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

[poena]



You really don't need HDLP on cxl. It's very weather resistant on its own.

so what is your method?
I've heard that but for some reason I feel like the leather still needs something? at least some conditioning no?

 

[anrobit]

so what is your method?
I've heard that but for some reason I feel like the leather still needs something? at least some conditioning no?

Infrequent conditioning, frequent brushing and wiping. CXL is stuffed with oils. It really doesn't need much protection against the elements. I've worn cxl and other similar pullup leathers through storms and submerged them in deep puddles without any issues.

Unless the leather is definitively dry out of the box, you don't need to do anything to it immediately.

 

[green garden]

You really don't need HDLP on cxl. It's very weather resistant on its own.

Helps me maintain my boots. I only do it once a year in preparation for winter. No big deal.

 

[tifosi]



Some of you may hate me doing this, but let me set the record straight. I am no glazing hater.

Spoiler

Started with the de-glazed Tanker:

I used my finger nails and scratched hard:

I applied some Renovateur:

And brushed vigorously for about 1 minute:

What was the purpose for this?

 

[blue collar]

...

Finally got a chance to wear my new captoe color 8 boots for a few minutes between when the contractors left and before the wife came home. This made me laugh pretty hard. We are a sad bunch lol Great boots though!

 

[jl70115]

so what is your method?
I've heard that but for some reason I feel like the leather still needs something? at least some conditioning no?

Saphir greasy leather creme will condition, when infrequently needed, and get rid of any scuffs or scratches that a good brushing can't handle.

 

[thromb]



Finally got a chance to wear my new captoe color 8 boots for a few minutes between when the contractors left and before the wife came home.

strangely familiar....

 

[blackboard_knowledge]



Bought the last pair... Super excited
http://www.trunkclothiers.com/indy-boot-3.html

It is too bad that they only stocked E width Indys --apparently that is a thing in the UK/Europe-- as they are great boots. I even ordered a pair in the hopes that they were a UK E (US D), but no luck.

 

[fitchottie]



It is too bad that they only stocked E width Indys --apparently that is a thing in the UK/Europe-- as they are great boots. I even ordered a pair in the hopes that they were a UK E (US D), but no luck.

I am 11.5 d so 11e should work.

 

[fitchottie]



What was the purpose for this?

I think to show it is easier to fix scratches with no glaze...

 

[Roguls]



What was the purpose for this?

Not sure, but I found it a worthwhile post. Maybe to empower cordovan scratchers?

 

[Alcibiades]

The post was pretty cool, but I haven't found scratches to be much of an issue with "glazed" cordovan.

The coolest part is that he has two pairs of tankers. I'd change the welt/sole on the glazed one to dark for the most versaility between the two.

 

[Shawnc]



Alden apply a layer of overcoat glazing on most of their shell Cordovan shoes, to give that unique out-of-the-box shine.
Normally Alden Cordovan is easy to maintain. Wiping down with a damp cloth and minimal brushing is all it takes. However, deep scuff is a different story. If the overcoat is damaged, that's it.

Not exactly the same, but sort of like patent leather. The good thing is that Alden can always refinish the shoes with a new overcoat.

Bare Cordovan does not have as glossy a finish. However, deep scuffs and even scrapes will even out with moderate brushing. That is very similar to flesh-out leather.

AF80 that you are interested in and freshly "de-glazed" #8 Tanker.

Spoiler

The same de-glazed Tanker, with one application of Renovateur and 1 minute of brushing.

Spoiler

[/spoiler ]

I just thought this was one of the more amazing sequence of pictures I have seen on this site. I didn't understand stripping the glaze until I saw the final result. I don't think one shoe looks better than the other. Simply a different and equally georgous look. It took a serious set of kahunas to do this, but the result was worth the risk.

 

[mcarthur]



amazing uncle!

nephew,
thank you

 

[coinopcollector]



Wow that is really helpful. Why and how did you deglaze the tanker?
I would greatly prefer the finish of the tanker.

I agree. I too prefer the Tanker but don't have the kahonies to do it to mine. I also prefer the way C&J and AE finish their shell, it's more natural. Non Alden Shell will shine with rigorous brushing and buffing. Alden shell is so heavily glazed that the honest truth is that brushing doesn't have a huge effect in my opinion.