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

[El Argentino]



Wow! Nice blue suede make-ups, they look great enjoy wearing them.

Those blue suede chukkas are great - I retract my previous comment.

 

[Mr.K]



The two navy suedes side by side

I think I will keep both. Indy I can wear with light denim, chinos, etc. Chukkas I can wear with lightweight grey wool pants, seersucker, shorts, etc. I really like how the stitching on the indy matches the welt and how the red brick sole (which is not as red as some of the McNairy shoes you see) balances it. I also like the tan laces on the chukka...

Are the navy chukkas from Leffot also?

 

[seer]

Since we're on the topic, how often do you gentlemen use wax/polish on your shells?
I have yet to use any on any of my pairs. I use a slightly damp cloth to clean the shoes and brush them after the shoes are dried completely.
I go to the local Nordstrom Rack and buy 3-5 pairs of shoe trees at once to keep in stock. I put shoe trees in all of my shoes that are $300+. They're only ~$12 a pair.

Ok, I’m a novice with shell - I purchased my first pair about a month ago (PTB Color 8), but I worn the heck out of them! At first I just wiped them off with a damp cloth and brushed - everything was cool. Then I got caught in a rain storm, I ended up getting a few “water bumps” on the shoes (they are still there but you can hardly notice them. I decided to treat them. I only now use Venetian Shoe Cream - for three reason, one it is made in the US (which is important to me) two, it was recommended by Nick Horween (the maker of the leather) and three, it is very inexpensive. The shine this cream produces is incredible (not the least bit cloudy) and I noticed that on my way to church this morning the rain just beaded up. No water marks. The Venetian does a great job in protecting the leather from water damage. Finally I have not used shoe trees - and don’t plan to. The shoes still look great. And I have only use a dab of Kiwi on areas where there was a nick or scratch.

 

[Alcibiades]



Are the navy chukkas from Leffot also?

Tassels HK.

 

[CTYGGG]



Those blue suede chukkas are great - I retract my previous comment.

Don't forget about the unlined PTB in blue suede another great make-up.

http://leathersoulhawaii.com/2012/01/10/alden-shoe-unlined-suede-ptb-re-stock-lsw-lsbh/

 

[CTYGGG]



Ok, I’m a novice with shell - I purchased my first pair about a month ago (PTB Color 8), but I worn the heck out of them! At first I just wiped them off with a damp cloth and brushed - everything was cool. Then I got caught in a rain storm, I ended up getting a few “water bumps” on the shoes (they are still there but you can hardly notice them. I decided to treat them. I only now use Venetian Shoe Cream - for three reason, one it is made in the US (which is important to me) two, it was recommended by Nick Horween (the maker of the leather) and three, it is very inexpensive. The shine this cream produces is incredible (not the least bit cloudy) and I noticed that on my way to church this morning the rain just beaded up. No water marks. The Venetian does a great job in protecting the leather from water damage. Finally I have not used shoe trees - and don’t plan to. The shoes still look great. And I have only use a dab of Kiwi on areas where there was a nick or scratch.

It's obvious that you care about your footwear as the water welts bug you. With that being said and I don't means to offend you, but I really recommend shoe trees. The shoe trees absorb moisture and control odor & help maintain the shape of the shoe. Just a recommendation & I also don't recommend wearing the same footwear consecutive days. Take care proper care of your footwear & they'll look outstanding for years to come.

 

[patrick_b]



 
Ok, I’m a novice with shell - I purchased my first pair about a month ago (PTB Color 8), but I worn the heck out of them! At first I just wiped them off with a damp cloth and brushed - everything was cool. Then I got caught in a rain storm, I ended up getting a few “water bumps” on the shoes (they are still there but you can hardly notice them. I decided to treat them. I only now use Venetian Shoe Cream - for three reason, one it is made in the US (which is important to me) two, it was recommended by Nick Horween (the maker of the leather) and three, it is very inexpensive. The shine this cream produces is incredible (not the least bit cloudy) and I noticed that on my way to church this morning the rain just beaded up. No water marks. The Venetian does a great job in protecting the leather from water damage. Finally I have not used shoe trees - and don’t plan to. The shoes still look great. And I have only use a dab of Kiwi on areas where there was a nick or scratch.


