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

[coolarrow]

I get my welts out with an extra vigorous Mac session like JTMD suggests. I did try the Defender product and found it didn't "defend" against water, lol.

 

[sterlingindigo]

I get my welts out with an extra vigorous Mac session like JTMD suggests. I did try the Defender product and found it didn't "defend" against water, lol.

lol. Who will come to defend the defender of defender? Anybody? I’m an unpaid spokesperson. I didn’t even get a free bottle like hishairness.

 

[Hisheirness23]

That’s crazy. We should do poll on what works and what doesn’t. Pen trick never worked for me but others swear by it. Also, anything more than a couple minutes of brushing is hyperbole imo lol. I must have some strange shell gods I’m beholden to. I’m definitely a bone guy though lmao

Maybe your rain water has less minerals? That could also be the case.

I also don't wipe down my shells with a damp rag after wearing (rain or not), so maybe that also has something to do with it?

 

[sterlingindigo]

Maybe your rain water has less minerals? That could also be the case.

I also don't wipe down my shells with a damp rag after wearing (rain or not), so maybe that also has something to do with it?

lol that's a distinct possibility my man.

 

[smfdoc]

Vcleat.com has a nice discussion and photos of water spots. Worth the read.

Shell Cordovan Water Spots | vcleat

vcleat.com

 

[Hisheirness23]

Vcleat.com has a nice discussion and photos of water spots. Worth the read.

Shell Cordovan Water Spots | vcleat

vcleat.com

One crucial step many call out is a wipe down with a damp rag. I may have to give that a try and see how that works.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I rarely wear these baby blue pants, but it's a slow day and a long weekend ahead. 9501 shoes go pretty well with this color.

 

[madhat]

lol that's a distinct possibility my man.

Man. I don’t know what’s going on with your pairs…I’ve honestly never had to do more than just wetting and polishing. I never do anything to them but some conditioner VERY seldomly. Maybe because they’re not full of conditioner they just take the rain and are grateful?

 

[zippyh]

Whiskey cordovan Indy

 

[sterlingindigo]

Man. I don’t know what’s going on with your pairs…I’ve honestly never had to do more than just wetting and polishing. I never do anything to them but some conditioner VERY seldomly. Maybe because they’re not full of conditioner they just take the rain and are grateful?

I had a pair that got really wet and lots of welts like the pictures above. Normal brushing didn’t take care of it. Had to use Renomat to knock down the top coat to get to the welts. See above description. Worked great. Now I use leather defender and don’t get welts. Problem solved.

 

[Alcibiades]

I'm about to throw some models on eBay for the first time in a couple of years - a mix of unworn and worn. I searched around to look at how things were priced - is it me, or is there a lot of various rare cordovan models available? Seems like more available than a few years ago (back then, it seemed like there were only one or two whiskey, Ravello, color 4 on sale on any given time).

 

[Franky]

I'm about to throw some models on eBay for the first time in a couple of years - a mix of unworn and worn. I searched around to look at how things were priced - is it me, or is there a lot of various rare cordovan models available? Seems like more available than a few years ago (back then, it seemed like there were only one or two whiskey, Ravello, color 4 on sale on any given time).

Does feel that the crazy market for rare shell has died down some.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I'm about to throw some models on eBay for the first time in a couple of years - a mix of unworn and worn. I searched around to look at how things were priced - is it me, or is there a lot of various rare cordovan models available? Seems like more available than a few years ago (back then, it seemed like there were only one or two whiskey, Ravello, color 4 on sale on any given time).

I've also noticed a lot of ridiculous prices on Ebay for cxl boots, some which are $200 higher than if I bought from a 3rd party store. Good luck with that.

 

[sirsigsalot]

Anyone have info on the new braided laces I’m seeing? Are they selling those anywhere?

 

[Shawnc]

From the guy who did not like black shell when I got into this game. It was the only shade of Alden shell that I did not like. It actually took me quite a few years before I came to appreciate it. I have obviously come around. Just grabbed the Cap’s and now my family is complete. I know, I know. Famous last words……