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

Originally Posted by Ahab

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I REALLY, REALLY like the look of those.

Interesting. They look like cigar in the pic. Do you like the color?


Nice! Interesting pic!

I need to get something like this.

thank you

Originally Posted by wj4

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If they are better than Alden, even by a bit..why do you prefer Alden? Styling perhaps?

I want to try a pair of cap toe boots from C&J, but the turn off is the loop on the back of the shoes.

If you want them to be resoled by C&J themselves, you would have to send them back to England, no? Unless they have a satellite site in the states.

Putting aside the QC issues covered in this thread, I think Aldens are slightly higher quality than C&J, mainly in the leather used, at least compared to C&J benchgrade. Construction is basically the same, goodyear welted, dovetail heels. Both the calf and shell C&J uses gets scratches much more easily than Aldens or AEs.

I do liek C&J lasts better especially for sleeker dress shoes. And they provide a lot more choices for dress shoes, ALden more so for shell and boots.

ravello lhs

Originally Posted by wj4

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If they are better than Alden, even by a bit..why do you prefer Alden? Styling perhaps?

Styling and better shell offerings.

C&J seem to be a bit more refined and better finished. They also cost more than Alden at retail although there are plenty of sources which bring them down in price.

Thanks for the 2 cents, fellas. I fear stumpling into a C&J thread (if there is one)...I don't think my wallet would be able to take it as I've already gone nuts on Alden from this thread.

^ Consider Trickers while you're at it. Especially the Country Collection.

Originally Posted by ltb

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phone pic - I think a nice camera may be on the Christmas list this year...

Which model are these? The Winn Perry's?

Originally Posted by zippyh

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^ Consider Trickers while you're at it. Especially the Country Collection.
You guys are going to make me be super broke. My Aldens so far. Next one is probably going to be the Winn Perry once they're in stock.

Originally Posted by wj4

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Thanks for the 2 cents, fellas. I fear stumpling into a C&J thread (if there is one)...I don't think my wallet would be able to take it as I've already gone nuts on Alden from this thread.

Banana and zippyh pretty much sum it up. Both C&J and Alden make very good shoes. Alden generally wins out in their boot make-ups and their shell is outstanding. C&J's lasts are slightly sleeker and more refined and they have a few particular RL models that get a lot of love in the States, namely the Darlton plain toe blucher in brown shell and the shell longwing. They also used to make a brown shell chukka (McCallum) that imo was much nicer than Alden shell chukkas, but that is a matter of taste and would be disputed by many, esp. on this thread.

I definately think it's worthwhile learning what C&J offers and trying on a few of their lasts to see what fits best (the shoes mentioned above are all on their classic 325 last but BB usually carries a few other lasts as well). It's just nice to have alternatives, esp. for specific style / leather combinations (You might prefer C&J's shell chukkas but Alden's longwings) and collect accordingly.

p.s. That's a nice looking longwing. Is the boot 2nd from the right a pebblegrain?

Originally Posted by Trapp

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Banana and zippyh pretty much sum it up. Both C&J and Alden make very good shoes. Alden generally wins out in their boot make-ups and their shell is outstanding. C&J's lasts are slightly sleeker and more refined and they have a few particular RL models that get a lot of love in the States, namely the Darlton plain toe blucher in brown shell and the shell longwing. They also used to make a brown shell chukka (McCallum) that imo was much nicer than Alden shell chukkas, but that is a matter of taste and would be disputed by many, esp. on this thread.

I definately think it's worthwhile learning what C&J offers and trying on a few of their lasts to see what fits best (the shoes mentioned above are all on their classic 325 last but BB usually carries a few other lasts as well). It's just nice to have alternatives, esp. for specific style / leather combinations (You might prefer C&J's shell chukkas but Alden's longwings) and collect accordingly.
Thanks. Ironically enough, I don't like chukkas at all...lol.

I will hold off with Alden for now, until the Win Perry's release in April (I think). I will try a couple of others first.

Originally Posted by bananananana

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... I think Aldens are slightly higher quality than C&J, mainly in the leather used, at least compared to C&J benchgrade. Construction is basically the same, goodyear welted, dovetail heels. Both the calf and shell C&J uses gets scratches much more easily than Aldens or AEs.

I don't disagree with your assessment that C&J shells scratch more easily than Aldens, but it's not due to any material difference. They both use Horween shells. It seems like it must be due to different finishing methods.

C&J use horween shells? i had always thought they used an english tannery as well.

PHUCK!

Zoinks. I have two cheaper brogues (paul smith shoes & loakes boots) and am trying to hold off buying another pair, but this thread isn't helping!