 

Is there a reason you are opposed to shoe trees? I'm not trying to sell you on their benefit, just curious.

 

[zippyh]



The two navy suedes side by side




I think I will keep both. Indy I can wear with light denim, chinos, etc. Chukkas I can wear with lightweight grey wool pants, seersucker, shorts, etc. I really like how the stitching on the indy matches the welt and how the red brick sole (which is not as red as some of the McNairy shoes you see) balances it. I also like the tan laces on the chukka...

Nice pair of blue suede.
I have those same chukkas and just ordered the Indy boots too.
That's probably more blue suede than necessary but this isn't really the thread for minimalism

 

[Marcellionheart]

I'm sad they sold out of the indys in my size so quickly. I was going to be in NYC this week too...

 

[interlockingny]



That's probably more blue suede than necessary but this isn't really the thread for minimalism

Signature worthy.

 

[seer]

Is there a reason you are opposed to shoe trees? I'm not trying to sell you on their benefit, just curious.

I'm close to 60, and never used trees. And I have had shoes last 20+ years that I only got rid of because I tired of them, they were still just fine. I just see no need for them.

 

[Alcibiades]



I'm close to 60, and never used trees. And I have had shoes last 20+ years that I only got rid of because I tired of them, they were still just fine. I just see no need for them.

A few months ago, you were saying that cordovan is overrated - now you own a pair and are headed for more. Within a month or two you will be using shoe trees.

 

[JPFNY5]

FALSE. Cord pants in wheat are baller as ****. That poster has some of the best pants in the thread

hey, to each their own, but I wear a 31 waist. if i wore 4-wale corduroy i would look fat. also, "baller" is a hilarious term to use in this thread.

Although "Baller" may be considered "hilarious in this thread", I for one would bet that many on this thread were "Ballers" whose "Kicks" addiction paved the way for their "Alden Addiction" !!!

Hello...My name is John...and I have a "Shoe Addiction"...from humble beginnings to my "Midnight" Blues!!!









And I threw in the Denim for "Laughs".
Always have to have a sense of Humor @ here!!

 

[seer]

A few months ago, you were saying that cordovan is overrated - now you own a pair and are headed for more. Within a month or two you will be using shoe trees.

Hehe, that is possible. But I doubt it. My Dad didn't use trees in his shells that he had for 30+ years. Using them in all kinds of weather. I was wrong about shell though - it is a stunning leather, and feels great around my foot.

 

[borderline]

I've been adding to the FAQ but the main new section is the "Anecdotal sizing info" at the bottom. Those with multiple lasts (calling NAMOR...) could add to this either by responding to this post or sending me a PM. Not sure how to get this in a more obvious accessible location without reposting it frequently, so ideas on that would be welcome as well.

I didn't get much of a response to the idea of an Alden FAQ, yet we see the same questions repeatedly. This is a start. We still need info mainly on sizing questions. Other ideas welcome, maybe PM me some questions or preferably questions with answers.
ALDEN FAQ

Before Buying
What are the different lasts and how do they fit relative to one another?
http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/the-official-alden-thread/13590#post_4526910
*See below for more sizing information
After Buying
How should I break in my shoes?
Use “Mac’s Break-in Procedure”:
Shoes should be worn only on carpeting on three different days for a minimum of one hour in order to ascertain that the fit is proper.
What is the "pen trick"?
You put a pen where your foot joints are and then crease the shoe. This way the crease is set exactly where your joint bends and the crease is nice and even. People report varying levels of success with this, and it is generally thought to be more important for the PTB.
Care and Cleaning
How should I clean my cordovan shoes or boots?
Use the “Mac Method”:
1) Clean shoes with damp cloth

2) Brush vigorously with a horsehair brush

3) Buff with smooth cloth

4) Use wax after a minimum of fifteen wearings

http://theagatineeyelet.wordpress.com/2010/10/05/the-mac-method/
My shoes are dry and/or discolored in the creases. How can I fix this?
Alden SF recommends using a small amount of cream in the creases. This can moisturize the area and also bring up some of the natural color in the leather. Most people use either Saphir Renovateur or Venetian Shoe Cream.
http://www.hangerproject.com/saphir-renovateur.html
http://oakstreetbootmakers.com/accessories/venetian-shoe-cream
Restoration

