Which Alden Modified Last Shoe should I add - Shell?

[Mike147]

I'm an Alden modified last guy (nothing else fits well with my orthotics) - 9.5 EEE and starved for Shell Cordovan. Been wearing them for 5-6 years now an nothing comes close to the fit for me OTR. I have a number of shoes in Calf to include:
1. Old Cap Toe in Black Calf with Rubber Sole (Last Legs)
2. Medallion Cap Toe in Black Calf
3. Perf Cap Toe in Black Calf
4. V-Tips in Brown Calf & Brown Suede
5. Pair of Medallion Cap Toe Boots in Brown Calf

I have an opportunity to order a pair of Shell Cordovan on the Modified Last and am looking for advice on what to add to my wardrobe. I haven't had luck with the fit of the Wingtips on the Modified Last (not tight enough across the instep) - Not sure if the LWB will present the same issue as the standard wingtip so for now, I'm going to stay away from the wingtip category, which sucks, b/c I love them.

I wear suits for work 80% of the time so need something a little bit dressy. I am considering a plain cap toe or perforated cap toe in:
1. Shell Color #8
2. Ravello
3. Open to suggestions for other colors (not black!)

Wanted to see if anyone on SF has a view on Regular versus Perforated Captoe and whether or not to get Shell #8 or Ravello. I suspect Ravello will take a very long time to get, while #8 is more readily available. I'm open to discussions on other colors as well.

Also - since Modified Last shoes are not normally fully leather-lined, I am wondering if Alden will leather line them for me in a custom makeup. I don't mind the cotton lined Footbalance shoes in terms of comfort. However, I believe that fully leather-lined shoes will survive much longer than the half-cotton alternative.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read my post. Mike

 

[JayJay]

#8 shell is versatile in that it looks good for formal business wear as well as for casual/social occasions.

 

[Mike147]

Originally Posted by JayJay

#8 shell is versatile in that it looks good for formal business wear as well as for casual/social occasions.

Appreciate the feedback - I've always liked #8. Guess I don't like the color as much when it is new as it seems very dark - have heard it lightens up a bit with age. Any thoughts on Perf Cap Toe versus Plain Cap Toe?

 

[TRINI]

What about cigar?

 

[Mike147]

Originally Posted by TRINI

What about cigar?

I like Cigar - But fear it will take too long to source. I might get them a year from now instead of 4-6 months. Does anyone wear Ravello with Navy Blue suits on a regular basis? Not sure if Ravello is more rare than Cigar...

 

[A.K.A.]

Consider that you might be within the window for availability of Cigar. I think the Ravello is too, red, making #8 more versatile; however, the deep brown of Cigar goes with just about anything, too.

As far as color goes for versatility, I rate them this way (IMO):
#8 > Cigar > Ravello > Whiskey.

I have the black shell in the plain cap-toe. It is my least worn shoe, because it is black.

 

[Mike147]

Originally Posted by A.K.A.

Consider that you might be within the window for availability of Cigar. I think the Ravello is too, red, making #8 more versatile; however, the deep brown of Cigar goes with just about anything, too.

As far as color goes for versatility, I rate them this way (IMO):
#8 > Cigar > Ravello > Whiskey.

I have the black shell in the plain cap-toe. It is my least worn shoe, because it is black.

I'm with you 100% - I have way too much Black - enough black for the rest of my life. But selection on the Modified Last is quite limited so I'm been kindof forced into Black. And I don't particularly like Burgundy Calf used on Modified Last Makeups from Moulded Shoe - too much red...

Are your Plain Cap-Toe Modified Last?

 

[Xiaogou]

Originally Posted by Mike147

I'm an Alden modified last guy (nothing else fits well with my orthotics) - 9.5 EEE and starved for Shell Cordovan. Been wearing them for 5-6 years now an nothing comes close to the fit for me OTR. I have a number of shoes in Calf to include:
1. Old Cap Toe in Black Calf with Rubber Sole (Last Legs)
2. Medallion Cap Toe in Black Calf
3. Perf Cap Toe in Black Calf
4. V-Tips in Brown Calf & Brown Suede
5. Pair of Medallion Cap Toe Boots in Brown Calf

I have an opportunity to order a pair of Shell Cordovan on the Modified Last and am looking for advice on what to add to my wardrobe. I haven't had luck with the fit of the Wingtips on the Modified Last (not tight enough across the instep) - Not sure if the LWB will present the same issue as the standard wingtip so for now, I'm going to stay away from the wingtip category, which sucks, b/c I love them.

I wear suits for work 80% of the time so need something a little bit dressy. I am considering a plain cap toe or perforated cap toe in:
1. Shell Color #8
2. Ravello
3. Open to suggestions for other colors (not black!)

Wanted to see if anyone on SF has a view on Regular versus Perforated Captoe and whether or not to get Shell #8 or Ravello. I suspect Ravello will take a very long time to get, while #8 is more readily available. I'm open to discussions on other colors as well.

Also - since Modified Last shoes are not normally fully leather-lined, I am wondering if Alden will leather line them for me in a custom makeup. I don't mind the cotton lined Footbalance shoes in terms of comfort. However, I believe that fully leather-lined shoes will survive much longer than the half-cotton alternative.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read my post. Mike

I would not get shell in a balmoral/oxford. Because of the folding that happens with shell, a blucher/derby would be better.

 

[luk-cha]

perfcap blucher in #8 is you answer, next would be a PTB in ravello, then get a whiskey LWB

 

[Manton]

Black and #8 are always available. The other colors are hard to get and the lighter they are the harder they are to get.

I have come to agree that shell is better as a blucher. Not because of creasing, necessarily, but because it's a thick, rustic material that works better as a heavier shoe.

 

[A.K.A.]

Well said. In light of that try a Cigar PTB.

Also, I wear an 11.5 B. My foot is narrow. I bought my black shell plain captoes from The ShoeMart.com. They told me that they can do makeup shoes, but it is nice when you have a local retailer to work with who can be your advocate.

It seems that Alden could have a nice sideline for specialty make-up shoes if they were so inclined. I get the impression that they are not too interested to accomodate, but will for a significant up-charge.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

I would only want shell as a wingtip or tassel loafer. I dont understand the need for shell in a dress shoe, maybe a conversation with Alden is in order to allow this as an option or completely remove it. Infact I only own shell cordovan as 'country' shoes with double soles and I'm buying the wingtips this fall.

I'm for darker colors, I'm removing light colored shoes from my rotations I just find them impossible to pair with anything. I know SF is in love with tan shoes with practically anything, but I dont think it looks great.

 

[Mike147]

Originally Posted by Xiaogou

I would not get shell in a balmoral/oxford. Because of the folding that happens with shell, a blucher/derby would be better.

Will do - i find I can't wear Bals - with my thick orthotics, they just don't fit well

 

[Mike147]

Quick follow up:

I went with the Perf Cap Toe in #8 - they came out great after a long wait. I'll post some pics when I get back into town..

 

[luk-cha]

cool i think a good choice looking forward to pictures!