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

[mdubs]



Ok, I need to know now, because this is not common knowledge: what is Alden's "glazing?!"

Alden applies a glazing to all their Shell Cordovan shoes when they make them. It gives them the color depth and moisture Alden is known for.

No clue what the glaze is composed of. That's a trade secret.

-Mike

 

[mdubs]



^^^ AoC Ravello,Old Ravello(DC?),DC latest Ravello, awesome collection.

Wow. You know my shoes all too well! I was trying to point out the crazy color variance that the shade Ravello has taken on. They are from roughly 2010 (old DC), 2012 (AoC), and 2013 (new DC)... Colors look nothing alike!

 

[El Argentino]

Mdubs, have to say my favorite of the three is the old2010, b/c it has the most red in it.

But yes - those shouldn't be marketed as the same color.

 

[El Argentino]

I'm really sorry if I'm slamming anybody's auction, but some of the descriptions on Ebay really floor me:

This is not "lightly used, but in good condition!!"

 

[anrobit]

I'm really sorry if I'm slamming anybody's auction, but some of the descriptions on Ebay really floor me:

This is not "lightly used, but in good condition!!"

Lightly used in a woodchipper maybe

 

[mdubs]



Lightly used in a woodchipper maybe

That's a good one.

 

[tigerpac]

Shell looks much better with the glazing imo. If you don't want the glazing them save yourself the trouble of stripping it and buy AE shells

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



An old Ravello from Alden after restoration. As usual, Alden refinished the uppers with their glazing. Compared with a three year old Ravello.

I prefer the look of the restored model.

 

[MrDV]

Anyone care to venture a guess as to what color each of these shoes are?

great collection mike. I would have believed you if you had listed them as #4, ravello, and cigar. I think all 3 are awesome.

 

[El Argentino]

NatCXL Indy Boots to kick off the new semester.

 

[BeSpiffington]

^^^ El Argentino, I definitely have got to get a pair of cxl Indy boots. I've got the Innsbruck Indy's in brown cxl and now I'm a huge cxl fan because of its toughness and amazing comfort. Thanks for posting those. Your shoes always look great.

 

[anrobit]

Shell looks much better with the glazing imo. If you don't want the glazing them save yourself the trouble of stripping it and buy AE shells

Or Carmina/Meermin/C&J/etc which are all known for their dryer shell finishes but probably all have better finishing than AE

 

[Shawnc]



These are much more attractive than photographs let on.  Just know your size, and know that this style (on the Barrie last or not) runs large.

Absolutely agree. My first 'new' purchase when I didn't really understand the Barrie sizing, which I think runs even larger on chukkas. Easily my favorite, most comfortable, most versatile shoe.

 

[Shawnc]



Or Carmina/Meermin/C&J/etc which are all known for their dryer shell finishes but probably all have better finishing than AE

I love my shell Dalton's but the biggest disappointment is that they don't have the Alden glazing. Dryer finish is a very good way to describe them.

 

[anrobit]

I love my shell Dalton's but the biggest disappointment is that they don't have the Alden glazing. Dryer finish is a very good way to describe them.

I actually just posted about mine elsewhere. A few light coats of coconut oil fixed the dryness for me, and I'll build up the glaze over time with wear and perhaps a bit of shoe polish.