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

BB has one of the best return policy's in the business. They should correct it for you with no issues.

Originally Posted by phoenixrecon

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I was already going to return them but my real question was as too why it happened. Was it a fit issue or a alden issue.

You said they never fit tight, even when new. Assuming you're not some masochist, I'd chalk it up to "**** happens." If you look through this thread you'll see that you're not alone in experiencing defective stitching.

just ordered the last "Natty Longwing" from LS in a 10.5...

^^ Great choice...love mine. Great service from LSBH too

^^
+1
I have the Nat.CXL LW from LSBH as well. Love it. Crepe sole + CXL leather is a perfect combo. They make a nice wet weather shoe as well, as long as you are careful about the leather toe flap getting too soaked. Come to think of it, does anyone have any remedies for waterproofing the leather flap at the end of Alden crepe soles? It would be nice if they used double oiled instead of regular leather for that piece.

This may be a silly question, but do I need a boot tree for my Kudu Ultimate Indy boots? In addition, per this thread I understand that the only care I need to give them is wipe mud/dirt off with no polish/cream/conditioners. Is this correct?

Thanks again everyone.

Originally Posted by shasta

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Are those on the Aberdeen last? How does the Aberdeen compare to the Hampton Last? Same sizing?

Or Barrie Last - size up 1/2 on the Aberdeen?

they are on the aberdeen last

whiskey lwb

Originally Posted by Kraken

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This may be a silly question, but do I need a boot tree for my Kudu Ultimate Indy boots? In addition, per this thread I understand that the only care I need to give them is wipe mud/dirt off with no polish/cream/conditioners. Is this correct?

Thanks again everyone.

you can use shoe trees if you want, they can be dressed up or dressed down, you don't need to treat the leather with anything and experimenting with different products will probably prove the same

the only thing you should do is give them a day off after each wearing, that'll prolong the life of the shoes more than anything

Originally Posted by phoenixrecon

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I bout a pair of Alden for BB penny loafers and the stitching is coming out of the vamp. I only bought them about a month ago and have worn them maybe 10 times. 3 out of 4 corners of the vamp are coming undone. Im just worried that eh whole strap might now be compromised.the shoes fit fine out of the box and were never tight or too snug.

I'm totally sympathetic to these stitching problems, especially for expensive shoes, but it is worth noting how easy it is to fix by a cobbler. It's not like the leather is tearing. When it happened with my JCrew Aldens, I had my local cobbler do it and JCrew covered the cost ($12), and they've been fine ever since. Sometimes you have to decide whether you really want to send them back.

Originally Posted by Kraken

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This may be a silly question, but do I need a boot tree for my Kudu Ultimate Indy boots? In addition, per this thread I understand that the only care I need to give them is wipe mud/dirt off with no polish/cream/conditioners. Is this correct?

Thanks again everyone.
The key consideration here is that the evolution of the shoes will reflect how you wear and maintain them. Therefore, if you want your Indy's to look heavily worn and rugged (i.e. like a workboot) wear them as often as you'd like; shoe trees are not a necessity, nor is regular conditioning of the leather. The shoe will take to the contours of your foot, and the leather will develop character from exposure to the elements.

If you want your Indy's to look more of casual boot, you should consider resting the shoes between wears. Shoe trees will help to maintain the shape of the boot, and regular conditioning of the leather will help to maintain its lustre and enrich the colour.

The beauty of the Indy boot is that it will look great worn either way. Regardless of how you choose to wear them, proper maintenance and care will prolong their life.

Originally Posted by phoenixrecon

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I was already going to return them but my real question was as too why it happened. Was it a fit issue or a alden issue.
I bought a pair Alden Indys from Shoemart that had the same problem. The shoe was slightly too big so I know it wasnt a fit issue. I returned the boots within 2 weeks having worn them just 6 times

Does Cordovan strech as much / more than calf?
-Also, do I have to call the shoe mart to get on the seconds list?

I'm an 8.5D according to the Branock device and originally went with an 8D on Trubalance. Ultimately, I found even an eight to give tons of heel slip and play on my right and a little on the left and crippling pain on long days because of the lack of arch support or support/cushion in the forefoot. Thicker socks magnified the problem unfortunately.

When I visited the shop where I got them later, the salesman said I could drop down to 7.5 with cordovan longwings because the cordovan would stretch and the shorter shoe would give give me better support/ a smoother stride. My 405's definately did stretch a massive amount, particularly on the top of the foot but can I expect the same of cordovan?

cordovan shoes will not stretch as much as calf. they don't stretch much at all, actually.