***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[jet]

Been wanting AF43s for a long time now and think I might be close to pulling the trigger soon. What's sizing like for the ones you own, where did you buy them from and most importantly let's see pics of your Aldens. I'm editing this post to put in borderline's Alden dealers:

US:
Alden Shop http://www.aldenshop.com/ Online with shop in San Francisco. Many styles.
Alden of Carmel http://www.alden-of-carmel.com Since 1994. Specializes in unique customized Alden styles.
Brick + Mortar http://www.brickmortarseattle.com Online with shop in Seattle
Context http://www.contextclothing.com/brand.php?brand=Alden
Epaulet http://epauletnewyork.com/collections/alden
Leather Soul http://www.leathersoulhawaii.com/category/brands/alden/ Many special items, rapid sellouts, stores in Hawaii and Beverly Hills
J. Crew http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/s...enForJCrew.jsp Indy Boots and Longwings
Leather Soul http://www.leathersoulhawaii.com/category/brands/alden/ Many special items, rapid sellouts, stores in Hawaii and Beverly Hills
Leffot http://blog.leffot.com/category/footwear/alden-brands/ Special items, store in NY Ben Silver http://www.bensilver.com/Alden-American-Shoes.html
Moulded Shoe http://mouldedshoe.com/alden1.html Specializes in Modified Last, located in NYC.
O'Connells http://shop.oconnellsclothing.com/dress_shoes.php
Orvis http://www.orvis.com/ A few models.
Sky Valet http://www.skyvalet1.com/Alden.aspx Mail order plus shop in Washington, D.C.
Sherman Brothershttp://www.shermanbrothers.com/brand...S&BrandCode=AL Three stores in Pennsylvania. Occasional sales.
The Shoe Mart http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-shoes/bt-ald.html Online with shop in Connecticut. Many styles.
Renners Fine Boots & Shoes http://www.rennersbootsshoes.com/aldenshoes1.html Decent selection of Alden shoes and boots and their customer service is great.
Sky Valet http://www.skyvalet1.com/Alden.px Mail order plus shop in Washington, D.C.
Need Supply www.needsupply.com
Unionmade http://www.unionmadegoods.com/alden_Mens.html
Winn Perry http://shop.winnperry.com/collections/alden Special items, including waterlock soles


Europe:
The Bureau http://www.thebureaubelfast.com/shop/brand/58/alden/ Menswear store in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

 

[bdeuce22]

I have no experience with the tru-balance last, but I own two pairs of shell chukka (on the barrie) and the AF84 (also on the barrie). I took one half size down and they fit perfectly.

Rule of thumb with the tru-balance is one half size down from normal.

 

[jet]

Where the pics man?

So barrie and tru balance both have the same size half down rec?

 

[bdeuce22]

I'll post tonight (I'm at work now)

I am sure the Alden pros will chime in if I am wrong, but yes the recommendation is one half size down from normal for both barrie and tru-balance. I believe this holds true with the plaza last as well.

I wear an 8.5D in allen edmonds park avenues and I bought all my aldens in 8D.

 

[robin]

You're a jerk for starting this thread, the last thing I need is another one that I need to follow. Are you going to give up your on laaanvins so soon?

Go down a half size on the barrie and trubalance, though you should try to get fitted in person (especially with the trubalance).

 

[robin]

Some random img's that I have in my photobucket acount.

 

[lee_44106]

It would appear that you're an Alden fan, but I could be wrong.

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

It would appear that you're an Alden man, but I could be wrong.
Fixed that for you. Those aren't all I have, just what I have images of already. A few of those I have sold (some regretfully).

 

[Get Smart]

I have 3 pairs (Longwing cordovan no8, Chukka cordovan no8, calf burgundy flexwelt laceup)

I really like the Longwings a lot. The other 2 have their uses but I could live without them easily

 

[jet]

^That's what I'm talking about.

Originally Posted by bdeuce22

I'll post tonight (I'm at work now)

I am sure the Alden pros will chime in if I am wrong, but yes the recommendation is one half size down from normal for both barrie and tru-balance. I believe this holds true with the plaza last as well.

I wear an 8.5D in allen edmonds park avenues and I bought all my aldens in 8D.

Good man.

Originally Posted by robin

You're a jerk for starting this thread, the last thing I need is another one that I need to follow. Are you going to give up your on laaanvins so soon?

Go down a half size on the barrie and trubalance, though you should try to get fitted in person (especially with the trubalance).

Hahaa. These are for a different purpose, some old man steez in the cooler months pair with some 45rpm **** and vests, jackets, scarves whatever. I emailed Tom at LSH awhile back about some maple eg's but that ****** never responded so those are on hold indefinitely since I don't need them.

The Alden guy said the same thing but how the **** am I going to get fitted is the question. I need me some cordovan but it doesn't hold up in the rain unless you treat them correct?

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by jet

The Alden guy said the same thing but how the **** am I going to get fitted is the question. I need me some cordovan but it doesn't hold up in the rain unless you treat them correct?
go to SCP's Allen Edmonds store. Find what size fits you best in something like the Park Avenue then size down ½ for any Alden Barrie last, Plaza last you can stay the same size (those are the only 2 lasts I own) Or even better go to Gary's at Fascist Island and TRY ON SOME ALDENS foo'

 

[asobu]

robin: nice pics man! the ones broken in are amazing.

 

[robin]

Shops down in CA carrying Alden:

Al's Shoes
1090 W Highland Ave
Ste 5
San Bernardino, California 92405
\t
Alden Shop for Gentlemen
170 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California 94104
http://www.aldenshop.com

Bonnie & Gordon
2651 Town & Country Pl
Sacramento, California 95821
\t
Carroll & Co
146 S Lake Ave
Pasadena, California 91101
http://www.carrollandco.com

Carroll & Co
425 N Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90210-4819
http://www.carrollandco.com
\t
Foot Solutions
2210 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, California 95204
G B Harb & Son
500 S. Grand Ave
Los Angeles, California 90071
\t
Gary's
1065 Newport Ctr Dr
Newport Beach, California 92660
Novis
1836 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91107
\t
Rangoni Firenze Shoes
400 South Lake Ave
Pasadena, California 91101

 

[dusty]

I've had these for a couple weeks, this was taken before they were worn:

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by jet

The Alden guy said the same thing but how the **** am I going to get fitted is the question. I need me some cordovan but it doesn't hold up in the rain unless you treat them correct?
You don't have to treat shell with anything. It's water resistant though fyi, not waterproof. Should be fine down in your area though.

Originally Posted by dusty

I've had these for a couple weeks, this was taken before they were worn: http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-...75009_6296.jpg
Where did you get these from?