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

[er13b6ac]

A question (actually a few) about those Alden suede PTB's.
Are those in snuff at Unionmade the same color as the ones listed at leathersoul (sold out) ? If it just the photo, which one is accurate?

http://unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Arthur_Unlined_Suede_Oxford_in_Snuff_3847.html
http://leathersoulhawaii.com/2012/01/10/alden-shoe-unlined-suede-ptb-re-stock-lsw-lsbh/

Roden Gray (expensive) and Blackbird (sold out) list a Waxed Reverse Chamois Blucher - quote: "The brother (or sister) to Alden's famous unlined 1490's series". I've Googled but cant find any mention of a 1490 series.

http://www.blackbirdballard.com/Alden_Summer_Oxford_in_Reverse_Tobacco_Chamois_20636.html

Is this show the same model as the one at Unionmade/Leathersoul? It looks slightly different.

 

[blue collar]



Just left Alden DC:

• They have a sweet new make-up - pebblegrain/scotch grain LWB w a commando sole (I am not buying any new long wings and I recently bought a pebble grain split toe from Unionmade but these shoes were very tempting)
• They have a whiskey PTB in the pipeline - ordered; this leads to the final point...
• I am rethinking my general dislike of whiskey as the colors get darker. I have a pair of the original "mistake" order from Alden DC (ravello medallion cap toe on the Plaza). The color of that ravello is the same color as the current wiskey (and the current ravello is much darker - almost to the point where it could be mistaken for color 8).

The shell being from Horween can (I imagine) vary from batch to batch depending on who mixed the stain and who is applying it. I'm sure the demand for the shell butts has caused Horween to pick up the pace and they are being more lenient with what meets standards.

Or, I almost want to say thats Aldens way of hiding 'shade variations' in the shell. The darker the color, the harder it is to find defects on the shell itself.

Who knows...as some say thats the Alden 'charm'

 

[Ahab]



A question (actually a few) about those Alden suede PTB's.
Are those in snuff at Unionmade the same color as the ones listed at leathersoul (sold out) ? If it just the photo, which one is accurate?
http://unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Arthur_Unlined_Suede_Oxford_in_Snuff_3847.html
http://leathersoulhawaii.com/2012/01/10/alden-shoe-unlined-suede-ptb-re-stock-lsw-lsbh/
Roden Gray (expensive) and Blackbird (sold out) list a Waxed Reverse Chamois Blucher - quote: "The brother (or sister) to Alden's famous unlined 1490's series". I've Googled but cant find any mention of a 1490 series.
http://www.blackbirdballard.com/Alden_Summer_Oxford_in_Reverse_Tobacco_Chamois_20636.html
Is this show the same model as the one at Unionmade/Leathersoul? It looks slightly different.

They are the same suede. I am not sure if suede colors vary as much as I see in pictures but I have seen snuff suede vary in pictures from almost rust colored to a pale tan. I can tell what color cordovan I am looking at 95% of the time with a quick glance with 5% is mostly do to lighting.

For suede I have a 10% accuracy rate. It does not help that I see so many colors listed in the descriptions.

 

[Ahab]



The shell being from Horween can (I imagine) vary from batch to batch depending on who mixed the stain and who is applying it. I'm sure the demand for the shell butts has caused Horween to pick up the pace and they are being more lenient with what meets standards.
Or, I almost want to say thats Aldens way of hiding 'shade variations' in the shell. The darker the color, the harder it is to find defects on the shell itself.
Who knows...as some say thats the Alden 'charm'

My whiskey has also become darker over time. Which I like.

 

[El Argentino]



Finally, recent shot of Whiskey LWBs.

Selling me on the Whiskey over Ravello debate...

 

[Alcibiades]



Beauties. I'm in the market for some Alden captoe bals, I think. Are these #8? I've decided I really like the overall simplicity of the style, but also the fact that the captoe seems to allow for some nice color variation down the road. Enjoy these.
Nice laces.
Finally, recent shot of Whiskey LWBs.

Outstanding

 

[stevent]



can anyone explain why lined vs unlined chukkas makes such a big difference? you guys seem to have very strong opinions either way on this issue.

I was actually wondering the same thing...

