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

Originally Posted by mediahound

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The Indy boot is. Just saying...
I'm looking for something that can work in the office and won't break the bank. I guess a ptb in calf or chromexel with antique edges? I'm really feeling those bucks, but I'd still need another dressier pair.

Originally Posted by Danito

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Hey,

Just picked up my first pair of Aldens: Cordovan Cap toe color # 8.

Any words of wisdom for an Alden amateur?

Step 1: Take shoes out of box
Step 2: Put shoes on feet
Step 3: Tie shoe laces
Step 4: Walk

If another pair of Aldens tickles your fancy, purchase them and repeat steps 1 - 4. Amazing, in just 4 easy steps you went from an Alden amateur to an Alden professional.

How do you open the box?

But seriously,

Does anyone have experience with Cordovan color 8? I've heard you can expedite the aging process through sun exposure. Has anyone had success using this method?

Originally Posted by Danito

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But seriously,

Does anyone have experience with Cordovan color 8? I've heard you can expedite the aging process through sun exposure. Has anyone had success using this method?

I keep seeing people ask this. Why would you want to do this? Seems sorta stupid to me but maybe that's just me.

The Beauty of Cordovan is the way it ages. I would hardly call this aged color 8 shell stupid: http://theagatineeyelet.files.wordpr.../09/8boot7.jpg

Originally Posted by Danito

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The Beauty of Cordovan is the way it ages. I would hardly call this aged color 8 shell stupid:



http://theagatineeyelet.files.wordpr.../09/8boot7.jpg


It's only stupid if you try to get it aged without actually wearing it for years yourself.

Originally Posted by Danito

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Hey, Just picked up my first pair of Aldens: Cordovan Cap toe color # 8. Any words of wisdom for an Alden amateur?
Congratulations on your first purchase. Post some pics of them and get a nice horsehair brush and shoe trees. Enjoy!

I would have preferred a lighter color, but alas, I did not have the funds for such a purchase. I scored these color 8's for $399 from shoe mart. I can't complain.

Originally Posted by CTYGGG

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Congratulations on your first purchase. Post some pics of them and get a nice horsehair brush and shoe trees. Enjoy!

Originally Posted by Danito

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Hey,

Just picked up my first pair of Aldens: Cordovan Cap toe color # 8.

Any words of wisdom for an Alden amateur?

Agree with getting a nice horse hair brush and shoe trees. Both are a must. You may also want to get some saphir renovateur or venetian shoe cream to apply between polishings. As for polish, look up the Mac method for shell cordovan. You should be set!

Not as popular here, but Alden for Brooks Brothers LHS in #8 after three hard days walking around San Francisco (and without any mac method)...

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

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Not as popular here, but Alden for Brooks Brothers LHS in #8 after three hard days walking around San Francisco (and without any mac method)...

very nice. looks like the weather was amazing today. was this picture taken downtown?

Originally Posted by Danito

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But seriously,

Does anyone have experience with Cordovan color 8? I've heard you can expedite the aging process through sun exposure. Has anyone had success using this method?

Sunlight makes most leathers age faster, cordovan is one of them.

Originally Posted by Danito

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How do you open the box?
n00b! I do not open the box, my retailer opens it for me when he personally delivers it. Did you buy your shoes from eBay, B&S or J. Crew. Even when I buy seconds they send a HS kid.

Originally Posted by mcbrown

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Can't help you there - I feel more comfortable wearing cordovan in the rain than I do wearing calfskin because I consider it lower maintenance. I know many others feel differently. Either way, I think either is "ok" in the rain with reasonable care (letting the shoes dry thoroughly, rotation, appropriate conditioning & polishing, etc.).

I may be less fussy with my footware than most, however. As evidence, my AF53's after a recent day out and about.

These look great.

Originally Posted by Danito

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Hey,

Just picked up my first pair of Aldens: Cordovan Cap toe color # 8.

Any words of wisdom for an Alden amateur?
Yes. Do not wax or cream them. Just brush with a horsehair brush and maybe use a barely damp rag on them. I have wax build up I am trying to get off a few pairs of shoes and it is not fun. Not as noticeable on #8.

The Mac Method
1- Clean shoes with damp cloth
2- Brush vigorously with a horsehair brush (EDIT: I have read 5 minutes per shoe before and after wearing)
3- Buff with smooth cloth
4- Use wax after a minimum of fifteen wearings

Srivats take on the Mac Method.

1. Wipe shoes with (barely) damp cloth to remove dirt. Let dry for 2-3 mins.
2. Insert shoetrees. Take a horsehair brush and brush vigourously till your arms give out. OK, for 5-6 min (each shoe).
3. Buff with flannel cloth.
4. Use paste wax (minute, minute amounts) every 15 wearings or so, or if they get scuffed hard. Yearly application of cordovan creme (not regular creme) if need be.
5. Rinse and repeat.

Both gentleman post here so they can correct or condemn me if I am wrong. They do not call Mac the King of Shell for nothing.

Originally Posted by astris

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I'm looking for something that can work in the office and won't break the bank. I guess a ptb in calf or chromexel with antique edges?

I'm really feeling those bucks, but I'd still need another dressier pair.
If you want Alden's for work and would like to get a better deal you can wait for Brooks Brothers sale. Now it is harder to get a deal on the cordovan but the calf is easier. I am not sure but I think the next big sale for them is end of May or June. You can search Men's clothing.