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

[tifosi]

I know where I can find a pre-owned pair of #8 in my size, but I haven't gotten over my fear of well used footwear yet. Maybe someday...

 

[Don L]

I know where I can find a pre-owned pair of #8 in my size, but I haven't gotten over my fear of well used footwear yet. Maybe someday...

Just send them straight off for Alden Restoration. When they come back they will feel new to you....

 

[tifosi]

Just send them straight off for Alden Restoration. When they come back they will feel new to you....

There are varying reports about the insole being replaced. I hear it is not.

 

[Don L]

There are varying reports about the insole being replaced. I hear it is not.

Unless it was a loafer I planned to wear sockless, a little fabeze and after a few wears you will not even think about it....especially if they have new soles and heel pads from the Resto
I have only bought used pairs that I can tell have not been worn very much and or have just come back from restoration - at 50 - 60% off

 

[tifosi]

Unless it was a loafer I planned to wear sockless, a little fabeze and after a few wears you will not even think about it....especially if they have new soles and heel pads from the Resto
I have only bought used pairs that I can tell have not been worn very much and or have just come back from restoration - at 50 - 60% off

How much does a restoration cost so I could factor that into the bottom line on the shoes?

 

[zbix]



There are varying opinions about the insole being replaced. I hear it is not.

The insole cannot be replaced. It is a byproduct of the way the shoe is manufactured. During an Alden restoration, they may sew a new piece of leather into the inside lining of the heel and they will replace the heelpad w/ a new one that reads "Alden Restoration," but besides that, I don't know of any other modifications they'll do to the interior. The corkbed, however, is replaced. This sits in between the insole and sole. The insole though is what contains the previous owners imprint. Replacing the cork helps, but it is not a full solution. As has been recently discussed, Nick at B. Nelson can soak the insole in shoe stretching solution or something similar and try to flatten it out when recrafting. I think that's the best solution I've heard if the shoes really have an unmanageable imprint.

 

[TO Tie Guy]

First wear of my new cordovans. One inside with flash, one outside without. Unfortunately I put quite a scratch in one of them a few hours into the work day. Tried to buff it out but no luck..

 

[tifosi]

First wear of my new cordovans. One inside with flash, one outside without. Unfortunately I put quite a scratch in one of them a few hours into the work day. Tried to buff it out but no luck..

Loving these cap toes. I need an NST, first, though.
Great shoes, TO

 

[Shawnc]



Congratulations on finally going commando.  I know it can be a bit intimidating at first.  But, as you have seen, going commando can be liberating.  It feels great -- breezy and light.  There is a squishy comfort in each step that you can't get otherwise.  I bet you feel better after 8 hours than you do now.

You wear it well.  Enjoy.

You're too kind aldenwear but thanks for the compliment. I knew after taking 2 steps outside of my car that I was experiencing something special for the first time. And your prediction was accurate as well. After 8+ hours they still feel as good as they did this morning.

 

[Shawnc]



Is that photo the AofC short wing on commando? Barrie last?

Very good eyeProfligate47. That is exactly the shoe.

 

[sazon]



Delicious Sazon!

Thank you! They do look good enough to eat sometimes.

 

[Don L]

How much does a restoration cost so I could factor that into the bottom line on the shoes?

$125

 

[mtc2000]



$125

Sent in a pair recently.
Restoration package was $159. Alden said the price was good through Aug, 31, 2013. Not sure the new price is right now.

 

[ironclad]

NAMOR, that is an epic post for a well-travelled pair of boots. Much respect!

 

[Don L]

You are correct. It went up and the last pair I sent in it was the $159....