Which Imported Dress Shoes Are Closest to Alden in Build and Comfort?

[Jerry52]

I'm hoping to find a nice pair of leather lace-up dress shoes from Italy, Spain or England.

I'd like the build quality and nice leather and "American fit" of an Alden, but just desire the "flair" and distinction of a quality import.

So I wonder which brands of conservative dress shoes from overseas could be most mistaken for a classic pair of Aldens? Thanks.

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by Jerry52

I'm hoping to find a nice pair of leather lace-up dress shoes from Italy, Spain or England.

I'd like the build quality and nice leather and "American fit" of an Alden, but just desire the "flair" and distinction of a quality import.

So I wonder which brands of conservative dress shoes from overseas could be most mistaken for a classic pair of Aldens? Thanks.

If you desired "the "flair" and distinction of a quality import", why would you want something that "could be most mistaken for a classic pair of Aldens"?

it seems like "flair" and "conservative" are somewhat in opposition.

 

[AlanC]

I agree that if you want something that would be mistaken for an Alden, probably Alden is your best bet. Alden will also be cheaper than almost any foreign maker of equivalent construction.

Still, you might take a look at C&J or Tricker's country lines. Also possibly Carmina, which does a lot of work in shell cordovan.

 

[grimslade]

Plus one to all of the above. That said, C&J's standard cap-toes and the like are fairly conservative, esp. the rounded toe (is it 236 last?) models. I wouldn't describe them as having "flair" however.

 

[NewYorkBuck]

I'd like the build quality and nice leather and "American fit" of an Alden, but just desire the "flair" and distinction of a quality import.

Oh if only I could find this pair. I have one pair of C&Js and one pair of EGs that are rather comfy, but nothing like my Aldens. The only shoe that has come close on the comfort scale to them is AE. Alden is the only shoe that Ive ever had on that did not need to break in at all. They are comfortable from the first step. As a matter of fact - have em on right now....

 

[Jerry52]

Originally Posted by NoVaguy

If you desired "the "flair" and distinction of a quality import", why would you want something that "could be most mistaken for a classic pair of Aldens"?

it seems like "flair" and "conservative" are somewhat in opposition.

Granted, the two words might seem to contradict. I guess by "flair" I was intending maybe just the "intrigue" or "accent" or "variety" of an import, something perhaps a little more "obscure" or "unique" than an Alden.

From the responses so far, it appears that for the money, Alden is hard to beat! I guess the grass is more intriguing if not greener on the other side of the "sea."

But logic suggests there is "no free lunch" and with the unfavorable exchange rate the US dollar is buying less and less in Europe...

Reality spoils dreams...

 

[AlanC]

You might also look at the Brooks Brothers Peals, made by Crockett & Jones or Sargent.

 

[LabelKing]

I suggest something like Ludwig Reiter.

 

[epa]

This issue with "imported" things reminds me of when Frazier Crane suggested to his father that they could go to Paris, where his father could sit in a cafÃ

and enjoy imported beer.
His father answered that he preferred his american beer, and Frazier said something like: "Yes, father, but in Paris it will be imported beer".