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

[Burzan]

Ravello day for me today.

Stunning color on those!

 

[zippyh]



A bit OT: does anyone have an idea if it's allowed to put a can of Nano protector into checked in baggage on international flights? I know aerosols are prohibited by postal services.

Maybe. Not if it's flammable.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

 

[Papa Doble]



Ravello day for me today.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Those are great.

 

[rydenfan]

Happy Friday

 

[shaunw]

Interesting custom re-sole job from ebay (not mine). Never seen an Alden boot end up looking like this before.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alden-Shell...4470338?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item258b83f2c2

I'd say the owner destroyed a very nice pair of aldens....too bad

 

[wj4]



Forgive the terrible iPhone photos in low indoor lighting, but I wanted to share these before/after pictures before I wear them out tomorrow. I recently had my natural chromexcel plain toe boot resoled by B. Nelson (at the recommendation of this thread), converting leather soles to dainite. I have to say, I think they did a wonderful job and quite quickly too! I've had these boots for almost two years now and have easily worn them 75% of those days. They've taken a beating. I shouldn't have been surprised, but a few weeks ago I noticed that the soles were starting to mold. I immediately sent them off and thought it was a perfect opportunity to convert to brick colored dainite soles, something I've been wanting to do for a while.

Spoiler: Spoiler: Due to the excessive amount of photos I've taken

Before: After:

Oh, and the free laces were a nice touch!

This is great stuff. I've always wondered when it is the right time to send a pair in for resoling. Would these pictures be a good indicator of that? I've heard you should consider when the sole becomes 'soft' due to thinning out, but personally not sure what that really means. Thanks in advance.

 

[epc2]

Snuff Friday.

 

[gentfarmer]

Happy Friday

Those are great looking shoes! Waxed calf LWB commando sole? Where did you get them? Which last are they on?

 

[gentfarmer]

Esoxm,

Looks to me like some one sent them to Whites Boots for a resole and made them into a packer style heel.

 

[vestbash]

This is great stuff. I've always wondered when it is the right time to send a pair in for resoling. Would these pictures be a good indicator of that? I've heard you should consider when the sole becomes 'soft' due to thinning out, but personally not sure what that really means. Thanks in advance.

He actually went a bit too far in regards to the heels. He had already worn through the toplift and into the stacked leather heel. Heels can normally be replaced quite easily but the heel needed to be partially rebuilt in this case. A resole is necessary just before the outsole has developed a hole to prevent moisture and particulates from entering into the cavity that is filled by the cork layer. That is what is meant by "when the sole becomes soft". Generally speaking you can tell when a leather or rubber outsole has worn thin because you can use your thumbs to apply pressure to outsole in the areas that are worn thin and you be able to feel the sponginess of the cork layer.

 

[Johnny5]

Anyone with the same issue on the loose stitch? I have clocked less than 20 wears on them.. is this normal?

And is it fine to use Saphir Cordovan Neutral Cream for #8 shell? Heard that it is best not to use neutral?

 

[Alcibiades]

I've used Saphir Neutral Cordovan Cream with good results on brown cordovan (Alden cigar and Ralph Lauren), but you need to do a lot of brushing/buffing, particularly in any creases. I would recommend Saphir's "Cordovan" Cordovan cream over Neutral for Color 8. I'd also recommend a Reno / Color 8 Paste Wax combo for Color 8 over the Neutral Cream.

 

[rydenfan]

Those are great looking shoes! Waxed calf LWB commando sole? Where did you get them? Which last are they on?

nope. Tobacco Chamois LWb's from Leffot. Looks like there is a pre-order going currently with a few sizes left

http://leffot.com/shop/index.php/pre-orders/97862c-pre-order.html

 

[gentfarmer]

nope. Tobacco Chamois LWb's from Leffot. Looks like there is a pre-order going currently with a few sizes left

http://leffot.com/shop/index.php/pre-orders/97862c-pre-order.html

Thanks for the heads up. Unfortunately nothing left in my size. Would calling help? I haven't dealt with Leffot before.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

nope. Tobacco Chamois LWb's from Leffot. Looks like there is a pre-order going currently with a few sizes left

http://leffot.com/shop/index.php/pre-orders/97862c-pre-order.html

R-fan, I never would have thought I would care much for the Tobacco Chamois, but this is an excellent looking "beater" shoe. I don't care too much for that characterization, but I want a LWB with some versatility that I can wear often in good and sloppy weather. I was just about ready to pull the trigger on some natty chrmxl LWBs but I have paused to reconsider after seeing your pair.