The Official Alden Thread for 2023 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[M635Guy]

Today I officially corrupted one of my friends with a visit to Matt at Ealdwine. I got to eyeball the gorgeous Color #2 boots, and my buddy picked out a great pair of NST's in Arabica Lux (the Cabarrus, on the right in the pic below. Matt's outstanding #8 cap toes and my Ravello WTB's at the bottom). Since he and I size the same, he denied me a source of temptation too!

The lead gray suede Indy was pretty amazing. I'm going to work hard to forget that one exists in my size...

I haven’t had a neocork sole, I think I need to try it some time!

I loved my Neocork Indy's (natty CXL), and regret selling them. It's a really great sole - comfortable, but survives wear very well. I had great luck with mine in all kinds of weather/floors/etc.

I was worried the Dainite would be uncomfortable based on so many people trashing it but it’s proven to work well for me, though I’ve experienced that it doesn’t do well on ice. Neither do my commando soles though, but I do think they fare slightly better. The crepe wasn’t great at all though it might have been better on wet tile. Winter is just a tough time to walk around!

I'm another guy who's not a fan of Dainite, at all. I don't live with challenging winters, but I've never had any issues with Commando on ice or snow, and did have a close call with a Dainite pair. It has always kind of amazed me how different people's experiences are.

I bought these from Epaulet in 2013, Alden Brixton in Natural Chromexcel.

Those... are absolutely stunning. Congrats on an awesome pair!

 

[vubui]

Those... are absolutely stunning. Congrats on an awesome pair!

Thanks! It fascinates me that sometimes it really does take years of wear until you know where a boot is even headed in terms of looks.

Today I officially corrupted one of my friends with a visit to Matt at Ealdwine. I got to eyeball the gorgeous Color #2 boots, and my buddy picked out a great pair of NST's in Arabica Lux (the Cabarrus, on the right in the pic below. Matt's outstanding #8 cap toes and my Ravello WTB's at the bottom). Since he and I size the same, he denied me a source of temptation too!

Looks like an awesome visit! And cool photo!

 

[Misterg12]

Today I officially corrupted one of my friends with a visit to Matt at Ealdwine. I got to eyeball the gorgeous Color #2 boots, and my buddy picked out a great pair of NST's in Arabica Lux (the Cabarrus, on the right in the pic below. Matt's outstanding #8 cap toes and my Ravello WTB's at the bottom). Since he and I size the same, he denied me a source of temptation too!

The lead gray suede Indy was pretty amazing. I'm going to work hard to forget that one exists in my size...

I loved my Neocork Indy's (natty CXL), and regret selling them. It's a really great sole - comfortable, but survives wear very well. I had great luck with mine in all kinds of weather/floors/etc.


I'm another guy who's not a fan of Dainite, at all. I don't live with challenging winters, but I've never had any issues with Commando on ice or snow, and did have a close call with a Dainite pair. It has always kind of amazed me how different people's experiences are.


Those... are absolutely stunning. Congrats on an awesome pair!

Always great to see you my friend! You should be ashamed at yourself for sending a friend down the Alden rabbit hole

 

[M635Guy]

Always great to see you my friend! You should be ashamed at yourself for sending a friend down the Alden rabbit hole

I apologized before, during and after.

And congratulated him too He's very happy and excited about the boots!

 

[M635Guy]

Thanks! It fascinates me that sometimes it really does take years of wear until you know where a boot is even headed in terms of looks.

Very true, and pretty fun.

Looks like an awesome visit! And cool photo!

It's always a good time hanging out with Mr. G - he has so much knowledge that almost off-handedly falls out of him - lol. I'm a talker, and I have to work hard to remind myself to shut up and listen. He's got so many truly unique makeups that it's hard to take it all in sometimes. Definitely a man who represents Alden very well, and a good dude to boot...

 

[audog]

Ealdwine make-up Saturday here

 

[M635Guy]

Ealdwine make-up Saturday here View attachment 2100669

My buddy was debating shell, saying he didn't like "shiny" leathers. I'm going to show him this pic as an example of what properly-worn shell can look like when the goal is earned patina. (which he likes the overall concept of)

 

[audog]

My buddy was debating shell, saying he didn't like "shiny" leathers. I'm going to show him this pic as an example of what properly-worn shell can look like when the goal is earned patina. (which he likes the overall concept of)

The secret? Brush brush, brush

 

[TheLawBeard]

Since y'all always seem to know of interesting makeups out there: what are some great non-Indy, trubalance last, special makeups out there that are either currently available or in pre-order? I've recently learned that trubalance feels great on my feet- even noticeably better than barrie for me.

