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

[Papa Doble]



I just receive the 975 replacement. I measure the width of the shoes and found that left shoe is 1mm wider than the right shoe.Also, the medallion looks a bit off. Is this a big problem? Any other problem on the shoes that should be a deal breaker? Thanks in advance

Spoiler

I suspect, though I could be wrong, that any difference (left vs. right) you feel in the fit is due to your feet being asymmetric, and not due to a 1 mm difference in sole width. If the shoes fit well, I would not be concerned with this. The nick in the welt looks entirely normal to me. As for the medallion, I definitely notice that one begins closer to the welt than the other. Also, the tips of wingtips (on the vamp) are slightly different as well. I believe both of these issues are pretty common, but it's your call. Since the 975 is a stock model, it should be easy to get a replacement, unless you take a narrow width. Of course, it sounds like you've already done this. Third time's a charm?

 

[PeterL]

it sounds like you are looking for the perfect shoe. Alden is probably not the right brand if thats what you are looking for. Maybe try Edward Green.....I think they are more in the business of constructing a flawless shoe.

Thanks for the advice. I will check it out.

 

[PeterL]

I suspect, though I could be wrong, that any difference (left vs. right) you feel in the fit is due to your feet being asymmetric, and not due to a 1 mm difference in sole width. If the shoes fit well, I would not be concerned with this.

The nick in the welt looks entirely normal to me.

As for the medallion, I definitely notice that one begins closer to the welt than the other. Also, the tips of wingtips (on the vamp) are slightly different as well. I believe both of these issues are pretty common, but it's your call. Since the 975 is a stock model, it should be easy to get a replacement, unless you take a narrow width. Of course, it sounds like you've already done this. Third time's a charm?

I also thought it could be my feet being asymmetric plus its not really bothering with the little different. I just wanted to mention it to see if one have the same problem.

The only thing bother me is that i purchase them as first quality. First the dye stains and now the medallion problem. I figure will just buy seconds on my next purchase.

 

[budapest12]

^ Check the Edward Greens.

 

[Subutai]

Morning gents, just got back from a three week trip to Asia. Had to travel very light and allowed myself only one pair of shoes. I opted for these Alden Tobacco Chamois, and they held up beautifully! Worn almost everyday, all day! (Please excuse the ratty denim):

 

[thebeebs]

Enough about the freaking medallions already! Unless you're perfect, don't expect the same from a shoe.

 

[thams]

Saw this on Moulded Shoe's tumblr blog. Hoping it's not the beginning of the end.

http://mouldedshoe.tumblr.com/post/73551314822/the-begining-of-the-end-of-domestic-shell-cordovan

 

[coolarrow]

CXL Dovers on a casual Friday:

 

[Bakes11771]

Saw this on Moulded Shoe's tumblr blog. Hoping it's not the beginning of the end.

http://mouldedshoe.tumblr.com/post/73551314822/the-begining-of-the-end-of-domestic-shell-cordovan

They'll just send the horses to mexico to be slaughtered less humanely.

Hides are also imported from other countries to domestic tanneries.

Don't worry, it doesn't mean that Horween is shutting down.

 

[tifosi]



They'll just send the horses to mexico to be slaughtered less humanely.

Hides are also imported from other countries to domestic tanneries.

Don't worry, it doesn't mean that Horween is shutting down.

I was just going to say that I thought most horse hides were imported anyway?

 

[sammy]

What do you all think about the chukka on the barrie last with double water lock sole in natty cxl? Would this be a versatile all around boot?

 

[Bakes11771]

What do you all think about the chukka on the barrie last with double water lock sole in natty cxl? Would this be a versatile all around boot?

It is causal, so limited versatility in that sense, but plenty versatile within the casual realm. The color is easy to work with.

If you like the chukka style and are looking for something casual that will develop a lot of character quickly, this is a winner.

 

[thonez]

Anyone have experience with using alden recraft on natural chromexcel, specifically ptb's?

 

[thams]

They'll just send the horses to mexico to be slaughtered less humanely.

Hides are also imported from other countries to domestic tanneries.

Don't worry, it doesn't mean that Horween is shutting down.

I thought the hides were mostly imported as well. Not trying to start the whole "shell scarcity" conversation again -- just want the shell to keep flowing! I still have a collection to build...

 

[Don L]

Since there is no market int he US for the meat (USDA banned slaughterhouses), most horse hides are from Canada or Mexico...