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jet · Nov 25, 2009

why you sellin out rkd got a little too excited at first or what?

randomkoreandude · Nov 25, 2009

Originally Posted by jet

why you sellin out rkd got a little too excited at first or what?

never ever wear since im in school and live on campus. so its a HUGE waste of money on my very limited budget. another forum member just bought my Roy's off of me today. so yeah ...

its sad though cuz i loved the roys and were excited for these tankers but honestly cant justify the amount of wear vs cost of money

jet · Nov 25, 2009

here's a suggestion and I know this may sound crazy but it just might work, how about you put your feet in them, lace'em up and go to class every day with them?

randomkoreandude · Nov 25, 2009

lol reasonable suggestion but lack of funds is a factor as well

edmond_evo6 · Nov 26, 2009

Originally Posted by Tripleterror

Just got my Ravello Wingtip Boots from Shoemart, Superb
I have noticed a small 'flat' area about 1/2" in diameter where the cordovan isn't as 'shiny' as the rest of the boot.
Is this just a natural thing or can it be rectified by polishing?
I'm a bit reluctant to do anything until I get some advice.
Simon

yes.my friend have same problem.
he was email shoemart before,they reply that can use the soft cloth to remove it.
after polished,the boot will very shiny

dfagdfsh · Nov 26, 2009

here's another suggestion: stop buying every hyped collaboration god ******* damn

thenanyu · Nov 26, 2009

Originally Posted by Teger

here's another suggestion: stop buying every hyped collaboration god ******* damn

Now now, we all know unhinged consumption makes the American economy go round.

chestercopperpot · Nov 26, 2009

I've been thinking about getting some cordovan hand sewn loafers. As far as sizing on the lasts what should I get? Are they TTS? Should I size down?

dfagdfsh · Nov 26, 2009

which pair are you looking at ?

Razele · Nov 26, 2009

Originally Posted by Teger

here's another suggestion: stop buying every hyped collaboration god ******* damn
lol Can you usually pick up aldens on sale at Christmas / Black Friday? I want the chukka's in tan and light brown. Half size down from normal right?

KitAkira · Nov 26, 2009

If it's on the Barrie

Razele · Nov 26, 2009

Your beautiful KitAkira, no matter what they say.

b-ill · Nov 26, 2009

Originally Posted by Razele

lol Can you usually pick up aldens on sale at Christmas / Black Friday? I want the chukka's in tan and light brown. Half size down from normal right?
If they are on the Leydon, go TTS.

1wb · Nov 26, 2009

Originally Posted by dport86

There's no free lunch.

I've bought 3 pairs of seconds from Shoemart, and while I find them to offer very attentive and reponsive service, beware the much proclaimed observation that you can't tell the difference between seconds and firsts (or that they are all some minor cosmetic flaw).

For e.g. I had a cracked shell shoe (which they did take back). This is a major flaw which happens when cordovan is stretched too tight on the last (there is a German doc showing Horween cordovan being cracked at the AE factory). It was not disclosed and I had to pay for shipping both ways. I've also had uneven stitching and flaws that went almost all the way through the leather.

The other thing you don't factor in when purchasing shoes from Shoemart or any other online retailer is the difficulty of fitting Aldens, with all their different lasts. Despite all their best efforts it is simply impossible for Shoemart to fit you properly over the phone. I purchased a pair of boots wore them, found them a little big but couldn't return them (once I'd worn them). Later, I found that the size recommended were in a last that I should have sized 1/2 size down on. I also received a pair of seconds that were not the size I ordered (or marked on the box). I had worn them once before I realized this--lesson to check everything before you wear internet ordered shoes. Shoemart did not offer to take them back. Lastly, as with all handsewn shoes, there can be slight size variations even between same-sized shoes (which I've experienced in Alden-made Brooks Brothers in the store).

Note that even if you are able to return your Shoemart seconds, you pay shipping both ways with shoemart on seconds, making it a potentially $40 mistake.

Although you can potentially get a great deal on Alden seconds, and though for some this makes shells potentially within reach, be aware of the downside. My 3 pairs were all good deals but in the end I was somewhat unsatisfied with each of them. For that reason, the last pair of shells I bought were full price cigar chukkas from Alden SF. It was worth it to be able to try them on and examine them in person. And I'm still loving them.

I'm still tempted every time I see the Shoemart flyer, but $400 (incl. shipping) is still expensive for a shoe that doesn't quite work for you.

Caveat emptor

Sorry to be late in saying it, but -- this. ^^^

Some things really are worth paying full freight.

racetrack · Nov 26, 2009

Originally Posted by Razele

Can you usually pick up aldens on sale at Christmas / Black Friday?

+1 Where to kop?

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