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

Originally Posted by lummers13

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I'm supremely jealous Thor...that's basically how I would like my captoe boot to be!

Lovely LWB trunks206!

Quick question for all...

Going through airport security with a pair of Aldens...should I just put them in my check-in or actually wear them or put them in my carry-on and let them get x-rayed? I'm really iffy about putting them in my check-in because I've traveled enough that I've lost a few bags over the years. Going to my sister's wedding in Dallas and I'd love to show them off haha. Thanks in advance!

They usually make you take your shoes off and put them through the xray. No big deal.

Originally Posted by Thor

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You could stamp "I <3 Air Supply" on the sides of these and I'd still love them.

Originally Posted by lummers13

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I'm supremely jealous Thor...that's basically how I would like my captoe boot to be!

Lovely LWB trunks206!

Quick question for all...

Going through airport security with a pair of Aldens...should I just put them in my check-in or actually wear them or put them in my carry-on and let them get x-rayed? I'm really iffy about putting them in my check-in because I've traveled enough that I've lost a few bags over the years. Going to my sister's wedding in Dallas and I'd love to show them off haha. Thanks in advance!

xrays can damage shells much more than calf, I wouldn't. if it was suede of course I wouldn't be worried.

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

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xrays can damage shells much more than calf, I wouldn't. if it was suede of course I wouldn't be worried.

Really hoping this is sarcasm.

Last time I went through airport security, I put my indys through the X-Ray. The security guy was like "holy ****, this thing has a million nails in it!"

Oh no I'm not talking about radiation or anything like that, I'm talking about the metal shank in the middle...the last thing I want is them to either be confiscated or have some moron try to rip out the insole trying to find the metal shank

Originally Posted by lummers13

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Oh no I'm not talking about radiation or anything like that, I'm talking about the metal shank in the middle...the last thing I want is them to either be confiscated or have some moron try to rip out the insole trying to find the metal shank

I'm not sure there is a response for this one...

Originally Posted by HorseHide

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I'm not sure there is a response for this one...

oh, I think there are plenty of responses

My first Alden shoe (#8 longwing) had (or has) a milder version of the same stiching issue that seems to be afflicting a lot of Aldens. What I ultimately did was simply cut the loose threading (the threading seemed to get tigher as it went "up the shoe) as it appeared and now, it has stopped altogether. At some point I know I'll have to take it to a cobbler for a fix, but it's working fine for now. My other Aldens (Indy, ravello PTB and tassel, suede PTB) haven't had this issue.

Alden needs to work on its QC, but no one is really producing shell and suede shoes like they are now, and few are producing the type of boots they are. I am a big fan of Darltons, but C&J they aren't making the wide variety of styles in cordovan that Alden is. With C&J, if you don't like "classic styles" in brown, you are out of luck. You aren't going to find a product like a whiskey chukka, a ravello captoe, etc from them. Brands like Florsheim can't seem to get the distribution or the leather to go mainstream.

I'll continue buying Aldens. The black PTBs Namor posted look mighty good.

Originally Posted by kgmessier

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Is there anyone else around here besides me who doesn't like the Indy boot stitching?

I don't personally care for it, at least not contrast stitching. The only indy's I own are the "black and tan" from Epaulet. The stitching is black, so not very noticeable.

Originally Posted by lummers13

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Oh no I'm not talking about radiation or anything like that, I'm talking about the metal shank in the middle...the last thing I want is them to either be confiscated or have some moron try to rip out the insole trying to find the metal shank

I have flown with Indys on several occasions and have never encountered any issues with security

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

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My first Alden shoe (#8 longwing) had (or has) a milder version of the same stiching issue that seems to be afflicting a lot of Aldens. What I ultimately did was simply cut the loose threading (the threading seemed to get tigher as it went "up the shoe) as it appeared and now, it has stopped altogether. At some point I know I'll have to take it to a cobbler for a fix, but it's working fine for now. My other Aldens (Indy, ravello PTB and tassel, suede PTB) haven't had this issue.

Alden needs to work on its QC, but no one is really producing shell and suede shoes like they are now, and few are producing the type of boots they are. I am a big fan of Darltons, but C&J they aren't making the wide variety of styles in cordovan that Alden is. With C&J, if you don't like "classic styles" in brown, you are out of luck. You aren't going to find a product like a whiskey chukka, a ravello captoe, etc from them. Brands like Florsheim can't seem to get the distribution or the leather to go mainstream.

I'll continue buying Aldens. The black PTBs Namor posted look mighty good.

Allen Edmonds makes some beautiful shell cordovan shoes, but other than the MacNeil, they currently aren't really for streetwear. I have a pair of brown shell Strands that are gorgeous. The brogueing, detailing and stitching are all excellent, as is the customer service (I bought an 11.5D and wore them for several weeks before deciding that they were too loose. I took the worn shoes to my AE store in Chicago, and they re-sized me to a 12B and gave me a brand spanking new pair, totally free of charge.) Besides, a special-ordered, custom MacNeil in brown (not burgundy) shell cordovan in differing sizes for my different-sized feet is about the same price as Alden cigar LWBs.

I mention AE for two reasons: (1) they are much-maligned on SF, but I've always found them to be an excellent (professional) shoe, and they seem to be attempting to shake their stodgy reputation (see e.g. the Rough Collection) (2) they offer a good (and cheaper) alternative for shell cordovan shoes to Alden, and I understand that they are currently in the process of bringing new shell colors to market. If AE started encroaching on Alden's market share with newer styles and colors, it could force Alden to shape up its QC.

All that said, AE still can't seem to make any boots that come anywhere near my Alden Color 8 wingtips.

^ Agree. I have 3 pair of AE, one in brown shell cordovan, and I love them. Word is they are bringing a wing tip boot to market this fall as well. A very good shoemaker indeed.

Originally Posted by NAMOR

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I have flown with Indys on several occasions and have never encountered any issues with security

Good to know, thanks for the input! Just needed some reassurance lol

Originally Posted by lummers13

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Good to know, thanks for the input! Just needed some reassurance lol

I would also like to add that the speedhooks come in very handy when you are traveling with 2 carryons and 2 laptops