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The Official Alden Thread for 2016 - Share reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

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peppercorn78

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Everything with a reverse split welt does for sure - the GS shoes I showed above definitely have them, but they're done very carefully and well.  I swear it seems like Alden has a guy who has been doing that part of the build for 35 years and maybe it is time for him to find a different job in the process.  Maybe it is a reflection of the volume pressure they have, but of the premium makers Alden seems to have that issue more consistently than any.  I see it here and there in AE, but not as much.

All of that isn't data, but I'd take enough anecdotal notice of it if I were running Alden or AE to see what could be done to improve.

Anyway, what @mraza
 has in his hands are keepers IMHO. 


Yeah, it is what it is. I do appreciate how other makers like Carmina and Bonafe finish the welt join over with wax polish to smooth it out. Not perfect, but very presentable:

600
 

bkdc

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shell #8 plain toe boot on trubalance
yes sir
I love that boot. My favorite Alden shell cordovan boot.

Does anyone have recommendations on who would be able to install metal eyelets in my boot?
 
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djbanor

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Does anyone have recommendations on who would be able to install metal eyelets in my boot?

Off the top of my head:

B. Nelson will do it for $5 per eyelet.
Randy the Cobbler is well known for this service as well.
You might also try AH One shoes in VA.
The Brogue Shop in Menlo Park, CA, used to do Alden customizations. You can contact them to ask.
 

diyman5757

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Hello,

I bought these shoes pre-owned. Only advertised as leather. I wonder if you can answer these questions.







Can you tell from the model # if it is calfskin or shell ? Also although 9BD is my exact size. I do now know that the last makes a huge difference. So the next question how much can they stretch in width? Is this Cigar color ? Sorry for all the questions....As I mentioned in other posts unfortunately the modified last is the best fit.
 

idonotmatch

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Hello,

I bought these shoes pre-owned. Only advertised as leather. I wonder if you can answer these questions
.








Can you tell from the model # if it is calfskin or shell ? Also although 9BD is my exact size. I do now know that the last makes a huge difference. So the next question how much can they stretch in width? Is this Cigar color ? Sorry for all the questions....As I mentioned in other posts unfortunately the modified last is the best fit.

Congrats on the pickup. Those are Dark Brown Calfskin and the shoes were made on the Hampton last. Hampton tends to run on the narrow end, and with the calfskin, I would not bet on them stretching an exorbitant amount from where they're at today.
 
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wklq76a

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Hello,

I bought these shoes pre-owned. Only advertised as leather. I wonder if you can answer these questions.







Can you tell from the model # if it is calfskin or shell ? Also although 9BD is my exact size. I do now know that the last makes a huge difference. So the next question how much can they stretch in width? Is this Cigar color ? Sorry for all the questions....As I mentioned in other posts unfortunately the modified last is the best fit.

Based on the creasing, these are definitely calf. They'll stretch more than shell, but may have already been stretched, depending on the previous owner's use.
 

JSO1

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Hello,

I bought these shoes pre-owned. Only advertised as leather. I wonder if you can answer t
hese questions.







Can you tell from the model # if it is calfskin or shell ? Also although 9BD is my exact size. I do now know that the last makes a huge difference. So the next question how much can they stretch in width? Is this Cigar color ? Sorry for all the questions....As I mentioned in other posts unfortunately the modified last is the best fit.

Dark Brown Calfskin, Hampton Last. Manufactured in 2007. It's calf, so it can stretch.

https://www.aldenshop.com/Store/DrawProducts.aspx?CategoryID=37&ParentID=3&PageID=&Action=
 
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