Will Alden put a different sole on my shoes?
Alden Restoration will now only recraft your shoes using original materials. If you want to put on a different sole, your best bet may be B. Nelson.
http://www.bnelsonshoes.com/
Can I have speed hooks converted to eyelets?
B Nelson will do it for $12 per eyelet (not per pair). A standard Alden boot with 4 pairs of speed hooks would therefore run $96. The top four eyelets would be off-centered with the bottom five, which is often done to compensate for the oblong size of the speed hooks.
Here's an example: http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/the-official-alden-thread/18000#post_4958968
I want new shoelaces for my Indy Boots. What are my options?
1) Alden will mail you a pair if you ask. http://www.aldenshoe.com/
2) The Alden Madison store will sell you waxed laces for ~$6. http://aldenmadisonny.com/
3) Red Wing model 9011 will work, request them here http://www.redwingheritage.com/laces/
Acronyms
LWB: Longwing blucher
SWB: Shortwing blucher
PTB: Plain toe blucher
LHS: Leisure hand sewn (a loafer)
Cordovan: A Photo Gallery of Some of Mac's Shoes
Whiskey: http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/the-official-alden-thread/11760#post_4267010
Ravello: http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/the-official-alden-thread/11760#post_4266962
Cigar: http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/the-official-alden-thread/11745#post_4266729
#8: http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/the-official-alden-thread/11745#post_4266673
Online Purchasing Options
Leather Soul http://www.leathersoulhawaii.com/category/brands/alden/
The Shoe Mart http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-shoes/bt-ald.html
Alden Shop http://www.aldenshop.com/
O'Connells http://shop.oconnellsclothing.com/dress_shoes.php
Sherman Brothers http://www.shermanbrothers.com/brand...S&BrandCode=AL
J. Crew http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/s...enForJCrew.jsp
Leffot http://blog.leffot.com/category/footwear/alden-brands/
Ben Silver http://www.bensilver.com/Alden-American-Shoes.html
Orvis http://www.orvis.com/
Moulded Shoe http://mouldedshoe.com/alden1.html
Unionmade http://www.unionmadegoods.com/alden_Mens.html
Blackbird http://www.blackbirdballard.com/Alden_Mens.html
Context http://www.contextclothing.com/brand.php?brand=Alden
Epaulet http://www.epauletshop.com/servlet/t...den/Categories
Renners Fine Boots & Shoes http://www.rennersbootsshoes.com/aldenshoes1.html
Sky Valet http://www.skyvalet1.com/Alden.aspx
Frans Boone Store https://www.fransboonestore.com/en/store/brands/alden.html
The Bureau http://www.thebureaubelfast.com/shop/brand/58/alden/
Alden of Carmel http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index.cfm/shoes.htm
J. Gilbert http://www.jgilbertfootwear.com/?q=node/90
Need Supply http://needsupply.com/
Tres Bien http://www.tresbienshop.com/
Francos http://www.francos.com/
Barneys http://www.barneys.com/
************
Anecdotal sizing information:
I find the Modified last (for my foot) is wider than the Barrie. 9D Modified fits me great, while 9D in Barrie is a snug fit, the E width for me in Barrie is too wide. I find the Trubalance last to be a little bit bigger overall last to the Barrie, whereas the Modified has a more tapered mid foot under the arch, opening up to a wider forefoot. (NewYorkRanger)
Normal size is 10.5D, I take a 10D in Barrie and 10.5E in Leydon (borderline)
I wear a 9 D in the Barrie and i've also tried a 9E in the Barrie. I won some of each and wear them both. The 9D is a little snug and the 9E is a little loose. I have a pair of 9.5 D leydon lasted LWB and they fit great. I went with a 9.5D on the grant. (Pastor)
I wear 6.5D Barrie and the 7D Grants fits well for me (actually 6.5E also works fine). (dsmivtr)