Should I use the Alden Restoration?

Trapp · Feb 7, 2010

Of course new alden shell shoes will cost significantly more than the cost of restoration. The OP has thrifted a nice pair of used Aldens in the wrong size. I'm suggesting he sell them and put that money toward a nice pair of used Aldens in the correct size. Essentially an exchange, which may save him the cost of restoration and relasting.

#8 shell is not rare and he could probably find a pair on ebay if he's patient.

Ahab · Feb 7, 2010

Originally Posted by Trapp

Of course new alden shell shoes will cost significantly more than the cost of restoration. The OP has thrifted a nice pair of used Aldens in the wrong size. I'm suggesting he sell them and put that money toward a nice pair of used Aldens in the correct size. Essentially an exchange, which may save him the cost of restoration and relasting.

#8 shell is not rare and he could probably find a pair on ebay if he's patient.
Yeah, if the shoes do not fit it is not a deal. $4.00 = flip em on eBay and use the money toward a pair that fit.

painfree · Feb 7, 2010

true...I could flip them, though I already disclosed I bought them for 4 bucks...so I am not going to sell them for extreme profit. They are not that large. they fit quite well with a smartwool sock. The barrie last also lends itself well to being a little large as it is not sleek.

With the info from alden that they can tighten them up a bit 145+4=149 for essentially new, albiet broken-in, LWBs is pretty hard to pass up. (Alden includes shipping costs, trees, new box and bags in the cost of restoration).

rebel222 · Feb 7, 2010

Originally Posted by painfree

true...I could flip them, though I already disclosed I bought them for 4 bucks...so I am not going to sell them for extreme profit. They are not that large. they fit quite well with a smartwool sock. The barrie last also lends itself well to being a little large as it is not sleek.

With the info from alden that they can tighten them up a bit 145+4=149 for essentially new, albiet broken-in, LWBs is pretty hard to pass up. (Alden includes shipping costs, trees, new box and bags in the cost of restoration).

Just put them on eBay. Then you don't have to worry about feeling guilty about flipping them. Or, I will buy them.

rebel222 · Feb 7, 2010

I just re-read you post. If you are a 9D, you need a 8.5D on the Barrie. These shoes are a full size too big. I don't think Alden can take them down 1 full size, only a 1/2 size.

painfree · Feb 7, 2010

I am a 9D, but weirdly even on the Barrie, the 9D is the shoe that fits the best (I do not have to size down how it is commonly done with the barrie last).

SpooPoker · Mar 18, 2010

I just picked up my first pair of pre-owned Aldens in shell cordo. I love them, but I want to make them as fresh as possible... what does the Alden restoration service entail? (Price for new soles, sock liners, laces etc) and what is the approx turnaround time?

I looked on the website, but wanted to poal the field of anyone who has done it before.

forex · Mar 18, 2010

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

I just picked up my first pair of pre-owned Aldens in shell cordo. I love them, but I want to make them as fresh as possible... what does the Alden restoration service entail? (Price for new soles, sock liners, laces etc) and what is the approx turnaround time?

I looked on the website, but wanted to poal the field of anyone who has done it before.

I don't buy used shoes but if I did,I would definitely use the restoration. They also polish the uppers so they will look pretty good. I am not sure if they change the foot cork, it would be unfortunate if they don't change as used shoes take the foot shape of the owner and won't conform to your feet.

SpooPoker · Mar 18, 2010

Originally Posted by forex

I don't buy used shoes but if I did,I would definitely use the restoration. They also polish the uppers so they will look pretty good. I am not sure if they change the foot cork, it would be unfortunate if they don't change as used shoes take the foot shape of the owner and won't conform to your feet.

I just emailed them and am waiting for a reply... actually the shoes are a perfect fit for me, variances and all. I really lucked out with these (thanks theplunger) but I was curious how much I was looking at and if previous customers were satisfied.

Its my first pair of shells...

I looked on the site and could not find them though...I guess they were a discontinued model?

AlanC · Mar 18, 2010

Alden Restoration is very good, and is a particularly good value for shell.

Originally Posted by painfree

true...I could flip them, though I already disclosed I bought them for 4 bucks...so I am not going to sell them for extreme profit. They are not that large.

That doesn't matter. Market price has no relation to your price.

SpooPoker · Mar 18, 2010

Heres a few pics - you think they can be made gorgeous again? ...and does anyone have an idea how old/what last/what model?

Run of the Mill · Mar 18, 2010

Those are amazing

forex · Mar 18, 2010

Upper is in OK condition but inside

AlanC · Mar 18, 2010

^The heel pad will be removed and replaced. They will put a leather covering over the wear through at the heel cup.

forex · Mar 18, 2010

Originally Posted by AlanC

^The heel pad will be removed and replaced. They will put a leather covering over the wear through at the heel cup.

I am glad those can be salvaged,I haven't used Alden restoration yet,I probably need another 5-7 years to get to that point.

Should I use the Alden Restoration?

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