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

[mtc2000]



Looks like Grenson maybe? Shine doesn't look shell

Alden LWB has a more substantial heel, mainly due to the 360 degree welt.

Shoes in picture seem to have 270 welt.

 

[thebeebs]

Yes, the threads will be the first to give when the shoes are stretched excessively. I almost ruined a good pair of #8 LHS using a set of shoe stretchers.

Shell Cordovan cracks occasionally during the lasting process. It is the nature of the material. It is not due the "dryness" of the shell for any specific manufacturer.

(skip to 11:42)

Alden shell has that plasticky wet feel because of the extra acrylic overcoat (glaze) that Alden applies to the shoes.

So if one's instep makes the LHS feel slightly tight, what do you suggest, short of sending them back?

You mention not stretching excessively; does this mean that minimal stretching is okay, perhaps using boot trees for just a few days and then switching to normal shoes trees?

Also, I watched 11:42 of your referenced video and didn't notice anything unusual - what were you telling us to look at?

Thanks

 

[mtc2000]



So if one's instep makes the LHS feel slightly tight, what do you suggest, short of sending them back?  

You mention not stretching excessively; does this mean that minimal stretching is okay, perhaps using boot trees for just a few days and then switching to normal shoes trees?

Also, I watched 11:42 of your referenced video and didn't notice anything unusual - what were you telling us to look at?

Thanks

The video shows the AE production manager talking about shell cracking when it is pulled during the lasting process. Nothing unusual really. Some members of the forum may not be aware of such characteristic of shell.

I don't have any definitive suggestion on how to make LHS work for every single individual. Shoe stretchers seem to work when the instep issue is minor.

One thing to bear in mind. Even though shell do not stretch much, the footbed does compress quite a bit once the shoe are worn a few times. Effectively, that gives a few millimeters of instep. So breaking in the shoes will certainly gain some instep girth.

BTW, Alden uses a generous amount of cork fillings in the footbed as compared with most other manufacturers. That, I believe is why we Alden lovers always claim our shoes to be exceptionally comfortable.

 

[thebeebs]

Great guidance, thank you so much.

 

[mtc2000]

You are most welcome.

 

[Bobbo316]

First post after lurking here for some time. My local retailer is no longer going to carry Alden's due to the length it takes to get a shipment.
I'd really love to add a pair of tanker boots to my collection of shoes.
Could you guys tell me the retailers that preorder this style?
I tried leather soul due to a recommendation of a friend but didn't have much luck.

I'm in no hurry as I know it can take years to acquire my preferred style.

 

[Michael Haines]



First post after lurking here for some time. My local retailer is no longer going to carry Alden's due to the length it takes to get a shipment.
I'd really love to add a pair of tanker boots to my collection of shoes.
Could you guys tell me the retailers that preorder this style?
I tried leather soul due to a recommendation of a friend but didn't have much luck.

I'm in no hurry as I know it can take years to acquire my preferred style.

What type of tanker. I got mine from leffot and love there preorder system. Those where color 8 shell but will be some time since they just did one which sold out right away.

 

[hoit1981]



First post after lurking here for some time. My local retailer is no longer going to carry Alden's due to the length it takes to get a shipment.
I'd really love to add a pair of tanker boots to my collection of shoes.
Could you guys tell me the retailers that preorder this style?
I tried leather soul due to a recommendation of a friend but didn't have much luck.

I'm in no hurry as I know it can take years to acquire my preferred style.

Who is your local retailer?

 

[Bobbo316]

My first choice would be cigar.
Since I know that's out of the question, brown chromexcel, natural chromexcel or chocolate suede would be my top.

 

[Bobbo316]

O'Connells in Buffalo, NY

That is why they are liquidating their stock with the progressive sale.
They are a fine retailer, it's a shame to see this brand go, I understand their reasoning.

 

[nemo]

Try calling Leather Soul, not sure if it is still open but there was a pre-order list for CXL tanker, barrie last, in brown ($100 deposit) slated for Nov delivery.

 

[Beatlegeuse]



O'Connells in Buffalo, NY

That is why they are liquidating their stock with the progressive sale.
They are a fine retailer, it's a shame to see this brand go, I understand their reasoning.

I wish more retailers would start doing this. Maybe Alden would eventually get a clue that it's not a good business model to take 2+ years to fill an order.

 

[aldenwear]

Bobbo,

Of the models you mention, the only retailer I have seen offer the brown CXL Norwegian toe boot and the be chocolate brown suede Norwegian toe boot is Leather Soul. The Shoe Mart I believe sells the natural CXL Norwegian toe boot. Leather Should may as well, I am not sure.

Other options in which you might be.interested: Leffot offers a captoe natural CXLboot - there is a pre - order open for that boot now. Leffot, shoemart, alden SF and Alden DC (and, perhaps Alden NYC, I just can't recall) offer the indy boot in natural CXL. Both Left and Leather Soul and, I think l, J Gilbert offer the brown CXL Indy in the commando sole which makes the boot more use able year end in places that get snow and ice in the Winter.finally, Leffot offers a plain toe brown CXLboot with brass eyelets aand speed hooks that is good looking and versatile. There is a pre - order open for that now as well. Happy hunting.

 

[RobinM]

O'Connells in Buffalo, NY

That is why they are liquidating their stock with the progressive sale.
They are a fine retailer, it's a shame to see this brand go, I understand their reasoning.

Looks like they also have some decades-old dead stock they need to clear.

Alden Opera pumps

Alden Wholecut

Alden Kiltie

 

[takashi78]

OH man that wholecut looks horrible.