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

[Vincent George]

Thanks guys. I'm definitely leaning strongly toward buying them. The price is steep... Hence really wanting to make sure they work in my wardrobe. Of course the other option is to grind the eBay mines for a good deal.

The other thing I'm thinking of is the color 8 shell, which I haven't actually tried on. And of course that's even bigger bucks. If only I had unlimited money.

@Hisheirness23 this is the SF shop, great eye! I've been by twice in the past week checking these out...

What size do you wear? Did you check The Shoe Mart Factory Seconds (if you’re not signed up with them to see Factory Seconds, let me know and I will check for you right now).

 

[jellyroller]

Also, for what it’s worth, I’m 8E in Barrie, 8.5E Hampton, but 7.5D Van.

 

[Markintosh]

Definitely got an itch for some LHS---been checking out the snuff suede in my local Alden shop, and leaning strongly toward it. Pretty confident they'd work with jeans and stone or khaki chinos or something along those lines. But what do you guys think of them with this kind of orangeish/brownish canvas pant? Maybe too similar of a color?
View attachment 2290287

IMHO - too much of a similar color. I have chinos and jeans that are that color - I wear them with a black shirt and black shoes. My favorite is a black cardigan with a black T-shirt and jeans similar to what you have on with black penny loafers or black bit loafers. The loafers that you have on in the picture I love, but I would wear those with blue jeans and some type of shirt that matches the shoes and a watch with a brown strap.

 

[Shawnc]

The price will hurt a little at first. But you'll love them instantly, soon forget about the price, and wonder why you every hesitated. By week 2 you'll be planning your next Alden purchase.

Ha, truer words have never been spoken……….

 

[Watchman1]

X-Post from BST thread:

Ravello PTB on Barrie. These have the unusual darker mahogany edges.

Cheers!

 

[jellyroller]

X-Post from BST thread:

View attachment 2290525 View attachment 2290523 View attachment 2290527

Ravello PTB on Barrie. These have the unusual darker mahogany edges.

Cheers!

These are outstanding

 

[Shawnc]

View attachment 2286797 If anyone is ever on the fence about owning suede, the Saphir spray with almond oil and different color pigment is a miracle worker. You have to tape off the edges because it will colorize them and if it’s a bit loafer like in this picture, you need to put a little bit of tape over the bit. Here’s a pair of shoes that I did tonight. I haven’t done the left shoe yet. This is the navy blue spray.

After this post I immediately went to Amazon and threw some on my cart. Turns out I had two half-full cans on hand. Completely forgot about them and haven’t used them on my only pair of suede shoes, EG loafers, until today. Didn’t think to take a before pic but trust me, they we’re looking pretty rough. These are my go-to’s in inclement weather so I certainly don’t baby them. Man, after a single application and about 30 seconds of brushing, these things look incredible. Thanks a ton @Markintosh. Very helpful post!

 

[zippyh]

Snuff Indy

 

[Markintosh]

After this post I immediately went to Amazon and threw some on my cart. Turns out I had two half-full cans on hand. Completely forgot about them and haven’t used them on my only pair of suede shoes, EG loafers, until today. Didn’t think to take a before pic but trust me, they we’re looking pretty rough. These are my go-to’s in inclement weather so I certainly don’t baby them. Man, after a single application and about 30 seconds of brushing, these things look incredible. Thanks a ton @Markintosh. Very helpful post!

Happy to help...gotta love on those EGs - curious - did you tape off the sole edge? I forgot to mention, when I use the spray, I fill in the shoe with toilet paper so I don't get the spray on the inside - Your EGs look great now! It's great that the contrast stitching retained its light color.

The other product that I use is a Saphir Gommadin Suede Eraser. This product is like a giant eraser, it works really well on light suede, so any of the tobacco colors, or light blues - it's just for small spots of dirt or stain - you lightly rub the spot, then brush and the spot is gone. On dark suede, not as important as they hide dirt spots. This is what the product looks like...

 

[Shawnc]

Appreciate the assist @Markintosh and will definitely check out the eraser. I didn’t tape the sole. Made a judgement call based on the material and color. Still quite pleased and it’s always nice to learn something new.

 

[builder]

Snuff Indy
View attachment 2290803

Do you baby these at all? Have heard these are pretty hard wearing

 

[zippyh]

Do you baby these at all? Have heard these are pretty hard wearing

Nope. Those are from 2009 or so.

 

[Hisheirness23]

Thanks guys. I'm definitely leaning strongly toward buying them. The price is steep... Hence really wanting to make sure they work in my wardrobe. Of course the other option is to grind the eBay mines for a good deal.

The other thing I'm thinking of is the color 8 shell, which I haven't actually tried on. And of course that's even bigger bucks. If only I had unlimited money.

@Hisheirness23 this is the SF shop, great eye! I've been by twice in the past week checking these out...

Hard to tell from the pic, but these are the handsewn version? I know they also offer a machine stitch version with the leisure 3 rubber sole. As long it's a handsewn model, you can't go wrong with either! My Dad wears exclusively burgundy loafers, so a couple of years ago, I bought him some Color 8 Shell Loafers. He wears them with any and everything. Jeans, chinos, suits, corduroy.

 

[KarlHungus]

Some maintenance on my color 8 straight tips, originally from Sherman Brothers

 

[tuna roll]

Some maintenance on my color 8 straight tips, originally from Sherman Brothers
View attachment 2291225

They look great! How do you use both products?

Do you apply the neutral 1909 to condition and then Alden's C8 cream to restore color?