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

[budapest12]



Carmina use Horween I thought? Are there different grades of Horween shell?

There are definitely different degrees of acrylic finishing! : - )

I'm a fan of Carmina and Alden. Certainly quite different. Can't say I think there is a wide qualitative gap but I do like Alden's finishing even as I recognize part of it is PLASTIC.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Carmina use Horween I thought? Are there different grades of Horween shell?

I believe they do, but manufacturers finish what Hoween delivers to them, differently. AE, Carmina, Alden, and C&J (not sure about Vass) all use Horween shell, but they do not all look the same. Carmina is notorious for very dry shell; at one point, to an extent so too was C&J (at least their shell make-ups for RL). AE's shell color wasn't nearly as lustrous several years ago, but they too have adjusted their finishing of Horween shell.

 

[Akeem]

In my limited experience, the quality of shell finishing goes Alden > Vass > Carmina > C&J. My lindricks were thirsty for venetian almost daily.

 

[wklq76a]

Venetian puts on a good shine, but it doesn't really do it for me as a conditioner. AE's cheap-o conditioner/cleaner does that for me, before I go for the shine.

 

[jhcam8]



This is basically my point.

I mean this as no disrespect to anyone on here but there are a few here that will actively exclude members posts if they are not shell. As to imply they are of some lesser value or lesser significance. Its a forum for the appreciation of Alden shoes. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion and you don't "have" to like cxl (thou many of us do). This is just my opinion.

I know and I agree. Others have mentioned that shell is desirable because of it's premium status and I also agree. But, there isn't anything wrong with the Alden calf, suede, etc.
We debate the relative value amongst the brands and that can be food for thought.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Beautiful day for Cigar LWBs (with J Crew Brown seersucker)...

 

[sazon]

Congrats to all of the fine gents who were able to get in on the color 8 Leffot Tanker order this past go round. They are beautiful.

I hope any and all of you who wear a size 10D now have it out of your system, so that this unlucky fella can get in on the next pre-order (assuming there is one).

Please.

Thank you.

 

[sazon]



Beautiful day for Cigar LWBs (with J Crew Brown seersucker)...

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Great color RTP. Must be old Cigar. These look like New Ravello.

 

[tifosi]



Great color RTP. Must be old Cigar. These look like New Ravello.

I agree. That is a lot of red for cigar.

 

[brp2]



I agree. That is a lot of red for cigar.

Agreed. Beautiful, though.

 

[AE_afficionado]



Awesome! Where from, Alden Madison?? Enjoy often and in great health my friend!

Yup! Anthony was very helpful to find and get the boots over to me quickly. I love them!

 

[BCHopeful]

Does Alden DC only do list additions over the phone or do they have an email address? Thanks...

 

[Burzan]

Does Alden DC only do list additions over the phone or do they have an email address? Thanks...

Kathy is very helpful over email. I have been added to lists with just emailing.

[email protected]

 

[BCHopeful]

Thanks... I'll drop her a line...

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Great color RTP. Must be old Cigar. These look like New Ravello.

I agree. That is a lot of red for cigar.

Agreed. Beautiful, though.

Thanks gents. These came from Alden Carmel in 2011.