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

[sterlingindigo]

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…… View attachment 2158531

Those plain toe boots are especially dope! I love black shell, man. I also have four pair: plain toe oxfords, cap toe oxfords, plain toe single monks, and Chelsea’s. I’m looking to add two more at some point: Plain toe bluchers and Indy’s.

 

[LJ1891]

welp…just found out that im actually 11E in barrie and not 11.5D 😅…

 

[CLH03]

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

Should be available for any retailer to order I believe. Some might just not stock. The factory will probably send you some if you email.

 

[CLH03]

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…… View attachment 2158531

Love those long wing tassels!

 

[Hisheirness23]

Outside grilling dinner before the thunderstorm moves in. Brogue "Tourist" boot for rain gutter clearing duties and manning the grill.

Small ankle problems...

 

[KarlHungus]

Ever since I relegated these to being my "beater shell" I find I've been wearing them the most of all my shell shoes as I no longer am worried about weather or scuffs. Probably should treat all my shell the same way

 

[coolarrow]

Cigar LHS w/the blackwatch pants yesterday:

 

[Mghart]

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…… View attachment 2158531

Did you get the cap toes direct from Anatomica? I've been seriously considering reaching out to them to see what they have available or what I could potentially order if they have recurring runs of their make ups.

 

[Shawnc]

Those plain toe boots are especially dope! I love black shell, man. I also have four pair: plain toe oxfords, cap toe oxfords, plain toe single monks, and Chelsea’s. I’m looking to add two more at some point: Plain toe bluchers and Indy’s.

Thanks @sterlingindigo. They are currently my only TB and my only footwear on neocork. If I wasn’t ‘downsizing’ I’d love some black cap toes and/or single monks.

Love those long wing tassels!

Much appreciated @CLH03. I haven’t had them very long but they have earned a spot in the top of my rotation. Such a cool make.

Did you get the cap toes direct from Anatomica? I've been seriously considering reaching out to them to see what they have available or what I could potentially order if they have recurring runs of their make ups.

I grabbed mine from @rdugz but I assume they came from Anatomica. What the pic doesn’t show is that they are unlined, which is what really drew me to them. Strangely, they look like Modified but I don’t think they are so maybe not Anatomical. Regardless, certainly worth reaching out. I’m quite pleased with them.

Ever since I relegated these to being my "beater shell" I find I've been wearing them the most of all my shell shoes as I no longer am worried about weather or scuffs. Probably should treat all my shell the same way
View attachment 2158613
View attachment 2158615

Yeah man, this. While I admittingly avoid the rain on all but a couple of my shells (fascinating conversation about wet spots/welts), your caps look great. Well-card for shell ages so nicely.

 

[JSO1]

Those black cap toes are definitely on Modified. They have unlined quarters and a gusset tongue. That is the only pattern like that that Alden will do and it is exclusive to Anatomica. They will not do it on any other last.

The pair that @Shawnc posted is from a more recent run. The older runs had a 2-2 double stitch on the quarter / vamp line, which matched the 2-2 stitch on the heel counter, but they stopped doing that. The specific pair is an FD, hence the lack of the Anatomica heel pad.

 

[Sheepdog]

Milkshake for Easter. I also have some Alden white bucks that I love, but these are quite a bit more wearable.

 

[Shawnc]

It is always nice to learn something new and @JSO1 rarely disappoints in that regard. I went back and checked the original entry and they are in fact listed as Modified. Everything else Jeff mentions seems borne out by the OP. What I didn’t know (and am not completely on board with yet) is that a generic Alden heel pad is an indication of a FD (maybe specific to Anatomica) as I am pretty sure I have many Alden’s that do not have the custom heel pad. And just a minor snit. These were definitely not represented (as far as I can tell) as FD’s which I find unfortunate and kind of indicative of the increased risk of buying on SF. I hate to be the old fart screaming at the neighborhood kids about their ball landing in my yard but buying from fellow SF’ers was always risk free (at least in the circle of 8.5/9D’s) and that seems to have slowly shifted. I even inquired about the original Alden box and was provided an answer that is certainly not consistent with the boots being FD’s. I have looked the boots over with a fine-tooth comb and I swear I can’t find any indication as to why these would be FD’s so I remain fine with the transaction. But geez, c’mon man…..

 

[barutanseijin]

I

It is always nice to learn something new and @JSO1 rarely disappoints in that regard. I went back and checked the original entry and they are in fact listed as Modified. Everything else Jeff mentions seems borne out by the OP. What I didn’t know (and am not completely on board with yet) is that a generic Alden heel pad is an indication of a FD (maybe specific to Anatomica) as I am pretty sure I have many Alden’s that do not have the custom heel pad. And just a minor snit. These were definitely not represented (as far as I can tell) as FD’s which I find unfortunate and kind of indicative of the increased risk of buying on SF. I hate to be the old fart screaming at the neighborhood kids about their ball landing in my yard but buying from fellow SF’ers was always risk free (at least in the circle of 8.5/9D’s) and that seems to have slowly shifted. I even inquired about the original Alden box and was provided an answer that is certainly not consistent with the boots being FD’s. I have looked the boots over with a fine-tooth comb and I swear I can’t find any indication as to why these would be FD’s so I remain fine with the transaction. But geez, c’mon man…..

I think what he means is that if it is a retailer exclusive makeup, one that gets a retailer heel pad and doesn’t, then the generic heel pad indicates an FD. Otherwise, if it’s a standard offering like a 986 or 975 or something, then it’s going to get a plain old Alden heel pad even if it’s just fine.

 

[Mghart]

@Shawnc Anecdotally, I've seen this stamping on Anatomica make ups from Paris/Japan shops

 

[sterlingindigo]

Yeah cap toes were from City (Blaine). I always wanted a pair of black single monks since Brosnan was Bond (Church’s).

Thanks @sterlingindigo. They are currently my only TB and my only footwear on neocork. If I wasn’t ‘downsizing’ I’d love some black cap toes and/or single monks.



Much appreciated @CLH03. I haven’t had them very long but they have earned a spot in the top of my rotation. Such a cool make.



I grabbed mine from @rdugz but I assume they came from Anatomica. What the pic doesn’t show is that they are unlined, which is what really drew me to them. Strangely, they look like Modified but I don’t think they are so maybe not Anatomical. Regardless, certainly worth reaching out. I’m quite pleased with them.


Yeah man, this. While I admittingly avoid the rain on all but a couple of my shells (fascinating conversation about wet spots/welts), your caps look great. Well-card for shell ages so nicely.