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

[DCRoyal]

Thanks for the heads up on the Ravello LWB at Alden of DC. I called them up this morning and I am now the proud owner of a pair of Ravello LWB in 10 D.

No problem. Did you get the double waterlock version? I assumed that is what they all are, but thinking about it I didnt ask.

 

[mcarthur]



I'm going to risk offending many members in this thread and the vast majority of shoes in my closet by saying that I don't necessarily think that shell is the ultimate goal of Alden ownership.

I know we focus on shell a lot here, but there are many great Aldens in other leathers that we see here too. So go for shell if it is for you, and don't worry if it is not. Enjoy those boots.

nephew,
very well stated

 

[mcarthur]



 I have much more to learn about shoe maintenance, but if I would have listened to the first person who sold me a pair of alden shell instead of using this forum for research, my shell shoes would have faaar too much wax paste on them.  As it stands, I have four pair and have not done anything to them with the exception of the mac method.  And they look great.

I know the method calls for very periodically using wax, but is it absolutely necessary?

only if necessary. the ultimate goal is never to wax

 

[mcarthur]

black wt
argyles otc

 

[FrankCowperwood]



Wearing my cigar cordovan boots for the first time today. The Grant last is great... Glad that I went 0.5 size larger then my Tru-Balance Indy's.

I love how the olive hue of cigar comes through in these photos.

nephew, very well stated

Thanks, Uncle.

 

[millerbk]

No problem. Did you get the double waterlock version? I assumed that is what they all are, but thinking about it I didnt ask.

Yes they have the double waterlock. The cost also had the new Alden price increase so I wasn't to happy about that

 

[chipshot]

So is the sole on the Alden shell cordovan shoes.... well cordovan? Seems I've seen them stamped that way on the soles. If so, are the calf shoes soled with calf? Odd question I know but these Alden soles are harder than say C & J. Why?...

 

[chipshot]

So now I am thinking the water lock soles are softer in nature. I thought I read this somewhere and it has my interest piqued.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



PSA: Alden SF has whiskey longwings. Not sure what stock they have left. They aren't listed online, so you will have to call.

Hope someone benefits from this.

On this front: Alden DC should have a 9.5D in the black shell captoe boot on the Grant, commando sole. This particular boot, in cigar and black, gets some mention on here so I thought I'd mention it.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



black wt
argyles otc

Mac: I am not one to pair black shoes with trousers that are any variation of brown. Having said that, you have manged to pull it off here just fine. Well done.

 

[jpo]

Well ive fallen for the shortwing as my first love in an Alden. Can anyone offer some direction in getting a pair of shortwings in #8? LeatherSole is doing another run sometime in 2014. I cannot have an unrequited love for that long. Any advice for hookijg a pair in 2013 would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Well ive fallen for the shortwing as my first love in an Alden. Can anyone offer some direction in getting a pair of shortwings in #8? LeatherSole is doing another run sometime in 2014. I cannot have an unrequited love for that long. Any advice for hookijg a pair in 2013 would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/Shoes-Shell_Cordovan_Wing_Tip_215.htm

 

[jvc44]

I would appreciate some opinions. Norwegian front #8 or Brixton#8 from epaulet ?

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Torture but in a good way.

Over the last year and a half I have stocked up heavily on Alden, primarily cordovan boots. At this point I'm basically set with footwear for September through May timeframe (cooler months = boot weather for me).  Living in the mid-atlantic shoes are pretty mandatory for summer considering the heat and humidity, I have cigar ptb, and a suede pair of ranger shoes for the warm months but I really want a darker pair of shell cordovan shoes to work into the warm period rotation. I just sold off a few things and my paypal account is fully stocked. The alden 990 and the alden for brooks brothers PTB #8 would fit the bill perfectly and are readily available BUT technically I'm still in boot mode for a solid three more months and there is really no need to jump on a purchase that won't be worn for several months and is generally readily available.

The smart thing to do is hold out for:

• killer deal on theshoemart seconds list
• hope for something nice on alden of carmel irregulars
• hope for a sale at jcrew or brooks brothers
• wait to see what unique offerings come out of LS, Unionmade, Epaulet, and other retailers
• keep tabs on the SF classifieds section

Money buring a hole in your pocket is torture, but I guess it's better than wanting something and not having the means.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alden-SHELL...1051059?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item3a7df106b3

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



I would appreciate some opinions. Norwegian front #8 or Brixton#8 from epaulet ?

What are your primary uses?

casual, dress, both, dress trousers, denim??