 

[Weldy]

Since y'all always seem to know of interesting makeups out there: what are some great non-Indy, trubalance last, special makeups out there that are either currently available or in pre-order? I've recently learned that trubalance feels great on my feet- even noticeably better than barrie for me.

What kind of pattern are you looking for? What kind of leather? What kind of sole?Here are a couple of plain toes black shell with availability:

Ealdwine:

Alden Boot D0818H "The Mogavero" - Black Shell Cordovan boot — Ealdwine Raleigh

Alden Plain Toe Boot in Black Shell Cordovan Leather.Trubalance Last 360 Flat Black Welt Double Waterlock Outsole Brass Eyelets & Hooks Alden Shoe Company

www.ealdwineraleigh.com

Brogue, some availability in color 8 too:

Alden x Brogue Warriors PT Boot

Features:-Trubalance Last-Black Shell Cordovan-270 Degree Flat Welt-Neo Cork Sole -Made in USA Durable and perfect for workwear styles! Exclusively for BROGUE Please read before you place the order Alden shoes are crafted with and attention to detail in their Massachusetts factory. They are...

www.brogueshop.com

Dashing:

The Whisper Indy Boot - Black Shell Cordovan D2837H

TruBalance lastPlain Toe BootBlack Shell CordovanTonal Hook & EyesBlack Neocork Sole270 Storm Welt - BlackMade in Massachusetts, USAThe Whisper Indy Boot is named after If your size is not available, please contact Special Orders*This Alden product can NOT be shipped outside of North America.

dashingchicago.com

Others:
Leffot’s villager style. Available in suede. Preorder on color 8 too with some limited sizes

Alden Madison:
Roy boot in CXL, limited sizes if not preorder available
Plaintoe tobacco chamois D2808H

Larossa:
Another plaintoe Tobacco chamois:

Alden D2818H Tobacco Plain Toe Boot

Alden X LaRossa special makeup! Plain Toe Boot handcrafted on the Trubalance last in Smooth Tobacco Chamois leather, with Antique Storm Welt and Black Neocork sole with Thomas heel. Genuine goodyear welt construction. Made in USA. Return Policy: Shoes can only be returned if there is no evidence...

www.louiestyle.com

Just a few top of my mind. Forgetting a lot of them but you should have a lot of options with TB. Great last

 

[Weldy]

Happy New Year forum pals from Korea.

Today went to Unipair trunk show. We should be thankful for our “preferred pricing” in North America . Very busy in there though.

Also visited another smaller Alden retailer right around the corner named San Francisco Market:

 

[sazon]

Since y'all always seem to know of interesting makeups out there: what are some great non-Indy, trubalance last, special makeups out there that are either currently available or in pre-order? I've recently learned that trubalance feels great on my feet- even noticeably better than barrie for me.

Snake Oil Provisions runs a TB plaintoe boot in black shell (nickel hardware) and color 8 shell. Both called the Wick Boot. Great make-ups.

They also do a brown leather PT boot on TB on black wedge soles, but that's out of stock.

 

[Shawnc]

Ealdwine make-up Saturday here View attachment 2100669

The secret? Brush brush, brush

These really are amazing @audog. Unrelated, every time you post I spend almost as much time looking at your avatar as I do your boots. That is one beautiful pooch you have.

Since y'all always seem to know of interesting makeups out there: what are some great non-Indy, trubalance last, special makeups out there that are either currently available or in pre-order? I've recently learned that trubalance feels great on my feet- even noticeably better than barrie for me.

What I have not seen suggested is a model that I think is made for TB, the NST (commonly referred to as splits). I know Adam from Alden of Carmel used to carry a great make in 8 with commando and antique. Not sure if he still carry's them or even if he is still in business but it is definitely worth a search or telephone call.

 

[audog]

These really are amazing @audog. Unrelated, every time you post I spend almost as much time looking at your avatar as I do your boots. That is one beautiful pooch you have.



What I have not seen suggested is a model that I think is made for TB, the NST (commonly referred to as splits). I know Adam from Alden of Carmel used to carry a great make in 8 with commando and antique. Not sure if he still carry's them or even if he is still in business but it is definitely worth a search or telephone call.

Thanks Shawn. His name is Nigel and he turned 8 yrs old last month. I got him around the time I got my first pair of Aldens

 

[smfdoc]

Happy New Years eve to all my forum pals.