end leather bag repair...I'm so pleased with the results...Happy Alden Fan Boy Here!!!!!

Screenshot 2024-09-10 at 4.21.16 PM.png
 

Markintosh

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jnik

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Hi All,

It has been a while but I have a question.

I wore of my favorite pairs today. The soles, commando, have been on the way out for a while now but today I wore through the leather behind my heel (not the bottom, but in back).

If I send to Alden, will they fix both? Or am I better sending to another cobbler?

Second, has anyone used TSM's "in house" service? Last time I was there they told me about it but I haven't had the need since.

Oh and a pic of them.

Thanks everyone
 

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tuna roll

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Feb 11, 2024
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GBMLC (God bless my local cobbler - LOL)....just got my new unworn 975 black cordovans back...I'm AMAZED at what they were able to do...SO worth it...$25 and back in 3 days, versus shipping to East Coast...I'm so happy with these...these are my favorite Alden models...I just love them...check out he before and after pictures....You can see the white crusty stuff on the pic on the left, that's dried glue..so not only did they resew it, but they were able to clean the glue off...this cobbler I use also does high end leather bag repair...I'm so pleased with the results...Happy Alden Fan Boy Here!!!!!

View attachment 2243589
nice fix indeed! I know the 975 is a classic, but black shell is my favorite material for longwings. It just adds to the ruggedness of the design.

I have that same defect in a pair of LHS (missing stitching in a corner of the strap). Good to know it’s an easy fix. I would keep my PTB and fix them if it was a similar defect, but there’s a whole area of stitching missing.
 

CLH03

Senior Member
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Jan 27, 2023
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Hi All,

It has been a while but I have a question.

I wore of my favorite pairs today. The soles, commando, have been on the way out for a while now but today I wore through the leather behind my heel (not the bottom, but in back).

If I send to Alden, will they fix both? Or am I better sending to another cobbler?

Second, has anyone used TSM's "in house" service? Last time I was there they told me about it but I haven't had the need since.

Oh and a pic of them.

Thanks everyone
They will fix both, along with the insole if you just ask for a full recraft
 

Markintosh

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
260
Reaction score
505
Hi All,

It has been a while but I have a question.

I wore of my favorite pairs today. The soles, commando, have been on the way out for a while now but today I wore through the leather behind my heel (not the bottom, but in back).

If I send to Alden, will they fix both? Or am I better sending to another cobbler?

Second, has anyone used TSM's "in house" service? Last time I was there they told me about it but I haven't had the need since.

Oh and a pic of them.

Thanks everyone
I’d be interested in seeing a picture of how it wore out. I like the commando soul I was under the impression that it was rubber in two sections - front and back - and then leather in the middle. I’ve got a special make up coming soon using this commando soul that AOSF makes but i’ve never seen one that has somewhere so I’d be interested to see this
 

jnik

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I’d be interested in seeing a picture of how it wore out. I like the commando soul I was under the impression that it was rubber in two sections - front and back - and then leather in the middle. I’ve got a special make up coming soon using this commando soul that AOSF makes but i’ve never seen one that has somewhere so I’d be interested to see this
I don't have a picture right now. The rubber sections are not worn much at all. However, the stitching, which holds the rubber on has been worn through in a number of places. The adhesive used to hold the rubber in place is not so strong, so once the stitching wears, the rubber starts to come off the sole. I have reglued in places, which held well, but if they are going for repair anyway I figured I would do both.
 

Hisheirness23

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I don't have a picture right now. The rubber sections are not worn much at all. However, the stitching, which holds the rubber on has been worn through in a number of places. The adhesive used to hold the rubber in place is not so strong, so once the stitching wears, the rubber starts to come off the sole. I have reglued in places, which held well, but if they are going for repair anyway I figured I would do both.
Unfortunately, this is common on the Commando soles. Another reason why I prefer double leather (besides it being more comfortable for me). Most cobblers can fix this easily though.
 

kmarriner

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2010
Messages
86
Reaction score
171
GBMLC (God bless my local cobbler - LOL)....just got my new unworn 975 black cordovans back...I'm AMAZED at what they were able to do...SO worth it...$25 and back in 3 days, versus shipping to East Coast...I'm so happy with these...these are my favorite Alden models...I just love them...check out he before and after pictures....You can see the white crusty stuff on the pic on the left, that's dried glue..so not only did they resew it, but they were able to clean the glue off...this cobbler I use also does high end leather bag repair...I'm so pleased with the results...Happy Alden Fan Boy Here!!!!!

View attachment 2243589

Those came out really well! I am still in the search for a good cobbler near me, its not the easiest thing to find reviews for.
 

fattybfat

Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
22
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15
Hello, I would like to get the LWB and the seller send me this pic. Can someone please let me know the circled area are blemishes or is something that can be buff off? Is it something to concern about. I am unable to travel to the actual shop thus I would need to rely on pics and your opinion to decide. Appreciate your feedback.

Also i Wear u.s. 7 in vans and Aberdeen last so I would expect 6.5 in Barrie should fit am I right? Thanks
 

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CLH03

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Hello, I would like to get the LWB and the seller send me this pic. Can someone please let me know the circled area are blemishes or is something that can be buff off? Is it something to concern about. I am unable to travel to the actual shop thus I would need to rely on pics and your opinion to decide. Appreciate your feedback.

Also i Wear u.s. 7 in vans and Aberdeen last so I would expect 6.5 in Barrie should fit am I right? Thanks
They look great. That circled stuff is called bloom, very easy to brush off. It’s just oil from the shell cordovan, very normal. 6.5 Barrie should work, most size down 1/2 size vs. Aberdeen. Are you talking Vans the skate shoes brand or Van last?
 
Last edited:

Shawnc

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Hello, I would like to get the LWB and the seller send me this pic. Can someone please let me know the circled area are blemishes or is something that can be buff off? Is it something to concern about. I am unable to travel to the actual shop thus I would need to rely on pics and your opinion to decide. Appreciate your feedback.

Also i Wear u.s. 7 in vans and Aberdeen last so I would expect 6.5 in Barrie should fit am I right? Thanks

I agree with @CLH03 on the blemish. The bloom is so light it will like wipe off with a damp cloth. While counter-intuitive, it’s actually a sign of good health.

Less confident on fit. I go a half size down for Barrie and Van from Aberdeen. Feet are tricky.

I love that make. Hope it works out.
 

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