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

[kippy]



Sound advice (and advice that I - and, I'm betting, Kippy - could have benefitted from years ago...)

My wallet gently weeps on account of my sizing mistakes. I'll see you at the Alden-aholics Anonymous meeting.

 

[Amused]

Brand new "Reject" #8 PTB.

What's the actual defect...right shoe missing most of its laces?

 

[Bakes11771]

I have worn my #8 LHS like 10 times and they still aren't broken in. My heel slips out when I walk because the double leather sole just won't crease. Had me pissed off all day. How do they realistically expect people to walk in these shoes? How many miles do I have to walk before they finally break in? Also, since the cork hasn't taken an impression of my foot yet, my heel is really high up in the shoe, causing the back of the shoe to not come high up enough on the back of my heel.

I also have the Brooks Brothers black cordovan hand sewn loafers, and while many insist they are the same shoe, rebranded, I am quite certain that they are not. I'll post pics once my camera charges, but the BBs didn't have any problems breaking in. Also, the tongue on the Aldens is stitched and it is not stitched on the BBs. Maybe at one time they were the same, but both of my pairs are less than a year old, and I'm pretty sure they are different. Also, i'm a 9.5D (TTS) in the BB and 9C in the Aldens.

 

[Coldsnap]

You bought a pair of shoes that can last you 20 years and complain about them not being broken in by 10 wears? :foo:

 

[Bakes11771]

Yes.

 

[closerlook]



I have worn my #8 LHS like 10 times and they still aren't broken in.  My heel slips out when I walk because the double leather sole just won't crease.  Had me pissed off all day.  How do they realistically expect people to walk in these shoes?  How many miles do I have to walk before they finally break in?  Also, since the cork hasn't taken an impression of my foot yet, my heel is really high up in the shoe, causing the back of the shoe to not come high up enough on the back of my heel.

I also have the Brooks Brothers black cordovan hand sewn loafers, and while many insist they are the same shoe, rebranded, I am quite certain that they are not.  I'll post pics once my camera charges, but the BBs didn't have any problems breaking in.  Also, the tongue on the Aldens is stitched and it is not stitched on the BBs.  Maybe at one time they were the same, but both of my pairs are less than a year old, and I'm pretty sure they are different.  Also, i'm a 9.5D (TTS) in the BB and 9C in the Aldens.

the lhs has a single leather sole
its going to take more than ten wears to break them in, single or double. give it time. wear them at home.

the brooks brothers model is unlined, which is why it easily breaks in. that is also why many people size down one half size down from the lined version, which it self requires a half-size down because it is on the van last. both shoes are made on the same last.

 

[Bakes11771]

Thank you for the response. My unlined shoes are half a size larger than my lined shoes, so the opposite of what you said, unless I am confused.

 

[poorman]

Ahh. I have to wait until tomorrow to order some ShoeMart irregulars?!

 

[Bakes11771]

Your definitely right about the lined vs unlined, and that seems to explain the stitching on the tongue of the lined version.

 

[Raybot]

Well my J Crew Indy boots arrived today. A bit too big for me. I didn't do the half size down thing and it bit me. Oh well...the more and more I see the #8 and Cigar it's got me leaning that way.

Off for a refund in the morning and order a different boot.

 

[ElDave]



My cap toes arrived today too. I'm curious to see how the brown CXL ages. I have no clue.

Holy **** these are fantastic.

 

[harveyrabbit]



My cap toes arrived today too. I'm curious to see how the brown CXL ages. I have no clue.

I want that same make-up in cigar. Anyone know if that has been done?

 

[HorseHide]



I have worn my #8 LHS like 10 times and they still aren't broken in.  My heel slips out when I walk because the double leather sole just won't crease.  Had me pissed off all day.  How do they realistically expect people to walk in these shoes?  How many miles do I have to walk before they finally break in?  Also, since the cork hasn't taken an impression of my foot yet, my heel is really high up in the shoe, causing the back of the shoe to not come high up enough on the back of my heel.

I also have the Brooks Brothers black cordovan hand sewn loafers, and while many insist they are the same shoe, rebranded, I am quite certain that they are not.  I'll post pics once my camera charges, but the BBs didn't have any problems breaking in.  Also, the tongue on the Aldens is stitched and it is not stitched on the BBs.  Maybe at one time they were the same, but both of my pairs are less than a year old, and I'm pretty sure they are different.  Also, i'm a 9.5D (TTS) in the BB and 9C in the Aldens.

This is really quite humorous - unintended, I'm sure. But humorous... We anxiously await your camera re-charge.

 

[slide13]

are those CXL cap toes from Alden NY? If so I may have to give them a call, those may be my ideal makeup...well, almost, if they were all eyelets they would be perfect.

 

[Bakes11771]

This is really quite humorous - unintended, I'm sure. But humorous... We anxiously await your camera re-charge.

Pleased to amuse you. Seriously though, its like wearing wood clogs. I just want to get down to business.