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

airportlobby · May 1, 2009

I'm looking for dark suede chukkas. Anyone have some favorites? I'm tempted to just order the unlined chukka directt from Alden, but would prefer a Plaza last or some broguing, if available anywhere. Also - should I order them true to size or a half size down (Leydon last)?

(The Leather Sole boots are great; I'd get them if they came in a color I didn't already own.)

mechanical pencil · May 1, 2009

I just got the unlined suede chukka. Love 'em!

Fit true to size for me.

Oxnard · May 10, 2009

Ordered these last week after scraping, scrounging, and selling in order to get the money up, just got them in from Leather Soul yesterday. For anyone looking for a sizing comparison, I got the boots (plaza last) in an 11d, and I also own a pair of cordovan balmoral oxfords (aberdeen) in an 11d, both actually fit pretty similar for me, strangely enough as I usually wear 11.5-12 in most shoes/sneakers.

Also wanted to say how impressed I am with the service that I received at Leather Soul, as Tom was extremely patient and forthcoming , as well as quickly responsive, through the entire process of purchasing these boots.

Epaulet · May 10, 2009

Originally Posted by mechanical pencil

I just got the unlined suede chukka. Love 'em!

Fit true to size for me.

I'll second that - they're awesome. The unlined chukka comes on the Leydon last, so it's a sleeker design. I prefer it over the Plaza for a suede shoe. I've got the snuff suede color, which looks pretty g-damn good with a seersucker suit.

Epaulet · May 10, 2009

Ah, and I'm happy to report that I'll be going to visit the Alden headquarters on June 1st. As one of their only accounts in Brooklyn, we've got a lot of special make-up work to do for the Fall. I'll bring back a ton of photos for you guys.

PinkPantser · May 11, 2009

I'm thinking I need a plain toe bad-weather boot in my life for when I move back to the Midwest this fall. AF53 and AF43 on trubalance, or the AF88 and AF89 on Leydon all look great. Anyone have a pair on the Leydon last and can compare the trubalance?

KaiserSose · May 11, 2009

Originally Posted by PinkPantser

I'm thinking I need a plain toe bad-weather boot in my life for when I move back to the Midwest this fall. AF53 and AF43 on trubalance, or the AF88 and AF89 on Leydon all look great. Anyone have a pair on the Leydon last and can compare the trubalance?

I would also take a look at the rust colored Wolverine 1000 mile boot. I'm planning on getting one of these for the same exact reason.

MiniW · May 11, 2009

the Leydon will have a sleeker, narrower toebox. Probably desirable if you plan to wear the shoes with non-outdoors, dressier clothing. The tru-balance will have a wider toe-box, and looks better with heavier fabrics IMO. The tru-balance is the same last as the Indy, just imagine all the fits pics with the Indy without the stitching. I own the Indys in a size 8D and they fit me very well, however when I tried on a pair of the suede chukka boots by Alden on the Leydon last in a 8D, they were noticeably narrow, I definitely would of needed a 8E or something in the Leydon. If you want a shell-boot, I would personally get the PTB (plain toe boot) by leather soul. Don't ask me why, I just prefer the look of it.

dfagdfsh · May 11, 2009

I think my next Alden purchase will be a suede boot.

mechanical pencil · May 13, 2009

Hey does anyone here know of a source for the plain to bal Plaza last (935) in brown calf or the
wingtip bal oxford (903) in brown calf?

I tried to order each of these from Sherman Brothers and was informed both times told that they are "discontinued." Thought maybe some Alden hunter might have come across them somewhere...

PinkPantser · May 13, 2009

Originally Posted by MiniW

the Leydon will have a sleeker, narrower toebox. Probably desirable if you plan to wear the shoes with non-outdoors, dressier clothing. The tru-balance will have a wider toe-box, and looks better with heavier fabrics IMO. The tru-balance is the same last as the Indy, just imagine all the fits pics with the Indy without the stitching. I own the Indys in a size 8D and they fit me very well, however when I tried on a pair of the suede chukka boots by Alden on the Leydon last in a 8D, they were noticeably narrow, I definitely would of needed a 8E or something in the Leydon. If you want a shell-boot, I would personally get the PTB (plain toe boot) by leather soul. Don't ask me why, I just prefer the look of it.
thanks mini. I looked into ls first thing but wanted a boot with a commando sole right out of the box. I'm also not sure i'm willing to pay extra for shell, have to think on that.

I've already got one alden boot on the trubalance last in a size 11d so i'd probably take an 11.5 in the leydon, can anyone confirm?

Originally Posted by Teger

I think my next Alden purchase will be a suede boot.

do it, best thing in my wardrobe. I love mine more than my infant child

Get Smart · May 13, 2009

Originally Posted by jet

Nice chattin with you Tom, you truely are an asset to the board and a top class gentleman.

someone needs to balance you out.

btw, anyone know of a good Alden shop in Tokyo? Doesn't Alden do Japan-only editions that can't be found here?

Oxnard · May 13, 2009

Originally Posted by mechanical pencil

Hey does anyone here know of a source for the plain to bal Plaza last (935) in brown calf or the wingtip bal oxford (903) in brown calf? I tried to order each of these from Sherman Brothers and was informed both times told that they are "discontinued." Thought maybe some Alden hunter might have come across them somewhere...
Have you checked theshoemart yet? They have an absolute ton of Alden shoes for sale online, in a variety of finishes and lasts. http://www.theshoemart.com/cgi-bin/c...rowse_vendor=1

mechanical pencil · May 13, 2009

Originally Posted by Oxnard

Have you checked theshoemart yet? They have an absolute ton of Alden shoes for sale online, in a variety of finishes and lasts.
http://www.theshoemart.com/cgi-bin/c...rowse_vendor=1

I have, thanks, but they don't have either of those in brown. Been tough to find a
brown balmoral I like...

Morgan · May 13, 2009

How about the cigar shell plain toe bal, # 90730, from ShoeMart? I love that shoe. Or the straight tip bal in brown calf (920)?

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