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

[JTMD]

One of those days just standing at the closet 10 minutes trying to think what needs to be worked into the rotation. Finally figured I needed to get out the door and grabbed the PTBs in #8 on the Modified last for no particular reason other than being easy to access. 😅

 

[nabass]

I’d like to get a pair of LHS loafers in cigar or ravello shell. Any suggestions on where to go and what wait looks like?

And how is their versatility vs the #8? I would have thought the mid to darker brown is more versatile but I don’t have any shell at moment and you can obviously just purchase the #8.

 

[JTMD]

I’d like to get a pair of LHS loafers in cigar or ravello shell. Any suggestions on where to go and what wait looks like?

You can count me in too. 😅

 

[symphvaria]

I’d like to get a pair of LHS loafers in cigar or ravello shell. Any suggestions on where to go and what wait looks like?

And how is their versatility vs the #8? I would have thought the mid to darker brown is more versatile but I don’t have any shell at moment and you can obviously just purchase the #8.

The #8 LHS is one of the few shoes that can be worn with anything from casualwear and streetwear up to moderately formal tailoring and in some cases even fine worsted business suits. You definitely can’t say the same thing about lighter shades of brown and I’m not sure if anything more versatile than that exists.

 

[Markintosh]

There was a post recently that I can’t seem to find that had a picture of a Alden’s on neocork soles - not a lot of information online about these types of soles. I found a picture of them from Laffott - curious if this matches what they look like. Also interested to know if they wear out like leather. Specifically, leather soles immediately scratch up and look very different after you’ve worn them one time - does neocork retain its look like rubber?

 

[slows2k]

There was a post recently that I can’t seem to find that had a picture of a Alden’s on neocork soles - not a lot of information online about these types of soles. I found a picture of them from Laffott - curious if this matches what they look like. Also interested to know if they wear out like leather. Specifically, leather soles immediately scratch up and look very different after you’ve worn them one time - does neocork retain its look like rubber?

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Neocork soles on Aldens are pretty much indestructible. They’re my favorite boot soles by a mile. Hard wearing, weather resistant, etc. don’t see them much on shoes, though. Mostly on boots

 

[Mghart]

Neocork soles on Aldens are pretty much indestructible. They’re my favorite boot soles by a mile. Hard wearing, weather resistant, etc. don’t see them much on shoes, though. Mostly on boots

My favorite sole as well. Have it on three pairs of boots, soon to convert a 4th. Pretty much great in all conditions except ice. Wish it was more to be honest versus commando, especially in shoes.

 

[nabass]

The #8 LHS is one of the few shoes that can be worn with anything from casualwear and streetwear up to moderately formal tailoring and in some cases even fine worsted business suits. You definitely can’t say the same thing about lighter shades of brown and I’m not sure if anything more versatile than that exists.

Ok interesting thanks. I would have thought a dark brown would be more versatile than something with a burgundy tone but maybe not!

As a first pair of LHS loafers, would people recommend cordovan or suede (for a versatile shoe that can be casual and dress up occasionally)?

 

[jellyroller]

Ok interesting thanks. I would have thought a dark brown would be more versatile than something with a burgundy tone but maybe not!

As a first pair of LHS loafers, would people recommend cordovan or suede (for a versatile shoe that can be casual and dress up occasionally)?

I'd go with suede, either dark brown or snuff.

 

[symphvaria]

Ok interesting thanks. I would have thought a dark brown would be more versatile than something with a burgundy tone but maybe not!

As a first pair of LHS loafers, would people recommend cordovan or suede (for a versatile shoe that can be casual and dress up occasionally)?

I think it really depends on what you want, but both are completely acceptable. I did shell, but if I were looking for an even more comfortable and relaxed shoe suede would be the look for that.

 

[flylikeneagle]

@nabass I'd get on the shoemart list by emailing them. I bought a pair of Cigar WT boots back in 2018 after being on the list for ~ 2 years. I've received three pre-order offers over the last three years, and had to pass each because the make-up wasn't right for me.

Ever since I walked into the DC store in early 2023 and found a few rares, I've been calling Alden factory stores every 6 months. They always have something in my fairly common size. I've passed on whiskey straight tip boot, whiskey LWB, Ravello LHS, and Ravello and Cigar tassel loafers in the past year or so. I wasn't a loafer fan until very recently and the rest weren't on my "must have" list. When I called again in the fall and they still had a pair of ravello LHS in my size, I was already a convert after acquiring three loafers (Rancourt and C&J) earlier in the year.

With rare shell boots at ~$1.1k retail and continued slump of the JPY, flippers aren't making money these days leaving leftovers to us enthusiasts. When you factor gross up for ebay or other platform fees plus sales tax the buyer must pay, brand new rare shell is ridiculously expensive in the secondary market.

 

[JTMD]

Lovely day to for a lakeside stroll with a quick stop at the Roman ruins...figured I might as well break out the Whiskey Shell George Boots (Plaza last) and put them through their paces. 😁

 

[jellyroller]

Lovely day to for a lakeside stroll with a quick stop at the Roman ruins...figured I might as well break out the Whiskey Shell George Boots (Plaza last) and put them through their paces. 😁


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[Alcibiades]

CXL Indy boots on commando got me home last night during the snowstorm (don’t worry, I tied my shoes after this photo)

 

[kant]

Ok interesting thanks. I would have thought a dark brown would be more versatile than something with a burgundy tone but maybe not!

As a first pair of LHS loafers, would people recommend cordovan or suede (for a versatile shoe that can be casual and dress up occasionally)?

One thing I like to do is get on Instagram and search a particular leather or shoe. It helps to match trouser color/material with shoes. Find pairings that work for me.