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

[Michigan Planner]



Many thanks for the suggestions. As for the unlined Chukka, I have a cxl one. Do you think a suede one will serve me better in summer, and how much is the difference?
Thanks

If your CXL chukka is lined and the suede chukka is unlined, I think the difference is night and day, the suede version just feels so much lighter. Plus, the unlined chukka is usually on the FlexWelt sole which I find to be extremely comfortable, lightweight, and need no time for breaking in. They are both great options but I think the suede also dresses up a little bit more nicely than the CXL (although I wouldn't call either "dressy").

 

[Matty123]

So now I've got 3 pair of Alden boots. Two pair are on commando and 1 pair is neo cork. I officially loathe the neo cork. It is nearly worthless on wet ground. Any suggestions for a modification? Has anyone else switched to a specific sole they like?

 

[gr789]

Matty123, I share your opinion of neo-cork and acquire Aldens with commando when possible. I have read here that Alden won't customize a sole replacement, so you're looking at the usual B Nelson, etc. custom cobblers. There are mixed opinions on dainite soles, but I have always liked them. A variant of dainite is the pictured Itsahide brand commando sole (the picture is from a pair of Tricker's boots that I have). These seem softer to me than dainite and therefore grippier (although maybe not as durable). Hope this helps and good luck with the neo-cork replacements!

 

[gr789]

TOP - Lots of bloom on these black shell boots after a few months of winter hibernation.
Bottom - A little bit of water and a lot brushing, then no more white residue/bloom!

 

[JSO1]

TOP - Lots of bloom on these black shell boots after a few months of winter hibernation.
Bottom - A little bit of water and a lot brushing, then no more white residue/bloom!

Which vendor offers these?

 

[Kahuna75]

So now I've got 3 pair of Alden boots. Two pair are on commando and 1 pair is neo cork. I officially loathe the neo cork. It is nearly worthless on wet ground. Any suggestions for a modification? Has anyone else switched to a specific sole they like?

I have a pair with a Topy on it and it works terrific...

 

[Akeem]



Which vendor offers these?

jcrew back in the day

 

[Akeem]



So now I've got 3 pair of Alden boots. Two pair are on commando and 1 pair is neo cork. I officially loathe the neo cork. It is nearly worthless on wet ground. Any suggestions for a modification? Has anyone else switched to a specific sole they like?

moulded shoe will convert to alden commando at a hefty price.

i've had flex welt soles changed to dainite by bnelson in the past. work was ok.

the new name with some buzz is ahoneshoes. work looks good in pictures.

 

[JSO1]

moulded shoe will convert to alden commando at a hefty price.

i've had flex welt soles changed to dainite by bnelson in the past. work was ok.

the new name with some buzz is ahoneshoes. work looks good in pictures.

Aram at AH One Shoes does fantastic work. Very happy with him. He is genuinely great to work with, too.

 

[JSO1]



jcrew back in the day

That's a shame - I really would like a black shell wingtip boot with all eyelets.

 

[Don L]

 

[Akeem]



That's a shame - I really would like a black shell wingtip boot with all eyelets.

i concur. i missed out on these when they went on sale at jcrew.

maybe yenni would be interested in this model.

 

[Kahuna75]

Quote:
What last you thinking?

 

[chipshot]

Whiskey LHS for driving my wife around all day for her numerous Dr. appointments. Getting our hands around this cancer then gonna kill it.

 

[Akeem]



What last you thinking?

I would keep the specs the same

barrie last
all eyelets
double leather
360 flat welt

if anything, a 270 welt would make them even cleaner.