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

CEE88 · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by cimabue

So guess what? Six pairs of Aldens since October and nary a nod of acknowledgment from the unwashed masses until I start neglecting my short wing boots (Ravello, thank you) -- including major scuffage and non-buffing -- and they begin drawing compliments like nothing else has before. I've been wearing them with some cuffed APC New Standards. So for you guys with your gallery-lit Aldies sealed in Permamint, you're missing out. 'Just sayin'.
You're making it sound like one is actually supposed to wear Aldens.

borderline · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

Alden suede bucks now available online from JCrew

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/s...6863/26863.jsp

They are on the Barrie last. Interesting that the description says that they are a full size bigger than regular sizing, when most people go 1/2 size down. Why do you think that is?

mediahound · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by borderline

They are on the Barrie last. Interesting that the description says that they are a full size bigger than regular sizing, when most people go 1/2 size down. Why do you think that is?

Notice how the shoes look like they've been worn a week in the pictures? What's the deal with that?

mcross4 · Mar 24, 2011

Recent acquisition: AF89 from Alden of Carmel. Black calf PT boot on the Leydon last. Commando sole is perfect for rainy days in San Francisco (like today).

Alcibiades · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by mediahound

Notice how the shoes look like they've been worn a week in the pictures? What's the deal with that?

This is from their description

"Today's suede shoe feels more laid-back: We like them when they're scuffed up a bit and worn without socks."

They probably had some dude wear a pair for a week before they took their photos.

About the sizing, J Crew says size down 1/2 in their other Barrie offerings. Maybe the suede gives more.

CEE88 · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by mediahound

Notice how the shoes look like they've been worn a week in the pictures? What's the deal with that?
Crew did the same thing with/to this boot http://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/in...9204/19204.jsp
I admit I've gotten a "weathered look" item once or twice in my life (in the past, never again), but I just don't want my Aldens all done up like that. But it might be fun to see how they do it -- is it a skilled Alden craftsman who finishes a beautiful boot, looks at it admiringly, and then takes a circular sander to it? I remember seeing a video of a jean that was 'finished' by hanging it up outside and someone shot it with buck shot (from $50 to $250, just like that).

mediahound · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

This is from their description

"Today's suede shoe feels more laid-back: We like them when they're scuffed up a bit and worn without socks."

They probably had some dude wear a pair for a week before they took their photos.

About the sizing, J Crew says size down 1/2 in their other Barrie offerings. Maybe the suede gives more.

Yeah, perhaps they are softer.

Originally Posted by CEE88

Crew did the same thing with/to this boot http://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/in...9204/19204.jsp
I admit I've gotten a "weathered look" item once or twice in my life (in the past, never again), but I just don't want my Aldens all done up like that.

Agreed. I prefer to distress my shoes myself. They should look like they came off the factory floor when I receive them.

djh · Mar 24, 2011

Pretty sure those boots above come new - they just used photos of a used pair for the website. Not sure why, could confuse a lot of people.

They look like this (Moo's photo):

vivalet · Mar 24, 2011

I just got the black lady calf NST tankers from leathersoul. Absolutely stunning. Beautiful, but a little tight, around the toes. Not too short, but squeezing a little on the sides upfront -- in an aberdeen kind of way, if that makes sense. Will lady calf stretch a little?

Originally Posted by jhcam8

Is your size in stock?

norweejun · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by CEE88

... I remember seeing a video of a jean that was 'finished' by hanging it up outside and someone shot it with buck shot (from $50 to $250, just like that).

There's also these brogues from Gieves and Hawkes. People are crazy.

unclesam099 · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by norweejun

There's also these brogues from Gieves and Hawkes. People are crazy.

If anyone wants this treatment, I'd be happy to provide it for a minimal cost

Black Shell Longwing (Grant Last) and Natural Chromexcel PTB (Barrie) incoming tomorrow.... Hope I got the right sizes.

3 months, 4 pair of Aldens....... They are addicting!!

Roguls · Mar 24, 2011

Originally Posted by M4TM

my new aldens - unlined #8 cordovan dovers with water-loc soles.

968 pattern > 990.

Well done.

Renton · Mar 24, 2011

I've just started breaking in a pair of #8 ptb from Alden of New York. It's remarkable how hard it is to find anything on the barrie last in 10.5 EE but I'm on plenty of waiting lists.

mcarthur · Mar 24, 2011

cigar nst
argyles otc

mcarthur · Mar 25, 2011

ravello ptb
argyles otc

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

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Stylish Dinosaur

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON:

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