What are you waiting for? If they fit well, start wearing them often. Life moves pretty fast....
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What are you waiting for? If they fit well, start wearing them often. Life moves pretty fast....
Next up for some TLC, my trusty #8 LWB with many many miles on them. The variations in the hide are beginning to show as the color mellows and lightens.
#4 captoe boots.
Ravello LWB
Over the the years, I have purchased a few pair of shell boots with every intention of treating them as boots. Let me be clear - I did not set out to abuse any of these unfairly, but rather I intended to be as bold around water, dirt, mud, and scuff-worthy situations as I would with any other pair of boots (like my 405 Indys). But every time I intended to act with such swagger, I would get cold feet and feel cowardice. Chance of rain? Nope. Possible dirt? No. Dust particle? No no. Excessive sunlight? Shade please. Jumpy dogs? Um, uh uh. As a result, I have a few pairs of well worn but otherwise pristine shell boots.
Early in 2016 I received a pair of boots with an obvious flaw. The flaw did not affect appearance or functionality because it was mostly invisible to the untrained eye. The boots were otherwise perfect and had all the features I wanted in an every day boot for a casual, non-work setting. Dark Color 8, antique edge, all eyelets, Barrie last, commando soles. I decided that this would be my honest-to-god everyday (well, maybe every other as all Alden freaks know to be appropriate -- gotta let 'em rest in between wears with shoe trees of course!) pair of kickers.
Rain? Check. Water welts too, but I'm not sweating them. Creasing but no rush to grab a deer bone. The occasional scuff mark and abrasion. Dust, dirt, and even some muddy fields and yards have been traversed in these boots. Sure, I periodically brush and buff them. The occasional damp wipe down. And they get treed after every wear. But they are no more than boots. I don't think twice. They get worn. They take their lumps. And they get their well due compliments. In fact, they probably get more compliments than my Color 2 LWBs (no disrespect to Adam - I love those shoes) or proper old school Cigar Indys.
Are they anything unusual? No. But in many ways their reliability, relative anonymity within the Alden crowd, and fact that they have become my trusty sidekicks all make them very special to me.
Thanks Mike. In person, they look more alike, and I'm sure will continue to do so as they age. Will probably sell one of these... Votes?
Preach, brother. Preach!
We are the choir!
Love these. And the #4 CTs, but that's a given.It's been too long since the last cleaning. I spent significant time working the creases and addressing nicks and scrapes. Some "scars" remain, but I love them all the more for it.
Need some advice on copping some used shoes: if I send a well used pair to alden for a resole, will they retain the foot indent from the previous owner, or would it be like breaking in a new pair?
Mac, your King CT Boots are looking good and classy and have a great shine on them! Hope that they took good care of you today!
-Mike
nephew, good looking combo. good shine on your cigar lhsLeisure Sunday. Alden Cigar Shell Cordovan LHS. Marcoliani Brown Argyles OTC. Epualet Caramel Duck Canvas Rivet Chinos. -Mike
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[/SPOILER]Whiskey wednesday.