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

Originally Posted by A.L.Z.

Click to expand...

For the Trubalance last (Indys, 405s, 403s): Is a size 11EE a longer shoe (as well as a wider shoe) than 11E, than 11D? Or are the lengths of all 3 the same? Only difference in width? Please let me know if you have had experience iwth Trubalance sizes and know the answer.
The length will be constant and will not change. The width is the only thing that changes and word to the wise that the TruBalance is the widest last that Alden produces. Size down a 1/2 size and think twice about going to an E or wider for they are plenty wide in a D width compared to other Alden lasts. Just my own personal experience.

Originally Posted by mcarthur

Click to expand...

brush vigorously for five minutes and you will be very pleased

Yes, that's what I did, and it worked great. It's hard to tell because I photoshopped them together but that is the same shoe, before and after. It's amazing. Cordovan is like this magical material.

Originally Posted by mediahound

Click to expand...

What's t he 379X last? Anyone know how it compares fit-wise to the Barrie?

There is not a lot of information regarding the 379X floating around. As you probably know, some Japanese only models use this last. Subsequently, some factory seconds stayed ashore and are available from at least one US Alden retailer. The Japanese distributor describe this as the "military" last used for US military officer's dress uniform shoes, i.e. a particularly comfortable last for the military personnel. I am not sure how much of this is marketing hype vs. truth. In any case, IMO, I will describe 379X to be similar to the Modified, but overall smaller. The 379X has high arch support, but less so than the Modified. Volume around the toe box is smaller. For the same number size, I found the 379X to be quite a bit tighter than the Modified and Barrie.

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by mtc2000

Click to expand...

There is not a lot of information regarding the 379X floating around. As you probably know, some Japanese only models use this last. Subsequently, some factory seconds stayed ashore and are available from at least one US Alden retailer. The Japanese distributor describe this as the "military" last used for US military officer's dress uniform shoes, i.e. a particularly comfortable last for the military personnel. I am not sure how much of this is marketing hype vs. truth. In any case, IMO, I will describe 379X to be similar to the Modified, but overall smaller. The 379X has high arch support, but less so than the Modified. Volume around the toe box is smaller. For the same number size, I found the 379X to be quite a bit tighter than the Modified and Barrie. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by mcarthur

Click to expand...

outstanding collection!

Thanks Uncle!

Originally Posted by Ahab

Click to expand...

Very nice and I am thinking of picking a pair up but I have to say I do not like the lack of versatility and room for taste in growth. Now money may not be a factor but you are missing out on some great patina if you got something like a PTB. Still, a lot of nice shoes.

Oh, money is DEFINITELY a factor! Four out of those six pairs were brand-new when I got them... but only two were purchased directly from a retailer... and neither at full price. Being patient for a bargain on the entire lineup has been a challenge.

I will say I agree on the lack of versatility - that's why I have other shoes too! Pictured are *just* my LHS - in fact, I have another pair of BB #8 LHS that weren't in the picture that are in theory reserved for sock-only wear. I'll be posting a shot of the entire collection (hint: it's 70% Alden) on March 31 since that's a year since I first posted all my shoes and asked for advice on AAAC.

I do like the PTB's, though - I have Alden cigar/whiskey and BB #8.

^Great pic, WGP. I look forward to the complete collection.

I've been planning an Alden collection shot, but I have a pair on order that I'd like to include.

Originally Posted by ChrisGold

Click to expand...

Crepe - Extremely comfortable. They look very casual, and the edges of the crepe that are visible tend to look "frayed" - also, if you tend to pronate, they do not offer good support.


I'm curious why the crepe sole doesn't offer good support to pronators. Do they provide better support to supinators? I don't get why the crepe matters - sorry if I'm being dense.

