Best longwings?

zippyh · May 12, 2009

Originally Posted by BWB

Thank you for the link. I have an obvious noob question. What is the difference between Alden of Carmel and the Aldenshop in San Fran? Thanks for the help.

Oddly enough, Alden of Carmel is located in Washington state not too far from Seattle.
They don't have a physical shop.

JayJay · May 12, 2009

Originally Posted by Warren G.

http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/
Just shoot him an email. Apparently he's getting some in 4 months.
I purchased mine over a year ago after a long wait. It was well worth the wait.

JayJay · May 12, 2009

Originally Posted by Tarmac

If you gave me only one burgundy longwing to wear for the rest of my life, I would choose Florsheim old stock.

If you are looking for cool, rare colors, you can't compete with Alden. They are the only ones doing that.
Rider does a very large variety of colors in shell, too, even more so than Alden. Longwings would be a custom order; however, he has a quick turnaround.

Eagle · May 12, 2009

My choice for the best(?) longwings (at least of those presently in my collection) would be Alden's #975, in #8 shell cord! A close second would be AE's MacNeils in grained chili calf.

Elgin · May 12, 2009

Thanks to all who have replied, but I'm not really interested in buying used shoes. From what I gather here, Alden, A-E, Florsheim, and only one other company are actually making longwings. Is that surprising? (It surprises me.)

If I wanted to buy an new pair of old stock, any ideas where I might do that besides ebay?

Nexus6 · May 12, 2009

Originally Posted by Elgin

Thanks to all who have replied, but I'm not really interested in buying used shoes. From what I gather here, Alden, A-E, Florsheim, and only one other company are actually making longwings. Is that surprising? (It surprises me.)

I am one person who has to adhere to a strict budget.
For my money, I'd rather buy 4 pair of Florsheim Kenmooors than one pair of Alden.

I would buy the Pebbled Cognac, Burgundy & Pebbled Black & Smooth Black.
For my feet, The Florsheim Kenmoors are more than comfortable enough.
Others will say buy one pair of Alden over 3 pair of Florsheim.
Though Aldens are higher quality for sure, in my opinion, the Florshiem Kenmoor is great quality for the price, and the comfort is on par with Allen Edmonds, again, in my opinion.

If I wanted to buy an new pair of old stock, any ideas where I might do that besides ebay?

Other than Ebay?

Google using keywords: Longwing + Vintage, Deadstock, Clerance, Clearout, Seconds, Discontinued

wheelsx45 · May 12, 2009

There is also the Loake Royals. Anyone have any experience with those?

http://www.pediwear.co.uk/loake/products/1057.php

Elgin · May 12, 2009

"I am one person who has to adhere to a strict budget.
For my money, I'd rather buy 4 pair of Florsheim Kenmooors than one pair of Alden."

I totally agree here. People on here are aficionados, I guess, and constantly bitching that quality ain't great. I'm proud to say (well, not proud exactly, but at least pleased) I bought a pair of Banana Republic chukka boots 6 or 7 years ago, have worn them repeatedly in a row, never put trees in them, and had them resoled a half dozen times. I paid 100 bucks, and they still look amazing. I get zillions of compliments on them.

I'm all for quality, but only up to a point. Style is much more important.

Slewfoot · May 12, 2009

I recently got these from the B&S Forum which I like a lot...vintage Hanover longwings.

greekgeek · May 12, 2009

Originally Posted by Elgin

"I am one person who has to adhere to a strict budget.
For my money, I'd rather buy 4 pair of Florsheim Kenmooors than one pair of Alden."

I'm all for quality, but only up to a point. Style is much more important.

Shop around and get the highest quality available for a given budget. That is the essence of the B&S forum...sort of.

zjpj83 · May 12, 2009

I want whiskey shell longwings like whoa

Morgan · May 12, 2009

I love mine. They look a little darker here since the red wall is casting a weird reflected light.

The Deacon · May 12, 2009

Nexus6;2059725 said:
I am one person who has to adhere to a strict budget.
For my money, I'd rather buy 4 pair of Florsheim Kenmooors than one pair of Alden.

I would buy the Pebbled Cognac, Burgundy & Pebbled Black & Smooth Black.
For my feet, The Florsheim Kenmoors are more than comfortable enough.
Others will say buy one pair of Alden over 3 pair of Florsheim.
Though Aldens are higher quality for sure, in my opinion, the Florshiem Kenmoor is great quality for the price, and the comfort is on par with Allen Edmonds, again, in my opinion.

Smart man!

DocHolliday · May 12, 2009

I looked at the available modern options and went with deadstock on eBay. I paid a significant premium for them, but they were the best manifestation of what I wanted.

Swan Song · Sep 20, 2009

Originally Posted by Tarmac

If you gave me only one burgundy longwing to wear for the rest of my life, I would choose Florsheim old stock.

If you are looking for cool, rare colors, you can't compete with Alden. They are the only ones doing that.

I found these burgundy very old stock Florsheim Imperial Shell Cordovan Longwings today in a Thrift.

They are ancient, but as you can see, with a good cleaning(damp cloth only) and a smidgen(and I mean a tiny bit) of Cordovan Cream they look marvelous. Great patina.

Anyway to date them? They have a very deep forest green label inside.

Best longwings?

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