What is difference in quality/comfort between Alden & Edward Green

[Shawnc]

I am thinking of trying a pair of EG shells and was looking for unemotional input on whether the price premium over Alden is based on something more than style. I am not looking to start a flame war. Rather, simply looking for opinions from some forum members who have owned both.

Since being introduced to 'shell cordovan' on this site 5 years ago I have been an unabashed Alden enthusiast. Aldens comprise roughly 75% of my shells, which outside of a few suede offerings, is pretty much all I own. However, while Aldens are the majority, I am increasingly finding my non-Aldens as my favorites (boots - Ron Rider alpine grain shell, shoes - AE walnut and burgundy strands). It is this reason that I have become much more willing to step outside of my Alden comfort zone. And I have been admiring EG from afar for quite some time.

Other than the way the Dainite sole looks on some of the dressier offerings, to my eyes, the aesthetics are a push. Which brings me to my question, is there a construction or comfort difference that explains the price premium for EG's? As always, any insight is appreciated.

 

[bry2000]

I have shell shoes/boots from both companies. EG is more expensive overall, including calf. EG shapes and designs are to me far nicer than those offered by Alden. In my view, EG's construction and finishing are way better and that may account for some of the price differences.

I am not an expert, but EG's regular leathers seem superior to Alden's. I am not sure about the differences in the shell used by the two companies that may account for the price difference.

I know this is not what you are asking, but I won't order shell from EG again since I find their calf and grained leathers to be so good that paying up for shell is not worth the extra cost. In general, I don't care for Alden's regular leathers with the exception of chromexel and perhaps suede. So I tend to stick with shell when it comes to Alden.

 

[Shawnc]



I have shell shoes/boots from both companies. EG is more expensive overall, including calf. EG shapes and designs are to me far nicer than those offered by Alden. In my view, EG's construction and finishing are way better and that may account for some of the price differences.

I am not an expert, but EG's regular leathers seem superior to Alden's. I am not sure about the differences in the shell used by the two companies that may account for the price difference.

I know this is not what you are asking, but I won't order shell from EG again since I find their calf and grained leathers to be so good that paying up for shell is not worth the extra cost. In general, I don't care for Alden's regular leathers with the exception of chromexel and perhaps suede. So I tend to stick with shell when it comes to Alden.

Actually bry2k, this is precisely the type of input I was looking for. Any chance you could opine on what you think makes the construction and finish superior on the EG's?

 

[mc2k]

From Alden to EG is jumping from a basic/entry level to a top of the line brand, and if you have to ask this question seeing that you have been here long enough (over 1,000 posts), you are probably not ready for the jump yet. Why not stick with the brand you are familiar with for now until you can personally tell the differences in quality/comfort? Don't worry, there're only a few people in the world who can actually tell your shells are made by EG and not Alden. Move up the ladder slowly. Cheers