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The Official Alden Thread for 2025 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

JTMD

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Cigar V-tips for today's lovely lakeside stroll...

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Club Soda

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My 8 pairs of C&J all have rubber soles - I can wear them right out of the box with no problems. I think that’s primarily because the last for the two types of shoes that I wear fit me so well. From shoe to shoe the fit is almost identical. With Alden the van last for example, I’ve definitely had different felling fits - I’m an 11 E and I have a pair that fits perfectly and I just recently sent a same-size pair back that was too tight. For me a perfect shoe would be Alden styling with with C&J QC and sole options. I think the most underrated part of the C&J line is their loafers. The last couple of years I’ve become interested in posting on the style forum and I’ve realized that boots are very popular - more so than loafers - at least that’s my perception. The other guys from Northampton, EG and JL, are above my price point level of acceptable pain
My issue with loafers is primarily the heel fit. It's either too low or too wide. I agree with the van last; I'd probably need an 8.5 in the LHS. The C&J Tassel loafers I have are pretty good and I love the double oak sole. The toe box is oddly tight and feels a little short so not the right fit. My Belgravia from EG fit fine but the heel cup is too low and not snug enough, and that's on a US 9D.

Outside of the gym, with my lifestyle I pretty much wear Alden's tassel loafer year round. I need to collect more suede for my days off though. I'd like to get a bespoke pair from McCarthy but overall I have pretty much no complaints with Alden. I could be picky about stitch density and hand welting, but I love the rigid conservative look and the comfort.
 

willlls

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I bought these 664 black cordovan tassels and noticed that they look brownish at the front/toe section although black around the heels. This appears a lot in sunlight or just bright lightning.
Has anyone encountered this previously and is it possible to get them black (as they should be)?
Might not be the best photos though…
IMG_1371.png
 

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Club Soda

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I bought these 664 black cordovan tassels and noticed that they look brownish at the front/toe section although black around the heels. This appears a lot in sunlight or just bright lightning.
Has anyone encountered this previously and is it possible to get them black (as they should be)?
Might not be the best photos though… View attachment 2313347
That's crazy I've never seen that. From the front they absolutely look like 563s. Were they like that when you got them and where did you but them?
 

WineAndShoes

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My favorite Alden style is the plain toe Blucher on the Barrie last and Double Leather soles. Perhaps it is a fools errand, but I have aspirations of collecting one or more "rare shell" versions of this style. I'd appreciate it if anyone can tell me when Alden SF last ran their Model 9900 - Ravello Plain Toe Blucher or Alden DC ran their Model 9905 - Whiskey Plain Toe Blucher?
 
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willlls

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That's crazy I've never seen that. From the front they absolutely look like 563s. Were they like that when you got them and where did you but them?
Yes… I have the 563s as well and these ones have more of a brown shade compared to the col 8. I got them from Vestiaire from a gentleman in Germany and they have never been worn. Unfortunately our chat got blocked discussing shoe models (numbers) so I can’t ask him what’s the deal with these ones…
 
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Markintosh

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I've met Jim. Great guy. Hooked me up nicely. Even sent him a Christmas card. But I sort of get the feeling that he has plenty of clients interested in these rarer models and might not be willing to always be throwing together a new makeup upon request of a dozen clients.. but of course couldn't say for sure. From our conversation I got the feeling he likes to deal with walk in clients versus all the 'E-Bros" calling up or writing with requests. In addition, Alden SF is an official alden store so Alden itself might prohibit him from doing so to keep the "rare shell" market rare. As others mentioned, alden doesn't do GMTOs so I wouldn't think their shop would be willing to do one either..

My local place doesn't have a huge Alden client base and I doubt they get pestered by folks like us always wanting a special order. I've shopped there for 15 years and they're willing. That's all I can really say.

Now...if you want to take the lead and give Jim a call you can count me in for any model I don't already have...and as you know.. that includes the Ravello Long Wings that you're keen on acquiring but I already own. An LHS on the other hand would be on my hit list. 😁
I’ll do some checking around
 

Markintosh

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My issue with loafers is primarily the heel fit. It's either too low or too wide. I agree with the van last; I'd probably need an 8.5 in the LHS. The C&J Tassel loafers I have are pretty good and I love the double oak sole. The toe box is oddly tight and feels a little short so not the right fit. My Belgravia from EG fit fine but the heel cup is too low and not snug enough, and that's on a US 9D.

Outside of the gym, with my lifestyle I pretty much wear Alden's tassel loafer year round. I need to collect more suede for my days off though. I'd like to get a bespoke pair from McCarthy but overall I have pretty much no complaints with Alden. I could be picky about stitch density and hand welting, but I love the rigid conservative look and the comfort.
If you're not Alden specific, in terms of suede, you can find quite a bit of brand new stuff from Ferragamo on eBay, typically you can find new for 50% off, I live in their suede bit loafers, I have 3 pairs, black, blue, and brown, these are the run-to-the-market shoes - my daily beaters. The rubber pads hold up really well...but if you don't have a suede LHS, you should, they are so soft and well made...agree on the heel fit, all my loafers have a very different feel in terms of the heel fit, the worst being my JMW which finally broke in and feel really good now (another great suede option).

It's funny about Tassel loafers, I don't have a single pair, most of the regulars on this forum have several pairs...I'm kind of the oddball...I don't have any boots or tassel loafers...my entire collection is bit & penny loafers, and wingtips...
 

SailingIvy

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If you're not Alden specific, in terms of suede, you can find quite a bit of brand new stuff from Ferragamo on eBay, typically you can find new for 50% off, I live in their suede bit loafers, I have 3 pairs, black, blue, and brown, these are the run-to-the-market shoes - my daily beaters. The rubber pads hold up really well...but if you don't have a suede LHS, you should, they are so soft and well made...agree on the heel fit, all my loafers have a very different feel in terms of the heel fit, the worst being my JMW which finally broke in and feel really good now (another great suede option).

It's funny about Tassel loafers, I don't have a single pair, most of the regulars on this forum have several pairs...I'm kind of the oddball...I don't have any boots or tassel loafers...my entire collection is bit & penny loafers, and wingtips...
On the point of heel fit: My C&J are much much better in the heel fit than my Aldens. Even on the new LHS ones I experience a lot of heel slippage. Which is funny cause I know that the 8,5 length would me too short. I will see how they break in (the sole they got by the recraft is extremely thick) and then think about tongue pads or heel grabbers...
 

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