I’m Doubting Alden’s Future

[Commisar]

They don't keep a full stock, and do their production in runs. So when you order it takes 3-6ish months to receive your order. TBH, I think they are in a much more precarious position than Alden...

I had a pair of CXL beef rolls with a moccasin red rubber sole that I loved, but they discontinued them and I don't feel like playing the re-sizing game with long timelines for receiving and exchanging (if necessary)

I'd beat that Rancourt is in essentially as healthy a financial position as Alden.

Alden and Rancourt are t going away any time soon as long as they're making a profit.

Same as Allen Edmonds (although they're part of Caleres and the corporate parent can just pull the plug at any time they choose)

Alden and Rancourt will be around as long as the owners keep wanting to make money.

Meanwhile we saw what happens when a one person company goes under with Mark Albert boots.

 

[SailingIvy]

If I remember correctly he said it was the snuff suede or the 986. A good point by you though because besides from that instance I'd never heard anything about a shortage of LHS in any size or color. The 6221L is a rubber soled, non-handsewn that has apparently been put into production for locker stock I guess. He made it seem like LHS production was impossible to keep up with demand.

LHS backorder is so long because of the handsewn apron. Only two people at their factory are still able to do it. And as it's one of the most sought after and probably their most iconic shoe in the line-up, the wait list is very long... when I bought my pair in Berlin, they stated Alden does not open the order books until 2025 and they will expect their next arrival from them by december 2025. That's what reality is right now. Explanations for that have been stated above.

Regarding QC: my Aldens are cosmetically not perfect, but from a function point of view, they are. I was kinda unsure about it with my first pair, but the styling made up for it. Regarding my second pair I'm very pleased now and will buy more in color8. Especially when they're very eggplanty in color, which can btw also be restored by their restoration service. The unique color8 of them is also a unique selling point for me.

 

[Club Soda]

LHS backorder is so long because of the handsewn apron. Only two people at their factory are still able to do it. And as it's one of the most sought after and probably their most iconic shoe in the line-up, the wait list is very long... when I bought my pair in Berlin, they stated Alden does not open the order books until 2025 and they will expect their next arrival from them by december 2025. That's what reality is right now. Explanations for that have been stated above.

Regarding QC: my Aldens are cosmetically not perfect, but from a function point of view, they are. I was kinda unsure about it with my first pair, but the styling made up for it. Regarding my second pair I'm very pleased now and will buy more in color8. Especially when they're very eggplanty in color, which can btw also be restored by their restoration service. The unique color8 of them is also a unique selling point for me.

More or less that's what I was told re the hand sewing. I was also told that the process to train the next generation to complete this method is also a lengthy process.

 

[comrade]

I don't like their aesthetic on most models. Six eyelets is a turn-off
for me. Also, the models I've tried do not fit. I wear 4E (H) running
shoes. As of a decade ago my impression was that their San Francisco
store was staffed by ex-prison guards.

 

[Keyser_Söze]

Left Alden and went to C&J years ago. Never looked back.