The Official Alden Thread for 2024 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[CLH03]

Alright guys, I’d like to purchase some Alden loafers. My previous loafers are the Grant Stone Traveler in bourbon suede.

I’m looking at…

• LHS color no. 8 (986)
• LHS snuff suede (6243F)
• Full strap color no. 8 (684)

Although no doubt in my mind I’ll get them all over time (one a year), I can’t seem to decide which one for 2024. Any thoughts?

I would probably go for the 986, with the 6243f being a close second. I think the 986 is a little easier to wear year round.

 

[audog]

Starting the year off in Ealdwine Yarborough 405 Jumpers. Like the "work boot" leather.

 

[madhat]

The commenter is correct. That’s a 270 welt with a faux 360 heel. I forget what Alden calls this — something like “stitch around heel” — Alden won’t do a 360 welt on 379X or Modified so this is the only way to get 360 look on those lasts. Alden does, however, do true 360 welts on other lasts.

@BAK can confirm the terminology

In always impressed by the level of knowledge, for not being an Alden sales person.

I also find it interesting all the subtle variations in shoe building methods.

 

[sazon]

Happy New Year Alden brothers !

Get your Alden purchases in before the annual price increase at the end of the month

 

[audog]

Happy New Year Alden brothers !

Get your Alden purchases in before the annual price increase at the end of the month

Any idea what the increase % might be?

 

[barutanseijin]

I would probably go for the 986, with the 6243f being a close second. I think the 986 is a little easier to wear year round.

I like the 6243f very much, but it’s a warm weather shoe for me. The snuff color matches my summer wardrobe nicely, and it’s cooler than lined shell on hot days. I don’t wear them much past September. After that it’s mostly shell loafers.

 

[slows2k]

Alright guys, I’d like to purchase some Alden loafers. My previous loafers are the Grant Stone Traveler in bourbon suede.

I’m looking at…

• LHS color no. 8 (986)
• LHS snuff suede (6243F)
• Full strap color no. 8 (684)

Although no doubt in my mind I’ll get them all over time (one a year), I can’t seem to decide which one for 2024. Any thoughts?

If you loved and wore the GS bourbon suede loafers, get the real deal 6243F. Easy to wear out of the box and goes with everything. Wearable year round depending on climate. The 986 is an absolute classic but looks terrible out of the box until they've been right worn in, IMO. The snuff LHS looks good from day one so for me they get more wear.

 

[mdubs]

Alright guys, I’d like to purchase some Alden loafers. My previous loafers are the Grant Stone Traveler in bourbon suede.

I’m looking at…

• LHS color no. 8 (986)
• LHS snuff suede (6243F)
• Full strap color no. 8 (684)

Although no doubt in my mind I’ll get them all over time (one a year), I can’t seem to decide which one for 2024. Any thoughts?

Hey Ash, great question and welcome to the Alden family! I would say that it depends on what you typically wear! The #8 Full Strap will offer a nicer, more formal style. So if you dress more formal, I would go with that. The #8 LHS is an amazing shoe and I would do that over the Snuff given that your GS is already Bourbon Suede... Thanks!

-Mike

 

[audog]

At one time B&M had a brown CXL NST boot (now out of stock) anyone know of a retailer with a brown CXL NST boot, eyelets/hooks, prefer commando sole?

 

[Hisheirness23]

Happy New Year Alden brothers !

Get your Alden purchases in before the annual price increase at the end of the month

Is this confirmed or just speculation?

 

[sazon]

Is this confirmed or just speculation?

Happens every year, without fail

@audog Hope its not as much as '23. That was a bad one.

 

[madhat]

Is this confirmed or just speculation?

Every year.

 

[mak1277]

Alright guys, I’d like to purchase some Alden loafers. My previous loafers are the Grant Stone Traveler in bourbon suede.

I’m looking at…

• LHS color no. 8 (986)
• LHS snuff suede (6243F)
• Full strap color no. 8 (684)

Although no doubt in my mind I’ll get them all over time (one a year), I can’t seem to decide which one for 2024. Any thoughts?

In a vacuum I would take the 6243. That’s what I would own if I was only allowed one pair of loafers for ever more.

But…they’re too close to the GS you already have for that to make sense. In your shoes (ha) I would get the 986.

 

[audog]

B&M Brown CXL cap toe boots for Jan 2.

 

[madhat]

Alright guys, I’d like to purchase some Alden loafers. My previous loafers are the Grant Stone Traveler in bourbon suede.

I’m looking at…

• LHS color no. 8 (986)
• LHS snuff suede (6243F)
• Full strap color no. 8 (684)

Although no doubt in my mind I’ll get them all over time (one a year), I can’t seem to decide which one for 2024. Any thoughts?

For me it comes down to the last. The first two are Van (great last), and the full strap is Aberdeen…no bueno for my feet. Plus, I’m partial to the penny over full strap look.