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

jaydc7 · Sep 13, 2009

Originally Posted by JonB27

I bought those and returned them, wasn't feeling them when I saw them on my feet...

But they look so good on PG's....

Racove · Sep 15, 2009

Originally Posted by MiniW

^ That is a tough question and I have thought about it before since I wanted to choose between the captoe blucher and captoe boots in black (I actually own both now).

Thanks for your input. My main concern is versatility. I only have the budget for one pair of shell aldens, so I want #8 shell. These would be used 90% of the time for casual wear. However I would like to wear these every time I need a suit, which is a handful of Summer weddings, an annual christmas party, and maybe an unexpected funeral or job interview in the future.

My gut desire is for the boots, but my instincts tell me that shoes are a smarter choice, because of Summer weddings and other more formal affairs. Norwegian Split Toes might even be better than the Captoes. Like the boots, they seem better suited for jeans, yet could still work with a suit. More summer friendly too. Would love more feedback.

Also, I can only seem to find Grant last captoe boots and aberdeen captoe bluchers. Aberdeen runs 1/2 size big like the Barrie, right? What about the Grant?
thanks.

DrZRM · Sep 15, 2009

Here is the official statement on Alden lasts (not for the first time). For a year round single shell, I'd probably go chukka in #8 (well, or a longwing, but I really love longwings). I just don't much like the split toe and don't think a captoe is going to work well casually.

Alden of Carmel last page

Originally Posted by Racove

Thanks for your input. My main concern is versatility. I only have the budget for one pair of shell aldens, so I want #8 shell. These would be used 90% of the time for casual wear. However I would like to wear these every time I need a suit, which is a handful of Summer weddings, an annual christmas party, and maybe an unexpected funeral or job interview in the future.

My gut desire is for the boots, but my instincts tell me that shoes are a smarter choice, because of Summer weddings and other more formal affairs. Norwegian Split Toes might even be better than the Captoes. Like the boots, they seem better suited for jeans, yet could still work with a suit. More summer friendly too. Would love more feedback.

Also, I can only seem to find Grant last captoe boots and aberdeen captoe bluchers. Aberdeen runs 1/2 size big like the Barrie, right? What about the Grant?
thanks.

Morgan · Sep 15, 2009

My first pair of Aldens was the 974 wingtip in #8, and it's still my most versatile shoe. They are pictured on page 7 of this thread. I think a straight or punch cap would be equally versatile, but I've worn those wingtips with jeans, suits, and everything in between and the shoes were always just right. They are real chameleons.

They are on the Grant last, which runs 1/2 size large for me. I usually take a 9D but sized down to 8.5D on the Grant. The toe box isn't quite as big as on the Barrie, so they were just a smidgen snug at first, but now that the cordovan has broken in they one of my best-fitting pairs.

Dewey · Sep 15, 2009

Originally Posted by Racove

Thanks for your input. My main concern is versatility. I only have the budget for one pair of shell aldens, so I want #8 shell. These would be used 90% of the time for casual wear. However I would like to wear these every time I need a suit, which is a handful of Summer weddings, an annual christmas party, and maybe an unexpected funeral or job interview in the future.

My gut desire is for the boots, but my instincts tell me that shoes are a smarter choice, because of Summer weddings and other more formal affairs. Norwegian Split Toes might even be better than the Captoes. Like the boots, they seem better suited for jeans, yet could still work with a suit. More summer friendly too. Would love more feedback.

Also, I can only seem to find Grant last captoe boots and aberdeen captoe bluchers. Aberdeen runs 1/2 size big like the Barrie, right? What about the Grant?
thanks.

Cordovan wears hot and it's possible you'll not want to wear a shell shoe or boot at a summer wedding. Buy the boots for the 90%, and buy simple $60 Rockport dress shoes for those suit-wearing occasions. If you baby them, you should be able to wear them a few times a year and still have them look as good as what everyone else wears to these events.

The "one-shoe" philosophy is dubious ...

Racove · Sep 15, 2009

not looking for one shoe. just one shell shoe. did not realize cordovan wears hot. good point.

i realize that wingtips and/or longwings are less dressy than captoes, but they are also more flashy, at least they would be to my peers.

thanks for the last link. forgot about that one. i fit 8.5 indy boot, 8 in barrie wingtips. i tried the grant, but can't recall if 8 or 8.5 (sorry). any guess for the aberdeen?

srivats · Sep 15, 2009

Originally Posted by Racove

not looking for one shoe. just one shell shoe. did not realize cordovan wears hot. good point.

i realize that wingtips and/or longwings are less dressy than captoes, but they are also more flashy, at least they would be to my peers.

thanks for the last link. forgot about that one. i fit 8.5 indy boot, 8 in barrie wingtips. i tried the grant, but can't recall if 8 or 8.5 (sorry). any guess for the aberdeen?

8.5 in indy and 8 in barrie? hmmm ... that is interesting. Do you wear a 8.5D (indy) and 8E (barrie)?

Most people take the same size in trublance and barrie lasts, (on which these shoes are built). Aberdeen is typically your usual size, either same width or one up.

MiniW · Sep 16, 2009

Aberdeen fits smaller and narrower than the Barrie. It is quite a sleek last IMO. If you wear a 8D in the Barrie, I would recommend a 8D, 8E, 8.5D, or even 8.5E in the Aberdeen.

rick · Sep 16, 2009

bad pic of a cool shoe, ravello shell longwing.

jaydc7 · Sep 16, 2009

rovello is such a great color...

erbs · Sep 16, 2009

I agree; definitely my favorite Alden cordovan.

rick · Sep 16, 2009

Originally Posted by erbs

I agree; definitely my favorite Alden cordovan.

i will try to post better pics my camera is broke, so the picture i took is not great. the ravello is really a great color.

Parker62185 · Sep 16, 2009

What should I put on my Alden Suede Chukkas to protect them (rain, elements, etc.)?
http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-men...elt_suede.html

mechanical pencil · Sep 16, 2009

Originally Posted by Morgan

My first pair of Aldens was the 974 wingtip in #8, and it's still my most versatile shoe. They are pictured on page 7 of this thread. I think a straight or punch cap would be equally versatile, but I've worn those wingtips with jeans, suits, and everything in between and the shoes were always just right. They are real chameleons.

They are on the Grant last, which runs 1/2 size large for me. I usually take a 9D but sized down to 8.5D on the Grant. The toe box isn't quite as big as on the Barrie, so they were just a smidgen snug at first, but now that the cordovan has broken in they one of my best-fitting pairs.

Very helpful post, thanks.

The only wingtips I can find that look like yours are listed as being on the "Tremont" last.

http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-men..._cordovan.html

Is the sizing of the Tremont similar to the Grant?

I'm looking for an Alden wingtip that would work for exactly what you describe (mostly jeans and occasional suit wear) and am torn between the shoe above and the longwing. I think I need to see more pics of longwings worn with suits to know if they can work...

Warren G. · Sep 16, 2009

Anybody have this boots? http://www.leathersoulhawaii.com/200...e-flex-boot-i/ Thinking about pulling the trigger on Sunday.

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