The Official Alden Thread for 2023 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[Norwester]

At the start of 2022 my New Years vow was to enjoy the shoes I have and limit new purchases to special opportunities. One pair I did get, right before the 2022 price rise, were these tobacco reverse chamois jumpers from Harry's Shoes. They are just like the Sherman Brothers pair, but with more understated brown hardware. They are my first pair of reverse chamois, and I couldn't be happier. They are the perfect Seattle and travel boot; light weight, and you can rinse off any mud or dirt, yet they are dressy enough for most situations. I still associate Alden with shell, but have become sold on their suede and chamois offerings as well.

 

[barutanseijin]

RTC Indy shoes for the snow this morning:

 

[Leisurely Loafing]

It’s funny how when I started collecting I really wanted the rare shell.. now I’ve passed on more rare shell in the last few years than I can count. Just hasn’t been the right make up for me really though. Truthfully, black and color 8 are the best hands down and I’ve only learned that in the last couple years 😂

I’ve been really lucky to land the exact makeups I wanted and pass on anything that doesn’t make the cut. At this point, the only thing I’m interested in is a pair of ravello lwbs but that’s not even close to a priority.

I’m trying to wear the pairs I have more and considering selling the pairs that rarely get worn shell or not.

 

[AEShoeMan]

The TSM boots have landed here. These were my original "grail" boots and waited years to finally procure a pair. Not going to lie - thought I was wanting the more "classic" shade of ravello, but absolutely love these boots.

It is interesting how ravello has evolved over the years. Obviously the shell changes color with wear and over time, but here are a couple others for reference.

I thought this newest TSM was almost like a lighter cigar, but here is a pic with their cigar brothers for a comparison.

A pic with some whiskey for reference for good measure too. 😉

It is a good day here in MN! Cheers all!

 

[sterlingindigo]

Both artificially scarce and wantonly overpriced!

I don’t think the big three SS sports Rolexes are overpriced or artificially scarce. I think there are more than enough people who would scramble to pay retail for a Sub, GMT or Daytona.

I think it’s a shame cigar shell isn’t readily available especially for some standard catalogue offerings; WTB, LHS, PTB. It certainly is other places. I turned down three pairs of very nice rare boots in the last year just because they weren’t Indy’s. I love Barrie for shoes but it’s TruBalance for me in boots.

It’s got to really tick all the boxes for me to spend $1k anymore. Did it for whiskey and cigar Indy’s but I feel I’m getting close to quality/quantity satiation on the collection. Maybe two or three open spots but I’m not paying a grand for cigar LHS. I’ll keep my AE Patriots, much as I prefer a steel shank.

 

[Vincent George]

I don’t think the big three SS sports Rolexes are overpriced or artificially scarce. I think there are more than enough people who would scramble to pay retail for a Sub, GMT or Daytona.

I think it’s a shame cigar shell isn’t readily available especially for some standard catalogue offerings; WTB, LHS, PTB. It certainly is other places. I turned down three pairs of very nice rare boots in the last year just because they weren’t Indy’s. I love Barrie for shoes but it’s TruBalance for me in boots.

It’s got to really tick all the boxes for me to spend $1k anymore. Did it for whiskey and cigar Indy’s but I feel I’m getting close to quality/quantity satiation on the collection. Maybe two or three open spots but I’m not paying a grand for cigar LHS. I’ll keep my AE Patriots, much as I prefer a steel shank.

Yes—AE “brown” (aka Cigar) is top notch. Mrs. V got me these Randolphs for Christmas.

 

[barutanseijin]

If anything, with my office shifting to fewer suits, and my knees no longer enjoying commando or dainite, I'm tempted sell all of my boots that aren't on double leather and buy two pairs of Edward Green Dover derbies on HAF soles and call it a day.

I was thinking i’d do with a pair of Galways, a pair of EG Dovers and some Alden LWB & loafers. The hard part is moving the excess footwear.

 

[ac106]

I don’t think the big three SS sports Rolexes are overpriced or artificially scarce. I think there are more than enough people who would scramble to pay retail for a Sub, GMT or Daytona.

I think it’s a shame cigar shell isn’t readily available especially for some standard catalogue offerings; WTB, LHS, PTB. It certainly is other places. I turned down three pairs of very nice rare boots in the last year just because they weren’t Indy’s. I love Barrie for shoes but it’s TruBalance for me in boots.

It’s got to really tick all the boxes for me to spend $1k anymore. Did it for whiskey and cigar Indy’s but I feel I’m getting close to quality/quantity satiation on the collection. Maybe two or three open spots but I’m not paying a grand for cigar LHS. I’ll keep my AE Patriots, much as I prefer a steel shank.

Right and Rolex doesn’t make enough of them, on purpose, hence artificial scarcity

 

[sterlingindigo]

Right and Rolex doesn’t make enough of them, on purpose, hence artificial scarcity

Maybe, we don’t know. I’m certainly aware of the accusation. Not at all in my experience though. Alden rare shell is way way way harder to get. I mean, if anyone is artificially scarcifying (probably not a word) here it’s Alden brown shell. That’s why at a thousand a pop, I’m like aww hell naw, I can get way more dopamine over here with a lot less work. My kids gonna want a hype watch or ten pair of shoes when I’m gone? Love Alden, but I think they can be normalizing at least one brown shell boot, loafer, blucher and oxford. Brown ain’t rare! Say it with me.

 

[shahtirthak]

Some really nice makeups in rare shell lately. 13E means the pre-order route and waiting for Black & C8 Shell Indys to be made within this year via B+M.
Also waiting to be called for Whiskey / Cigar / C4 / Old Bronze / Amaretto / VIBGYOR / any rare shell Indy.....hey one can dream, right?!

Alden #8 of 9 for 8th work day in a row. I have realised the only way I can wear all the pair of shoes and boots is to go brand by brand. Saving the best 2 Aldens for last.

Ravello Shell Indys for today.

 

[Handcuffed]

so what is Leffot really doing for its 15 year anniversary? the loafers are nice but i imagine they have something a little more special going for its big-time customers

 

[Vincent George]

Wore them again today. Couldn’t help myself. Happy Wingtip Wednesday.

 

[DG123]

Maybe, we don’t know. I’m certainly aware of the accusation. Not at all in my experience though. Alden rare shell is way way way harder to get. I mean, if anyone is artificially scarcifying (probably not a word) here it’s Alden brown shell. That’s why at a thousand a pop, I’m like aww hell naw, I can get way more dopamine over here with a lot less work. My kids gonna want a hype watch or ten pair of shoes when I’m gone? Love Alden, but I think they can be normalizing at least one brown shell boot, loafer, blucher and oxford. Brown ain’t rare! Say it with me.

There is no "artificial scarcity" happening. Both Rolex and Alden facilities are producing their maximum output.

 

[AEShoeMan]

Wore them again today. Couldn’t help myself. Happy Wingtip Wednesday.

View attachment 1912615

Those look fantastic! Some Alden Madison jumpers today.

 

[James1051]

Good morning ☀️ boot guys! And belated happy new year! It’s been a while.
Plaza Indies, milkshake edition, on my feets this morning