When it comes to suede, I think lined vs unlined makes a pretty big difference. With an unlined shoe, you can feel the soft, buttery suede molding all around your foot. Whereas with a lined suede shoe or boot, it just feels a little stiffer and takes away part of the appeal of wearing suede IMHO.

+1. I have a few quoddies that are lined and unlined and overall the unlined just feels so much better in most cases. Only time lined feels better is when you slip them on during cooler mornings, other than that, unlined all day

 

[Alcibiades]



can anyone explain why lined vs unlined chukkas makes such a big difference? you guys seem to have very strong opinions either way on this issue.

I think a lot of people like unlined for suede shoes because the lack of lining makes the suede more comfortable against your feet. A bunch of people wear suede shoes without socks; in that case, lining (which is normally in some sort of non-suede leather) makes the shoe hotter, which somewhat defeats the purpose. I think you need a lining for suede shoes with broguing like longwings, but for PTBs and chukkas, unlined is generally the way to go, IMO

 

[marmottan]

#8 NST loafers on Grant last today

Nice creases. Like the NST with the full strap.
Enjoy wearing.

Beauties. I'm in the market for some Alden captoe bals, I think. Are these #8? I've decided I really like the overall simplicity of the style, but also the fact that the captoe seems to allow for some nice color variation down the road. Enjoy these.
Nice laces.
Finally, recent shot of Whiskey LWBs.

To me, this pictures makes Whiskey nicer that Ravello.
Enjoy wearing.

 

[marmottan]

Since Alden stopped individuals MTO, how and where do you get your special colors ? Only group orders ?

I'd like to know how to not wait for a specific color at a retailer and be sure to get it in my size...
A salesman at Alden of SF told me Ravello now takes between 8-9 and 12 months... (!).
Thanks.

 

[100 yrs]



A question (actually a few) about those Alden suede PTB's.
Are those in snuff at Unionmade the same color as the ones listed at leathersoul (sold out) ? If it just the photo, which one is accurate?
http://unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Arthur_Unlined_Suede_Oxford_in_Snuff_3847.html
http://leathersoulhawaii.com/2012/01/10/alden-shoe-unlined-suede-ptb-re-stock-lsw-lsbh/
Roden Gray (expensive) and Blackbird (sold out) list a Waxed Reverse Chamois Blucher - quote: "The brother (or sister) to Alden's famous unlined 1490's series". I've Googled but cant find any mention of a 1490 series.
http://www.blackbirdballard.com/Alden_Summer_Oxford_in_Reverse_Tobacco_Chamois_20636.html
Is this show the same model as the one at Unionmade/Leathersoul? It looks slightly different.

I would say that the unionmade picture is closer to the actual snuff color. i believe blackbird is referring to the numbering of the unlined suede chukkas that alden has (1492, 1493, 1494). model numbers for their suede shoes can be seen here http://aldenmadisonny.com/ALDENSUEDE.html

 

[mexicutioner]



I think a lot of people like unlined for suede shoes because the lack of lining makes the suede more comfortable against your feet. A bunch of people wear suede shoes without socks; in that case, lining (which is normally in some sort of non-suede leather) makes the shoe hotter, which somewhat defeats the purpose. I think you need a lining for suede shoes with broguing like longwings, but for PTBs and chukkas, unlined is generally the way to go, IMO

thanks, very informative! also, did your #4's ever sell? can't believe they went so long without a buyer.

 

[kippy]



I thought whiskey and cigar PTB’s were standard makeups there. They always have had them when I have been in.
That pebble grain sound tempting though….
Anything good on sale there?

I just received an order confirmation on one of their cigar cordovan belts. Steep price, but you rarely see the cordovan belts around.

 

[Alcibiades]



thanks, very informative! also, did your #4's ever sell? can't believe they went so long without a buyer.

Yes, they sold over eBay. Hopefully the new owner will enjoy wearing. I think the somewhat uncommon last / pattern (tremont and Atom wing) prevented them from selling a bit quicker. I'm will wait for a restock of the 4X4 PTB or the Color 4 / Black saddle shoes to get my color 4 fix.

 

[stevent]



Since Alden stopped individuals MTO, how and where do you get your special colors ? Only group orders ?

I'd like to know how to not wait for a specific color at a retailer and be sure to get it in my size...
A salesman at Alden of SF told me Ravello now takes between 8-9 and 12 months... (!).
Thanks.

Just fyi Ravello is like 18 months right now