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

[SuitedDx]



Has anyone here used the Shell Plain Toe Blucher for military uniforms? 

I see it done all the time; well, maybe most of them are calf but PTB are fine.

This is a great combo with that grey and the antique welt. Good pairing.

Thanks EA! Been neglecting my shells during the weekend, especially my Whiskey

Very nice.

Thanks PD!

^ but they don't fill out the vamp or the toe for that matter

I'm sure Swingline can take care of this. I use Woodlore Epic trees for most of my Alden boots.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Whiskey gunboats today...

I regret not snagging these when I had the chance... very nice my friend!

 

[Papa Doble]

I was just browsing the BBBF sale and stumbled upon these womens cordovan longwings:

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

I was just browsing the BBBF sale and stumbled upon these womens cordovan longwings:

Wow, shell even. I'm not gonna let my wife even sniff these out. If she picks up the addiction also, we're doomed!

 

[matt92037]

Not sure I am in love with the scotch but $250 for a pair of Alden's? Why not. This will be my second pair waiting for me at home when I return from vacation.

Scotch grain Alden chukka $220

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Chukk...LCK&contentpos=184&cgid=BF_Mens_sale_category

 

[einstine]

They look as the same design as Aldens. They wont fill the from of the indys though.

I found these http://www.woodlore.com/mm5/merchan...t_Code=M-Boot-Tree&Category_Code=Shoe-Trees-M

There for boots and they look like the same tip as the indys.

 

[AmericanGent]

Has anyone here used the Shell Plain Toe Blucher for military uniforms?

I see it done all the time; well, maybe most of them are calf but PTB are fine.

Thanks Doc. Any idea if there are any retailers who do a mil discount? I don't see anything on AAFES. They have AE and can order a shell "Leeds" model for about $500.

 

[CalceoAdamator]



I regret not snagging these when I had the chance...  very nice my friend!

Thanks... They are sweet... I darkened them up slightly with dark brown sapphire cordovan cream and dark brown wax... They're kinda between a whiskey and ravello right now... And I have a few regrets of my own too... I think that's just part of "the addiction" LOL

 

[BootSpell]

Whiskey PTB

Gorgeous! Man, if I could get some plain toe boots just like this, I would be in heaven.

 

[BootSpell]

Can someone give me a good cedar shoe tree to buy for Alden Indy Boots in 10 D. Thanks

I really like the Woodlore Epic (double tube/shaft) trees for the Barrie and Trubalance lasts. They fill the large toe boxes really well.

 

[Alcibiades]

Color 8 Longwings, Antique Edge, Double Waterlock soles from Leffot

American Gunboats in formation

I have a black pair on order, may add a suede at some point as well. All 9.5E.

 

[Alcibiades]



I'm surprised the Barrie is longer than the Trubalance in the same size. 

These are both 9.5E. The tankers on the right (Barrie) are a bit longer than the Indy boots on the left (Trubalance)

(these color on these boots look similar in this photo but they look very different outdoors in better lighting)

 

[925]



I've heard that somebody has sanded off the black edging with a sander and then treated with natural clear edge treatment

i did, with cutter and no treatment after it.

 

[Cold Iron]

Has anyone here used the Shell Plain Toe Blucher for military uniforms?

There was a thread on AAAC a year or two ago about replacement shoes for the Bates military shoe and black shell AE & Alden's were listed as an option.

I retired long enough ago that Naples was still called the armpit of the Med and Humpty Dumpty was still alive and sat on the wall yet. No one would have dreamed of purchasing clothing there either. So my experience is dated however don't believe the concept is. My only concern with shell PTB is the rolls. Half of my shell boots and shoes, eight of them, are plain toes and for a reason. I have a pretty good idea of what sizes work for me in what brands and how they are going to look. Just a couple small rolls and where they belong IMO. You don't have to look hard to find examples of PTB's that have multiple large rolls and IMO do not belong with a dress uniform. If you are certain of how they will look down the road go for it. With a little work you will look better than anyone else around you. Then again if they don't work out for a military uniform once you retire and hit CivLand, and even before that, you can still wear them. Good luck and waiting to see pics!!

I really like the Woodlore Epic (double tube/shaft) trees for the Barrie and Trubalance lasts. They fill the large toe boxes really well.

Same here. I really like the high vamp of the Epic and use them in most all my boots.

 

[aldenfan]

Today breaking in the new cigar chukka's that arrived from TSM: