LeatherSOUL
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2005
- Messages
- 1,265
- Reaction score
- 38
Tom, you're a swell guy. I'm sure that if you could, you would bless us all on SF with a pair of Ravello shell NST monk straps. Personally I don't mind that all the special make ups are not so easily attainable. If it were so, then everyone here with enough money would probably have all the same shoes. As it stands, there will always be that special pair of Aldens that each individual here is coveting and keeping a constant eye out for. Because of this, when someone finally obtains that pair, it makes it all that much sweeter.
Thanks for understanding.
To think that there is so much demand for $500-700 shoes is quite amazing.
We probably tend not to think about it that way, but to the outsider, imagine the thought of it.
I agree. People are shocked when they hear.
i'll also be honest in saying I don't exactly strike up conversations with the SA every time I go into a new store...
SA are people too.
lol totally unfair ...
Yeah, obviously I cheat.
From the perspective of someone who runs a medium sized business... when you couple a 9 month wait (and often 3 months for "stock" shoes) can you imagine them NOT having a price increase?
And, remember... their customer base has probably dropped in age by 20 years or more, which is very healthy for business.
Yeah, seriously. Backlog is crazy at the factory. You gotta figure too, we are not Alden's only customer. Japan and Europe are ordering Aldens like crazy. Even Korea just started carrying Aldens. There's demand all over the world.
No longwings at all?
Had a pair of #975s but gave it to my dad. I've given him about 15 pairs so my collection would be much more if I didn't.
i wonder what tom's ENTIRE shoe collection looks like since he def has to have at least a few from all the other nice brands he carries
I have about 30 other pairs but still, when I'm trying to choose shoes to wear in the morning there's always something that I wish I had for the day.
Great points! With so many people in their 20's and 30's investing in multiple pairs of quality shoes, Alden is solidifying its reputation for years to come. Alden's willingness to craft "special run" shoes designed by retailers who possess an updated fashion sense (Leather Soul, Epaulet, Blackbird, etc) has greatly contributed to their revitalization. The styles are still classic, but their presentation is updated and semi-exclusive.
Allen Edmonds (whose shoes I quite like for my day-to-day professional needs) could take a few pointers from Alden in this regard. The AE design team is too stodgy, too midwestern (fur-lined pink leather slippers? really?!), too mired in mid-level management. If they opened up their design process to special-run retailers, maybe their sales would increase (and fewer SFers would wretch when they hear the name!)
In the meantime, I can't wait to get my special-run pre-ordered Hawaiian Tankers in brown Chromexcel from LS!!!
Great point. Men in their 50s-70s are still buying but now their sons and grandsons are also buying. Ex-sneakerheads are looking for something new to collect. My customer base ranges from 15-75.
Chromexcel tankers coming next week btw!
Not if you need an e width.
Well, if you don't mind the wait, I'm sure they will order you one on their next run. Try calling them up and asking for the owner, I think his name is Joe or Ed.