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

[Dirty Gurty]

PSA - I just received an email from The Shoe Mart saying they'll be setting up an Alden Fan Facebook page and to send an email to [email protected] if you'd like an invite. I did but have yet to get anything back.

 

[BFisher244]

Thanks guys, the finish of the shell on this pair is far superior to any other pairs so I did not want to let them go. They are as smooth as glass.

Here is an outtake pic from yesterday showing the color difference a bit more. The darker pair is in my window at home now and will be there until I feel they are a bit closer in color, hopefully it will not take long so I can check back in showing off the better match.

I'm a bit fascinated by the fading of color 8 that have been left in the sun. It would be amazing to see some time lapse pics.

 

[breck81]

PSA - I just received an email from The Shoe Mart saying they'll be setting up an Alden Fan Facebook page and to send an email to [email protected] if you'd like an invite. I did but have yet to get anything back.

Its already up and running. They should respond shortly.

 

[breck81]

Thanks guys, the finish of the shell on this pair is far superior to any other pairs so I did not want to let them go. They are as smooth as glass.

Here is an outtake pic from yesterday showing the color difference a bit more. The darker pair is in my window at home now and will be there until I feel they are a bit closer in color, hopefully it will not take long so I can check back in showing off the better match.

Yeah its amazing how many different shades the same pair of shoe can look depending on the light. Here are my Ravello LWB from last years DC. In the first two they seem fairly uniform. In the third the color difference is quite noticeable. All part of the charm and beauty of shell.

 

[Burzan]

Yeah its amazing how many different shades the same pair of shoe can look depending on the light. Here are my Ravello LWB from last years DC. In the first two they seem fairly uniform. In the third the color difference is quite noticeable. All part of the charm and beauty of shell.

Cordovan is so interesting, no wonder we all love it. Such a great leather.

 

[Joenobody0]



Thanks guys, the finish of the shell on this pair is far superior to any other pairs so I did not want to let them go. They are as smooth as glass. Here is an outtake pic from yesterday showing the color difference a bit more. The darker pair is in my window at home now and will be there until I feel they are a bit closer in color, hopefully it will not take long so I can check back in showing off the better match.

My not-display-model first quality #8 chukkas are more different. Those were purchased in person at Alden SF after looking at their entire stock in my size and picking the best pair. The color of shell actually varies depending on the angle you look at it. Only the most expensive makers bother to cut their patterns in a way to minimize this difference. I wouldn't be surprised if they matched perfectly after turning one shoe 90 degrees.

 

[rosslovethreads]



what laces do you guys put on your 403s? The stock cotton ones on mine are starting to split.

+100
The laces Alden includes with its cordovan and classier models dresses up the standard Indy. It really makes it look a ton better.

Edit: my indys have more color variation than his shells, but these are seconds and I don't particularly care.

 

[Burzan]

My not-display-model first quality #8 chukkas are more different. Those were purchased in person at Alden SF after looking at their entire stock in my size and picking the best pair. The color of shell actually varies depending on the angle you look at it. Only the most expensive makers bother to cut their patterns in a way to minimize this difference. I wouldn't be surprised if they matched perfectly after turning one shoe 90 degrees.

I totally understand clicking issues and companies not lasting them in the same direction causing the color variation seen on the wing of Brecks pair, mine pair however has indeed changed color from light exposure. They have the same color tone differences no matter what way you look at them. In fact, they even have original dark shell under the laces by the eyelets where the exposure did not lighten. They will even out with time but I am ok with speeding up that process with some direct sunlight. Very happy with them.

I have some saphir brown cordovan cream (which is very eggplant colored and a fantastic #8 match) that I may use to help even them out, not a fan of colored polishes on my shell so that probably wont happen lol.






For reference on the lightening process, my AE Leeds. My best time lapse of them in their current state down to brand new. I decided to do this last year after falling in love with the Alden Dover and a desire to turn the Leeds into a casual shell winter shoe.

 

[z8k1n]

Anatomica Paris x Alden Ravello PT boots.

 

[sacafotos]

DC Ravello LWB

 

[MrDV]



Anatomica Paris x Alden Ravello PT boots.

Excellent combo.

Cigar str8 tips today:

Great shoes sir.

Leeds into a casual shell winter shoe.

Spoiler: Sun Lightened AE Leeds

So awesome. I remember seeing that photo before and wishing my Leeds were that great. Sweet hallecks z8k1n.

 

[ErikW]

Anyone have any photos of what Alpine Grain shoes/boots look like after some wear?

 

[TO Tie Guy]



What is the import tax like? have you ever ordered it from TSM

I just paid UPS $200 for my Whiskey WTB from Alden Madison. The Ravello NST boot I had TSM ship to CBI in Niagara Falls and paid about $130 for them when I brought them over. Was much better a year ago when our dollar was at par with the USD.

 

[intensanity]

I think the best Aldens are MrDV's camera work.

 

[Burzan]

Who has some on the foot pics of the unlined Tan penny loafer?

I have long debated between the snuff for summer but I like the lighter edge of the Tan. I am also confused by comments on tighter fit, my whiskey LHS is pretty snug already. Would the suede not stretch out to be as comfortable or does everyone really size up in the unlined versions?