Hello, Alden noob here (currently rocking some Penguins and Van's Authentics). Been looking for a high quality shoe made in the good ole USA and it seems like I have endless options, all which are out of the price range for a high school student making minimum at the Gap. However, this Alden pair I found on ebay seems to be in my price range. I don't terribly mind the fact that they are used, as they seem to be in terrific shape. I have a few questions that though that I figured ya'll Alden lovers might could answer?
http://http://cgi.ebay.com/Beautiful-ALDEN-Pebble-Brown-Cordovan-OXFORD-SHOES-10-5-/300536856333?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item45f9647f0d

Are these the real deal?
Is this pair a good deal?
Would it be a good deal for $100?
Is there anything that I should know that might change my mind?


I'm not sure if my question should be directed here, so please inform me if I need to take this down and put it somewhere else.
Thanks in advance for any help you give me as I start my journey into quality American goods!

^Aldens in high school? I was wearing Nike's and Jordan's back then, haha.

You should probably ask the seller what last it is on since lasts fit differently.

As far as the 'real deal'...I doubt they have fake Aldens.

I've never been a fan of thrifting so yeah.

Originally Posted by wj4

Click to expand...

^Aldens in high school? I was wearing Nike's and Jordan's back then, haha. You should probably ask the seller what last it is on since lasts fit differently. As far as the 'real deal'...I doubt they have fake Aldens. I've never been a fan of thrifting so yeah.
Ha, yes high school. And I am not that big of a fan of thrifting either, but with a slim wallet it is just inevitable sometimes. Thanks for the input and i'll get back to you when the seller responds to my question about the last.

Originally Posted by ATHollywood

Click to expand...

Hello, Alden noob here (currently rocking some Penguins and Van's Authentics). Been looking for a high quality shoe made in the good ole USA and it seems like I have endless options, all which are out of the price range for a high school student making minimum at the Gap. However, this Alden pair I found on ebay seems to be in my price range. I don't terribly mind the fact that they are used, as they seem to be in terrific shape. I have a few questions that though that I figured ya'll Alden lovers might could answer?
http://http://cgi.ebay.com/Beautiful-ALDEN-Pebble-Brown-Cordovan-OXFORD-SHOES-10-5-/300536856333?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item45f9647f0d

Are these the real deal?
Is this pair a good deal?
Would it be a good deal for $100?
Is there anything that I should know that might change my mind?


I'm not sure if my question should be directed here, so please inform me if I need to take this down and put it somewhere else.
Thanks in advance for any help you give me as I start my journey into quality American goods!


The shoes in question is NOT Cordovan as advertised. Model 946 is in Alpine gain Calf skin, currently available new at around US$440.

Originally Posted by ATHollywood

Click to expand...

Hello, Alden noob here (currently rocking some Penguins and Van's Authentics). Been looking for a high quality shoe made in the good ole USA and it seems like I have endless options, all which are out of the price range for a high school student making minimum at the Gap. However, this Alden pair I found on ebay seems to be in my price range. I don't terribly mind the fact that they are used, as they seem to be in terrific shape. I have a few questions that though that I figured ya'll Alden lovers might could answer?
http://http://cgi.ebay.com/Beautiful-ALDEN-Pebble-Brown-Cordovan-OXFORD-SHOES-10-5-/300536856333?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item45f9647f0d

Are these the real deal?
Is this pair a good deal?
Would it be a good deal for $100?
Is there anything that I should know that might change my mind?


I'm not sure if my question should be directed here, so please inform me if I need to take this down and put it somewhere else.
Thanks in advance for any help you give me as I start my journey into quality American goods!


BTW, model 946 is in Barrie last.

Originally Posted by mtc2000

Click to expand...

The shoes in question is NOT Cordovan as advertised. Model 946 is in Alpine gain Calf skin, currently available new at around US$440.
So you're saying that this is sketchy and I should avoid it?

Originally Posted by ATHollywood

Click to expand...

So you're saying that this is sketchy and I should avoid it?

Not necessarily. The seller probably doesn't know and assumes the shoes are in Cordovan. You may want to google "Alden Welterweight". You will see the 946.
Ultimately the judgment is yours.

Well, it really doesn't bug me that it's not cordovan. I am a complete noob at this so I am relying on the judgement of others as well as my own here, and if yall say there legit then I will probably pull the trigger on 'em.