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

nothing wrong with shoes. sounds more like your feet don't like the trubalance. why force it if it doesn't work? unload the shoes and find something that you like.

Originally Posted by wj4

Click to expand...

All of my Aldens are quite heavy. Perhaps it's the wood mid-sole and leather sole.

******* christ, it's not wood

Originally Posted by commodorewheeler

Click to expand...

All Aldens are heavy, it's probably due mostly to the steel shank. The midsole is cork, not wood.

Don't let facts get in the way of posting pure bullshit.

Originally Posted by miran

Click to expand...

OK, thanks.

Oddly enough, another member here got 403s at aroudn the same time as me, and the creasing on his shoe is nothingl like mine. On his 403, it is the creasing that usually builds up with wear, and yes, it looks kinda nice.

By the big toe under the stitching, do you mean that big white stitching on the toebox, what they keep calling the moc toe stitching?

Also re. the breakin--I was told the opposite

I was told to make sure the shoe fit from the start, because good shoes with Goodyear welting do not stretch and lose their shape, even though the the leather will loosen up a bit with warmth from your foot.

This trubalance last really is fucked up on my foot. 11D--way too big. 10.5D, my foot is still sliding in there, but I only tried it on for 5 minutes. 10D--feels funny. I also tried 11.5D, which I can swing kick off my foot with very controlled precision.

Thanks for your advice.


yes, my big toe comes up to the moc stitching. initially it seemed like there was too much room, but it's a boot, and there is supposed to be extra toe room. i wear thicker dress socks and they are fine.

the reason you need the break-in is for the cork sole to mold to your foot. there is very little padding in the shoe, and your feet may not be used to that yet. the shoe should fit from the start, but it will get more comfortable as you wear them. if they do not get more comfortable after a couple weeks of consistent wear, sell them and move on.

Originally Posted by pebblegrain

Click to expand...

******* christ, it's not wood

Correct. It's stainless steel

pretty sure it's actually cement

Originally Posted by sazon

Click to expand...

Correct. It's stainless steel

The steel part is just the shank, not the entire midsole. If the entire midsole was steel (or wood, for that matter), no Alden shoe would be able to flex at all.

With Aldens, the weight obviously varries with the materials used in the sole. My Alden #8 longwings weigh more than my Alden Indy on commando sole, largely because the commando sole is made of light material. Then you have things like unlined suede plain toes on single oiled flex soles, which make the shoes very light.

Heading to NYC next month wondering what store has the best selection of shoes but also widths (I.e. Carry e widths). I am looking at picking up a couple of pairs while I am there but would like to try on a 9e shoe.

Originally Posted by thebunk

Click to expand...

Heading to NYC next month wondering what store has the best selection of shoes but also widths (I.e. Carry e widths). I am looking at picking up a couple of pairs while I am there but would like to try on a 9e shoe.
I recommend the Madison Ave store. They will certainly have the best selection of stock models in New York, and you'll have much better luck getting E widths in the "standards". Some people here have complained about service there, but my experiences have been good. I think some people expect it to be staffed by enthusiasts, rather than by regular guys just trying to make an honest living selling $600 shoes to people who make a lot more money than they do. I don't know. Maybe I just have more empathy because my father was a shoe salesman too. Maybe they are bitter about people trying on shoes there and then ordering from Shoemart to save a few bucks on tax. Whatever the reason, I like the store a lot but some people don't. There is a very old-school vibe to it I dig. YMMV. Also, if you love shoes, don't leave New York without stopping at Leffot. The store is worth a visit just for the interior design, and of course the proprietor. Even if you don't like their current offerings, go see the store.

Originally Posted by thebunk

Click to expand...

Heading to NYC next month wondering what store has the best selection of shoes but also widths (I.e. Carry e widths). I am looking at picking up a couple of pairs while I am there but would like to try on a 9e shoe.

If you're a tough fit, go to Moulded Shoe; they're very good at fitting customers and have a reasonable selection (esp of Modified Last).

Thanks folks.

Originally Posted by thebunk

Click to expand...

Heading to NYC next month wondering what store has the best selection of shoes but also widths (I.e. Carry e widths). I am looking at picking up a couple of pairs while I am there but would like to try on a 9e shoe.

I ordered from Citishoes and spoke to Sol. He seemed to have lots of stuff in E width. I ordered whiskey longwings in 11.5E, and he had other models in stock he was trying to sell me. Check them out.

I think if a store ships to your address out of state, you shouldn't have to pay tax unless that store has retail space within your state. NY tax is brutal. PA has no tax on clothing.

Anyone here got monk straps? If so, please share your opinion on them.

I want a pair of double monk straps, but may settle for a single from Alden as I don't know where to get a good pair of double monk straps at the moment.

Originally Posted by wj4

Click to expand...

Anyone here got monk straps? If so, please share your opinion on them.

I want a pair of double monk straps, but may settle for a single from Alden as I don't know where to get a good pair of double monk straps at the moment.

What's your budget? IMO the Alden monk strap is not a great looking shoe.

If I money were no object, I'd go for the Lobb St. Crepin 2010 (available at LS and other fine retail establishments):