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

[Papa Doble]



I thought the plainer the dressier and would have thought that a plain toe oxford would be dressier than a no brogue cap toe.

I think there are differing opinions on this. For balmorals, some say a no brogue cap toe is the most formal, whereas some say a no brogue plain toe or wholecut is most formal (since these are more plain than a cap toe).

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Probably because you got to speak to the owner. The order-taker ladies could care less about answering any questions. 

I have no doubt this is true.

 

[Olifter]

Ok, first, I beg for forgivness. My question is about another brand. By way of explanation, I had a pair of Alden black, shell wingtip bals that were too big, so I sold them on eBay for and placed an order with NRO for another pair at the 25% discount. It was cancelled by them. Instead of ordering another pair of black Aldens, I decided to have an old pair of J&M Crown Aristocrafts refurbished and put the extra funds into two pair of shell LWBs, cigar and color 8.

The refurbished pair of JMs look great, and fit well. My problem is that they sqeak. I can't tell if it is the heel or the leather across the arch. Any ideas? I am leaning towards taking them to a local J&M store and letting them take care of it, but if there is an easy fix I can do, i would prefer that.

Thanks for any help.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



I think there are differing opinions on this. For balmorals, some say a no brogue cap toe is the most formal, whereas some say a no brogue plain toe or wholecut is most formal (since these are more plain than a cap toe).

Traditional rules of fashion would make the case for the following, in terms of formality (all balmorals):

1 plaintoe
2 captoe (straight tip)
3 captoe (perf tip)
4 captoe (madallion toe)

For the first 3, the differences are negligible. All 4, IMO, can easily be worn with suits. Number 1 is the least versatile (I used to own the black shell plaintoe bal on the Aberdeen; they felt out of place unless with a Suit) . Number 4 is, obviously, the least plain.

 

[stevent]



I just got an email from LS. The jumpers are on Trubalance. I would've ordered if they were on barrie.

Did you ask them about the new jumper? I've gotten barrie info from both emails and in person?

 

[Alcibiades]

Non-Alden post, but a lot of you like shell cordovan rugged perforated captoe boots, so I'd thought I'd pass this along for those that have not seen this already.

http://leffot.com/2012/09/20/wolverine-744-ltd/

I've given Wolverine boots as a gift and tried them on (don't own any), they are well made

 

[Beatlegeuse]

^ Epaulet has the same boot up as well:

http://www.epauletshop.com/servlet/the-1790/Mens-Shell-Cordovan-744/Detail

 

[NAMOR]



Non-Alden post, but a lot of you like shell cordovan rugged perforated captoe boots, so I'd thought I'd pass this along for those that have not seen this already.
http://leffot.com/2012/09/20/wolverine-744-ltd/
I've given Wolverine boots as a gift and tried them on (don't own any), they are well made

That's a great boot, I just can't figure out the damn sizing. Fits like Barrie. Generous Barrie

 

[mexicutioner]

quick question: for my birthday/Christrmas shoe, i'm thinking a non-brogued natural CXL boot on the barrie last. something casual, jeans and chinos only. i know there's a lot of choices on the trubalance last, but i'm afraid of going non-barrie given all the problems i seem to have with sizing.

for what i'm looking for, is leathersoul (NST tanker boot; plain toe crepe sole boot) the only game in town?

 

[mediahound]

That's a great boot, I just can't figure out the damn sizing. Fits like Barrie. Generous Barrie

For like $100 less, I'd take my Aldens over those any day:






I do like the regular leather 1000 Mile boots for the price however (about $350.)

 

[MarioImpemba]

That's a great boot, I just can't figure out the damn sizing. Fits like Barrie. Generous Barrie

Spot-on. I wear a 9 in Wolverine, and a 9 or 9.5 in Barrie (though I suspect a 9 E Barrie may be perfect).

 

[Alcibiades]

Anyone have experience with the "copely" last? From Unionmade's photos, it looks wider than Aberdeen and closer to something like Van or Barrie.

http://www.unionmadegoods.com/Alden_Sutter_Tassel_Mocc_in_Brown_Alpine_Grain_6038.html

 

[mexicutioner]



For like $100 less, I'd take my Aldens over those any day:

beautiful. i'm really starting to think that the alden for j crew #8 perf captoe boot on the barrie last is the single best and most versatile alden makeup anywhere.

 

[NAMOR]

^ agree. The 744 is just a different boot. I would kop in a C width. What's the deal with those shoe trees? Basswood? Are they lasted? Wrong thread?

 

[i10casual]

They look great but I'm confused on the market they are going for. Having no edge trim looks rough but the actual leather is sweet. The cap pushes it into being too nice. Maybe too nice for denim.
I could not wear them at the factory, I can tell by the sole that my back would be killing me by the end of the day. Plus,are just a little too dandy. Most of the workers are ex-cons and it just wouldn't fit in. I guess I do like that they are trying different things, though. Can you tell these confuse me?