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

[sevenfoldtieguy]

TBH, I don't know if the streaking would've bugged me so much on such a dark colored shell to begin with. Might show a bit under direct light, but I figure that patina's out relatively quickly.

...But we all know what we're getting into with Alden. If you want a pristine shoe, look elsewhere.

I still second guess my decision to send them back for refinishing. I lived with them for a month before the streaking got to me. I didn't even notice it until day two or three when I wore them outside in the sun. But once I was aware of it, I couldn't *not* see it. Had the streaks been horizontal, they would have likely blended in with the creases/rolls. But since they ran length wise, it bothered me.

The cigar PTB I bought last year had the finishing flaking off like Patrick's. I returned them to DC and the just sold them to someone else. Someone will eventually be able to live with the defect.

I'm sure Ryden's would simply be resold if he chooses to return as well. El Argentino bolded comment says it all. I'm growing fonder and fonder of UK's shoemakers these days. I love my shell Aldens and wear them often but I don't see myself buying any new Aldens in the near future. Coniston or Galway will likely be my next acquisition.

The Coniston and Galway are each nice, with the latter being in a totally different category than the former.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Another day in the life of Alden...wait 14 months on a wait list, get the grail and feel totally let down by QC...please tell me if you guys feel I am being to picky]

Alden's QC needs improvement and I have said as much, more than once. Further, I have said Alden is not for the guy who demands perfection (and this is said not to excuse Alden for bad QC; rather, it is a facing of reality as we know it).

Moving on ....

The striping on the upper, while unfortunate, will be unnoticed by virtually everyone. But perhaps this is a deal breaker if it will bother you to no end. The edging discoloration can be rather easily remedied. You will soon forget about the missing piece you mention.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[movoblast]

Ryden my good friend,
Call, have them put you as first for their next batch. Keep and rock these, sell them in 2016 for 1k when you get your next pair.

I hope the shortage of rare shell colors isn't permanent...

 

[sacafotos]

Has everyone heard back from DC who should have expected to?

I was 4 of 4 I believe and one 12D in this thread said they passed on their spot. Wondering if they are still going through the orders or if a call is in order?

When I put my name on the list, I was told I was #2 for 12D, and that they were only making 1 pair in that size. One person in this thread passed on 12D, and another here received 12D. That means they either made more than 1 pair, or didn't follow the list exactly. I've left a message and sent an email to DC but haven't heard back, so I'm assuming I wont be getting a pair.

I was told they give each person 7 days to respond. I'm #7 on the list for 8D and only four were made. I'm not expecting a call, but squandering a few bills here and there just in case. My next boot is either the Indy CXL or a pair of Vibergs.

I also tried on a Color 8 Cap Toe on commando. It may sway me away from the JC PCT for the sole alone. The shade was the deep eggplant I like. I need a color 8 boot a bit more versatile than the Indy on Trubalance.

 

[justuhgeek]



I was told they give each person 7 days to respond. I'm #7 on the list for 8D and only four were made. I'm not expecting a call, but squandering a few bills here and there just in case.

Hmm. I was told there were 2 made in this size. Makes you wonder...

Definitely not holding my breath at this point.

 

[bespoken pa]

The Alden game is a stressful one for sure. The fact is that 30 pairs were made total. Understanding that coupled with the power of the interwebz make acquiring grails increasingly difficult. Even if you do get a pair you do so with the understanding that there will likely be flaws. Looking at the thread count indicates Alden is much more popular than other manufactures on SF. I am sure this is not lost on Alden.

In the case of Alden I think it is about the overwhelming discrepancy between supply and demand. The more the legend of rare shell grows, the more people will compete and drive the price up. It will be interesting to see what the market shall permit.

 

[dahl5yankees]

Just ordered Alden Indy Milkshake Suede Oxfords from Haberdash
MAYDAY25 = 25% off, so $299

Anyone have Milkshake suede? Interested in photos and aging?

 

[dslonghorn4]

Feel much better about the color in natural light. Ryden - apologies for the QC issues and that the boots weren't up to your expectations.

 

[rydenfan]

^^^ pouring salt on the wound JK

congrats they look great

 

[brp2]



Feel much better about the color in natural light.  Ryden - apologies for the QC issues and that the boots weren't up to your expectations.

Those look much different from the older pair I have -- much richer brown, way less olive-y. Maybe I should grab the pair that's on hold for me.

 

[bkotsko]

Gratuitous color 8 love

 

[45bur]

Nice shoes @bkotsko . I have these and love them, but I currently have them up on marketplace due to them being a little tight. I plan on sizing up when the next run is offered.

 

[tifosi]



Gratuitous color 8 love

Nice shot and shoes, bk.

 

[Burzan]

Nice shoes @bkotsko . I have these and love them, but I currently have them up on marketplace due to them being a little tight. I plan on sizing up when the next run is offered.

I bought a pair of AE MacNeils like a month ago or I would have been all over those btw.

 

[Bobbo316]

First wear of Need Supply Indy. Rained on them but Invulner does it's job.