THE OFFICIAL ALDEN THREAD FOR 2020 - SHARE REVIEWS, SIZING, ADVICE, AND PHOTOS.

[caffed]

The leather became dry? Did you condition along with way?

yes just a little. I hydrated every few days and added conditioner a couple times. You can’t get around the fact the UV does damage. You just have to monitor constantly to make adjustments.

 

[caffed]

Hatchet Supply murdered out Indys today

 

[inTROYspection]

If a pair of Aldens don't have the size imprinted on the inside of the boot/shoe, is there any way to determine the width (D, E, C)?

 

[sazon]

King splitters today on commando. AoM

 

[savvysartorial]

yes just a little. I hydrated every few days and added conditioner a couple times. You can’t get around the fact the UV does damage. You just have to monitor constantly to make adjustments.

Very good, thanks! I guess it's like being tanned, even with sunscreen. Your skin is still going to experience some damage.

I haven't faded anything - the way the shell ages naturally is just a fun process that I don't think I want to speed up! Nothing like aging fine wine or a good scotch.

 

[madhat]

Very good, thanks! I guess it's like being tanned, even with sunscreen. Your skin is still going to experience some damage.

I haven't faded anything - the way the shell ages naturally is just a fun process that I don't think I want to speed up! Nothing like aging fine wine or a good scotch.

It just takes. so. long. when you've got larger than a few pairs rotation!

 

[lemmy127]

@mdubs Do you (or anyone else) have any tips to finding Alden's, particularly Shell, in B width? I'm in SF, and even at this store they don't stock (and presumably hesitant to MTO for a new customer) shell boots in a B width. I'd also love to try on some 11B boots in shell before committing to a custom order, if AoSF would even take my order.

You're SOL. From my experience, SF and Sherman Brothers have the widest range of narrow width stock (available online at least... maybe DC or Madison have more, but I doubt it). Neither of them stock shell boots. You could wait around for one to pop up on the used market, but there's no guarantee of that happening.

I think your best bet would be to try on either a calf boot or shell shoe in the same last to verify fit. They'll definitely take your order... you just have to pay 100% up front, wait 6-8 months for it to be made, and then you aren't allowed to return it except for defects.

 

[savvysartorial]

It just takes. so. long. when you've got larger than a few pairs rotation!

Hahahah yes, you are right! Yours is larger than mine - slowly but surely building.

You're SOL. From my experience, SF and Sherman Brothers have the widest range of narrow width stock. And neither of them stock shell boots. You could wait around for one to pop up on the used market, but there's no guarantee of that happening.

I think your best bet would be to try on either a calf boot or shell shoe in the same last to verify fit. They'll definitely take your order... you just have to pay 100% up front, wait 6-8 months for it to be made, and then you aren't allowed to return it except for defects.

@Beaulieu724

No reason to stick to only shell, as you mention. There is a good chance of getting just about anything in calf with stock lasts like Barrie, Aberdeen, Hampton, etc. from ShoeMart.

 

[Beaulieu724]

Hahahah yes, you are right! Yours is larger than mine - slowly but surely building.



@Beaulieu724

No reason to stick to only shell, as you mention. There is a good chance of getting just about anything in calf with stock lasts like Barrie, Aberdeen, Hampton, etc. from ShoeMart.

Good point - I love the look of shell but probably best to get a calf boot in my preferred style and last. After a while (and a few bonuses) I'll consider a MTO on a shell in the same size/last (knowing shell doesn't relax as much as calf).

@lemmy127 Thanks for the tip - I called a few shops and Alden of Madison just confirmed; Nobody is stocking B width boots (especially shell).

 

[madhat]

Good point - I love the look of shell but probably best to get a calf boot in my preferred style and last. After a while (and a few bonuses) I'll consider a MTO on a shell in the same size/last (knowing shell doesn't relax as much as calf).

@lemmy127 Thanks for the tip - I called a few shops and Alden of Madison just confirmed; Nobody is stocking B width boots (especially shell).

If they're standard make-up shell boots, any shop can order B width from the factory with a 14-16 week lead time (typically). If you're doing special make-ups, you'll just have to get on their list and hope to reserve a B width early on.

 

[savvysartorial]

Good point - I love the look of shell but probably best to get a calf boot in my preferred style and last. After a while (and a few bonuses) I'll consider a MTO on a shell in the same size/last (knowing shell doesn't relax as much as calf).

@lemmy127 Thanks for the tip - I called a few shops and Alden of Madison just confirmed; Nobody is stocking B width boots (especially shell).

Sorry, to clarify I am not saying that you shouldn't buy shell (except to leave more shell for me )!

You should just buy a few styles/lasts from those stores in calfskin makeups (more likely to have B widths in stock on lasts like Barrie and Hampton) to narrow down your sizing and fit. You can either keep or return these makeups. Once you figure out the size you can jump on MTO runs and other fun stuff.

 

[madhat]

Good point - I love the look of shell but probably best to get a calf boot in my preferred style and last. After a while (and a few bonuses) I'll consider a MTO on a shell in the same size/last (knowing shell doesn't relax as much as calf).

@lemmy127 Thanks for the tip - I called a few shops and Alden of Madison just confirmed; Nobody is stocking B width boots (especially shell).

Bear in mind Alden doesn't do MTOs...only special make ups in batches through their shops.

 

[gilby]

Cigar PTB - Frans Boone

 

[jischwar]

Barie seems to be more of a casual last to me. Do you all wear Barie lasted shoes/boots with dress slacks?

 

[madhat]

Barie seems to be more of a casual last to me. Do you all wear Barie lasted shoes/boots with dress slacks?

Depends on the build. I wear these will dress pants:

Alden exclusive retailer Brick and Mortar Seattle

Alden, Alden Shoes, Alden Boots retailer. Seattle, Pacific Northwest and online shopping.

www.aldenofcarmel.com

I also wear my Whiskey Tankers, but they definitely feel more casual.