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

[PhiPsi32]

What do you knowledgeable guys think about Peal and co cordovan boots? I am on the fence about keeping them .thanks

Is there something specific that is causing doubt? Size/fit, color, pattern, sole, coordinating items (pants, shirt), etc?

 

[imolazhp_ci]



Alden needs work in the QC arena; no question about it. FWIW, so does AE.

And it seems to me there are two levels:
1. how do they leave the factory (to the retailer)
and
2. how do they leave the retailer (to the customer).

One of the retailers I work alot with knows that I am rather picky. He is decent enough to personally inspect the pair or pairs that are being shipped to me. If they are not satisfactory (based on what he knows of my standards), he tells me, and I don't buy them. Saves some frustration ..... And I have never met him in person.

Every QC issue I have encountered has been with a retailer that accepts returns for refunds, so that has made the bitter pill a little easier to swallow.

I would encourage fellow forumites to establish a relationship, if possible, with one or two or three retailers - a relationship of mutual respect. Believe me, it makes the overall Alden experience much better.

agree 100% on everything.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



What do you knowledgeable guys think about Peal and co cordovan boots? I am on the fence about keeping them .thanks

Assuming you are referring to the ones BB currently offers, they are made by C&J. I own them, and like them. Their burgundy shell is somewhat different than Alden's 8 in terms of color and finish.

 

[jvc44]

The only questionable thing is the leather sole as I will be wearing these casually and they look dressy. I really don't know if I am better off with commando soles or a better brand

 

[Michael Haines]



agree 100% on everything.

QC be it either Alden or AE is a lost art it seems. For that matter till you get to the 800+ shoes there seems to be a lack of GC

 

[Roguls]



It's an imperfect solution, but you can have wedge soles put on another Indy boot.  I have the Goodyear wedge sole on my LS conservation boot.  It's very comfortable, but gets dirty quickly.  I haven't found a good way of cleaning them.

Magic eraser. Really is magic.

 

[jvc44]

I just received them from BB . The finish is not as shiny I am assuming,and color not as red? I have checked a lot if pics on this forum. Thanks for your help

 

[Roguls]

Sold some, bought these:

 

[Don L]

Beautiful ^^^^

 

[Roguls]

Pardon disgusting workplace carpet.

 

[kolecho]



Sold some, bought these:

Lovely purchase. Do you wear the same size and width for Barrie and Modified lasts? How do you find Barrie vs Modified?

 

[BootSpell]

Pardon disgusting workplace carpet.

The carpet only makes the boots that much more gorgeous. What are those? Cigar on Modified last?

 

[sazon]



funny, the other day i noticed that a couple of speedhooks on my #8 plain toe boots from j. gilbert were starting to pull out like yours Mario. i'm just going to ride out the rest of the boot season then take them in. it almost seems like the speedhooks can be clamped back together with pliers, and now i wonder if it's worth sending them all the way back to alden. i'll see what Yenni says.

I had the same problem with plain toe boots from J Gilbert. Alden fixed them once. The speed hooks got loose again. I sent the boots back 2 Yenni and she sent me a new pair. it seems many people have been complaining about this issue.

 

[Roguls]



Lovely purchase. Do you wear the same size and width for Barrie and Modified lasts? How do you find Barrie vs Modified?

I find the modified to be superior for me, unquestionably. I went up to 10.5D on the Barrie, and it's a good fit; I am a solid 10D on the modified. I can also do a 9.5E on modified, but I'm afraid to do an E width on Barrie, because of the strangely wide and low heel cup, even on the D. But for these, I made an exception. Trubalance fits me really well in 10D as well.

 

[Roguls]



The carpet only makes the boots that much more gorgeous.  What are those?  Cigar on Modified last?

This.