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

[aldenwear]

Guys - I know this is an Alden site but please allow me this one transgression as I want to share an experience that was only possible because of 2 pieces of advice I received from this forum. I am an avid ebayer and search daily for deals on Alden. However someone once mentioned that they search on 'shell cordovan'. Since receiving that advice, I have added this to my daily search. A few days ago I found a pair of Florsheim long wings with tassels for $100 shipped. There is a little tear in the leather but I showed the listing to my cobbler before pulling the trigger and he ensured me that he could take care of it. In addition to this defect the shoes just looked really crappy but I figured that about a month or so of regularly applying the 'Mac Method' could possibly clean them up. Either way, at $100 for shells, in my mind it was worth the risk. I spent 15 minutes on these shoes and this is the result



Following the MM, I wiped them down with a damp rag and began rigorous brushing. Quite honestly I could have stopped here and would have been satisfied with the result. Then I applied a little Saphir renovator and brushed rigorously. I followed this up by boning each shoe. Unlike when applying wax, I brush the first shoe before boning the second one. My understanding of the advantage of the deer bone is that it raises the natural oils from the shell and that by immediately brushing, you spread the oils much better.

I am not only stunned by the result but also by how easily it was achieved. I understand that most either love or hate tassels but I really like them. And I especially like the combination of the long wing since the shoe moves easily between dressed and less dressy.

I feel like I picked up a great pair of shoes that instantly move into my main rotation for $100. It would not have been possible without the patience and advice from members of this forum. Thanks to all.

What a great find. Great, classic look.
What a great story.
What great results. Congratulations.
Personally, I love that long wing tassel loafer style. I would really love to have these in snuff and tan suede.

 

[bespoken pa]

0 color 4 and no plans for any either.

 

[MoneyWellSpent]

Thanks. For some reason I thought it was a extra stitch to make the shoes more waterproof. Waterlock sole? Just learning more about these stitches and welting etc...

The extra stitch is functional in a Norwegian-welt shoe (see below). Goodyear-welted shoes use this as a decorative stitch as Organika said. The waterloc sole is referring to the oil that the leather is saturated with to make it more waterproof. Oil and water don't mix... there's nothing more to it than that.

 

[tifosi]



Quote:
The extra stitch is functional in a Norwegian-welt shoe (see below). Goodyear-welted shoes use this as a decorative stitch as Organika said. The waterloc sole is referring to the oil that the leather is saturated with to make it more waterproof. Oil and water don't mix... there's nothing more to it than that.

Like these posts about shoe construction. Very informative.

 

[BeSpiffington]



Ravello NST

Very nice nst's Don L. Love the color of your slacks.

 

[MrDV]

ravello plaza boots

 

[BeSpiffington]

Cigar LHS, Marcoliani merino argyle mc, Bill's khakis

 

[BeSpiffington]



ravello plaza boots

Pretty sweet boots MrDV.

 

[jt2gt]

Pretty sweet???? How about downright sick.

Love'em.

 

[rydenfan]

based off the last few days the reason there is no rare shell available is because Uncle Mac and MrDV seem to have acquired it all...

 

[rydenfan]

0 color 4 and no plans for any either.

not surprised to see the first update about the supposed #4 availability came from you

 

[sazon]

A new member of the family arrived yesterday. Nothing fancy, nothing exotic. About as basic as they come, but a model I had overlooked in search of her exotic cousins.

Alden's LHS, in color King

 

[blue collar]



A new member of the family arrived yesterday. Nothing fancy, nothing exotic. About as basic as they come, but a model I had overlooked in search of her exotic cousins.

Alden's LHS, in color King

Beautiful. One of my favs for sure. Sporting mine today too!

 

[BeSpiffington]



A new member of the family arrived yesterday. Nothing fancy, nothing exotic. About as basic as they come, but a model I had overlooked in search of her exotic cousins.

Alden's LHS, in color King

I like your new penny's sazon. Wear them in the best of health my friend.

 

[rydenfan]

Sazon,

my 986's are one of my most worn pairs. They go with everything.

I have been searching for a pair with antique edge but have not had any luck. I was thrilled when Leffot said they had received confirmation and were moving forward, but now due to the scarcity of shell I guess they have decided to allocate towards something else.