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

[Ortip]

I love these. What size do you take in those (Aberdeen) vs. Van or Barrie?

Thanks! These are a 10D. I take the same for Hampton (model 907), and a 9.5D Van for LHS (986). All fit great.

 

[SailingIvy]

Amazing! That's such a a cool opportunity! Maybe one day I can visit the facility! Horween in Chicago is also another destination I would love to visit.

My brother was there last year. He said it was amazing. Also bought a wallet, held it in my hands last friday. Very nice!

 

[tuna roll]

Could anyone share how the Hampton last fits, specifically compared to Leydon and Aberdeen?

I know they are all TTS, but I mean in more detail like “Hampton has a wider toe box” or something.

I just noticed all the interesting makeups around in the Hampton yet I was never sized for this last.

Thanks!

 

[sterlingindigo]

Could anyone share how the Hampton last fits, specifically compared to Leydon and Aberdeen?

I know they are all TTS, but I mean in more detail like “Hampton has a wider toe box” or something.

I just noticed all the interesting makeups around in the Hampton yet I was never sized for this last.

Thanks!

Hampton has a fuller waist than Aberdeen and Plaza. I have the 9071 black shell cap toe oxford, hope that helps.

 

[Shawnc]

MV for these Barrie Wings on 8………




Best fitting Barrie wings I’ve ever owned.

 

[Vincent George]

MV for these Barrie Wings on 8………


View attachment 2280543

Best fitting Barrie wings I’ve ever owned.

Yes--it's funny, isn't it--I, too, have some pairs that "fit a little better" even being the same size as others...looking good!

 

[whatsmysize]

Hi Everyone,

Super new to the community but excited to be dive in. I have been looking at my next Alden purchase ever since I was surprised by how good the fit was with my first Aldens (968 NSTs). I am interested in a pair of LWBs or a cap-toe derby in shell cordovan, but having a hard time seeing how Color 8 fits with my wardrobe.

If anyone has any suggestions or info on a pair in the rare brown colors in those styles, it would be much appreciated! I am a US 7 in the Aberdeen and US 6 in the Barrie last. Thank you for the help in advance! Happy to be here.

 

[Shawnc]

Yes--it's funny, isn't it--I, too, have some pairs that "fit a little better" even being the same size as others...looking good!

Yup, it is strange. I’ve said for many years that the one Alden shortcoming that doesn’t seem to get much attention is the variation in sizing on their Barrie last. I had to move my NIB Whiskey Wings (no, that is not a typo, Whiskey Wing Boots) because I could hardly get them on with dress socks. The person I moved them to immediately flipped them for the same reason. These fit comfortably with medium weight socks and a little room to spare. I only have this issue with Barrie but to be fair, they probably comprise 50% of my Aldens.

 

[JTMD]

Hi Everyone,

Super new to the community but excited to be dive in. I have been looking at my next Alden purchase ever since I was surprised by how good the fit was with my first Aldens (968 NSTs). I am interested in a pair of LWBs or a cap-toe derby in shell cordovan, but having a hard time seeing how Color 8 fits with my wardrobe.

If anyone has any suggestions or info on a pair in the rare brown colors in those styles, it would be much appreciated! I am a US 7 in the Aberdeen and US 6 in the Barrie last. Thank you for the help in advance! Happy to be here.

Ebay has been my best bet for the rarer shell colours. Some shops might have a few pairs reserved for walk ins but you'd have to get to the shop and there would still be a high chance you'd leave empty handed..otherwise you'll have to get in line and get your name on the waiting lists for the individual stores...and getting on some of the lists can be difficult and expensive...as in being a client for a few years and making numerous non rare shell purchases through them. It's a bit of a game that can be frustrating (especially for newcomers). If you're willing to buy used/vintage they might be easier to find (I know a few members here often sell their used rare shells) but I'm not familiar with the used market myself.

 

[Vincent George]

Yup, it is strange. I’ve said for many years that the one Alden shortcoming that doesn’t seem to get much attention is the variation in sizing on their Barrie last. I had to move my NIB Whiskey Wings (no, that is not a typo, Whiskey Wing Boots) because I could hardly get them on with dress socks. The person I moved them to immediately flipped them for the same reason. These fit comfortably with medium weight socks and a little room to spare. I only have this issue with Barrie but to be fair, they probably comprise 50% of my Aldens.

Oh yeah. Barrie has been the wildest in terms of “variety” for me too.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Could anyone share how the Hampton last fits, specifically compared to Leydon and Aberdeen?

I know they are all TTS, but I mean in more detail like “Hampton has a wider toe box” or something.

I just noticed all the interesting makeups around in the Hampton yet I was never sized for this last.

Thanks!

I find the Hampton does fit true to size, but the most obvious difference I notice is that there's less room above my big toe. It's a cozy last on my toes is how I would describe it. Doesn't work all that well for me because the flex puts too much pressure on my toes. Also, it's not a long last. You should try it because a lot of people love it.

 

[slows2k]

Yup, it is strange. I’ve said for many years that the one Alden shortcoming that doesn’t seem to get much attention is the variation in sizing on their Barrie last. I had to move my NIB Whiskey Wings (no, that is not a typo, Whiskey Wing Boots) because I could hardly get them on with dress socks. The person I moved them to immediately flipped them for the same reason. These fit comfortably with medium weight socks and a little room to spare. I only have this issue with Barrie but to be fair, they probably comprise 50% of my Aldens.

This, 100%, is my greatest frustration with alden: variation in Barrie last sizing esp. it’s made it impossible for me to preorder something with confidence it’ll fit. Everything else imperfect I put up with, but the size variation is by far the most infuriating.

 

[sazon]

Yup, it is strange. I’ve said for many years that the one Alden shortcoming that doesn’t seem to get much attention is the variation in sizing on their Barrie last. I had to move my NIB Whiskey Wings (no, that is not a typo, Whiskey Wing Boots) because I could hardly get them on with dress socks. The person I moved them to immediately flipped them for the same reason. These fit comfortably with medium weight socks and a little room to spare. I only have this issue with Barrie but to be fair, they probably comprise 50% of my Aldens.

I've had this happen with Barrie boots as well. If you contact Alden, they will attempt to re-last them to stretch them. They did it for me for a pair of black shell tankers and it did the trick.

Also, +1000 for the C8 and selvedge. Winnnnnnner.

 

[sazon]

j Crew jumpers today. Love the large punch on these.

 

[Shawnc]

That’s just killer @sazon ………..