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

[MrImpractical]

This is admittedly Alden-adjacent. If anyone finds the modified last works really well for them, I just picked up a pair of the wakouwa deck shoes anatomica sells that are at various retailers. I had to go up 0.5 from my modified last size but very comfortable, with a shape that’s basically the same. I generally can’t wear sneakers so thought I would mention it here.

 

[smfdoc]

I read it was Cf Stead. Should a suede treated with ‘Scotch Guard’ in the tannage not just be worn without additional protection?

I'm not sure of the presence of Scotch guard, but I have had great results with Tarrago Nano spray, link. There are a variety of choices with similar products, but TN works well for me.

 

[velours côtelé]

I'm not sure of the presence of Scotch guard, but I have had great results with Tarrago Nano spray, link. There are a variety of choices with similar products, but TN works well for me.

I saw Tarrago mentioned whilst researching Saphir Super Invulner. The nano spray acting as a finishing layer…

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I saw these two plain toes on TSM. I would like to find out if either of these are cxl or calf. I want to make sure these are not natural cxl, because I already own a pair of those. I know from past experience that if you ask them to check in the warehouse, they might not know or give you incorrect answer. I'll keep my eyes on these and see if they are still around later in the year.

 

[JSO1]

I saw these two plain toes on TSM. I would like to find out if either of these are cxl or calf. I want to make sure these are not natural cxl, because I already own a pair of those. I know from past experience that if you ask them to check in the warehouse, they might not know or give you incorrect answer. I'll keep my eyes on these and see if they are still around later in the year.

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Those are trial shoes from 2021. Presumably a different leather than natural CXL, otherwise why would they bother to make a trial shoe.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Those are trial shoes from 2021. Presumably a different leather than natural CXL, otherwise why would they bother to make a trial shoe.

Your Alden knowledge is always appreciated. Do you know what the background is on these shoes? I had never seen them before. I would assume they are probably not natural cxl.

 

[JSO1]

Your Alden knowledge is always appreciated. Do you know what the background is on these shoes? I had never seen them before. I would assume they are probably not natural cxl.

Trial shoes are one-off samples that Alden makes to test new leathers, lasts, etc. -- it's essentially impossible to know what these are without asking someone at Alden. But in general, trial shoes are made in a size 8D. From the shape and pattern, I'd guess they're both Barrie, but you never know. And given the year (2021), I'd guess this was around the time they were looking for a replacement for natural CXL. It was mid/late 2020 when rumors began swirling that they had stopped using natural CXL.

 

[Bavo]

Maiden voyage for my first pair in Ravello. LWBs from AoSF.

 

[JSO1]

Those look lovely, but man, Ravello has really changed over the years. Reminds me of what Cigar used to look like. It's the lack of red undertones that's changed the most.

2011 Ravello:

 

[jellyroller]

Maiden voyage for my first pair in Ravello. LWBs from AoSF.

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Absolutely beautiful, congratulations!

 

[smfdoc]

Happy Friday forum pals. Off to lunch with an old friend. Ravello.

 

[serbarristan]

Hope everyone has a good weekend. Get your julep on.

 

[Keyser_Söze]

Hope everyone has a good weekend. Get your julep on.
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What laces?

 

[serbarristan]

What laces?

Guarded goods braided. I use their thin round ones typically. These are nice but slightly too thick for the holes.

 

[JTMD]

The death of the George twins seems inevitable. The shell has torn where the tongue meets the vamp area. My cobbler pronounced them dead and stated that any fix wouldn't last long. Only 15 years old yet so many good times together..oh, well..just means I need to purchase a replacement soon. 😅.

Anyone have any thoughts as to what I might be able to use the leather for (if anything)? Seems a waste to toss it..but not sure what I'd do with it..

We had a good run my friends..I'll miss you..Cheers...😩