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

[MajorDash]

So I have a question re: Aldens & shell cordovan. Which shells should I be looking out for? Which ones are considered rare?

If it isn't black or color #8 (burgundy/eggplant), it is considered "rare shell" in the Alden world. So whiskey, cigar, color 4, ravello, amaretto, or natural. I am sure I am missing some other colors, but these are probably the most common "rare" colors.

 

[Bavo]

Happy Halloween!

 

[shahtirthak]

Thanks for the advice!




Yes! I wear 13 in trubalance so it's kind of challenging to find special makeups in my size. I plan to get on this pre order while I have a chance.

Hi from another US13 (D or E, both work) Indy wearer!

 

[audog]

Faded 8's, waiting on the dog to finish his business in the back yard.

 

[barutanseijin]

Hi from another US13 (D or E, both work) Indy wearer!

And another. Hi!

 

[jonathanS]

If it isn't black or color #8 (burgundy/eggplant), it is considered "rare shell" in the Alden world. So whiskey, cigar, color 4, ravello, amaretto, or natural. I am sure I am missing some other colors, but these are probably the most common "rare" colors.

What’s the fascination with these colors? Are they really that hard to get your hands on? And they’re rather expensive, why would someone do an Alden vs. bespoke shoemaker. Obviously bespoke is slightly more expensive, but Alden gets creepily into that really range of being so expensive, you might consider bespoke, no?

 

[JSO1]

What’s the fascination with these colors? Are they really that hard to get your hands on? And they’re rather expensive, why would someone do an Alden vs. bespoke shoemaker. Obviously bespoke is slightly more expensive, but Alden gets creepily into that really range of being so expensive, you might consider bespoke, no?

Where are you seeing bespoke shoes for anywhere close to Alden rare shell territory ($950-1250 depending on the retailer)?

 

[madhat]

Where are you seeing bespoke shoes for anywhere close to Alden rare shell territory ($950-1250 depending on the retailer)?

I think they’re confusing bespoke with custom ordered/special make ups.
I can’t imagine bespoke under $4k

 

[Connemara]

What do people think about Alden’s navy suede shoes? I’ve never owned a blue suede shoe, so I’m trying to imagine what I could pair it with. Maybe casual tailoring or chinos and a sweater?

 

[MajorDash]

What’s the fascination with these colors? Are they really that hard to get your hands on? And they’re rather expensive, why would someone do an Alden vs. bespoke shoemaker. Obviously bespoke is slightly more expensive, but Alden gets creepily into that really range of being so expensive, you might consider bespoke, no?

The materials aren’t really rare, but there are a lot of people who like Alden for many reasons (style, fits, brand loyalty) and are willing to pay the price for it. It isn’t really any more expensive than Viberg or anything like that.

 

[MajorDash]

What do people think about Alden’s navy suede shoes? I’ve never owned a blue suede shoe, so I’m trying to imagine what I could pair it with. Maybe casual tailoring or chinos and a sweater?

I love navy suede. These are the Brogue “Elvis” shoe. I find navy suede to go with basically everything you’d wear a brown shoe with.

 

[CLH03]

What do people think about Alden’s navy suede shoes? I’ve never owned a blue suede shoe, so I’m trying to imagine what I could pair it with. Maybe casual tailoring or chinos and a sweater?

I love mine. They’re like the navy blazer of shoes because they work with basically every color but blue pants. I wear mine with chinos/BD shirts, to flannels and a sport coat.

 

[JayDotz]

The materials aren’t really rare, but there are a lot of people who like Alden for many reasons (style, fits, brand loyalty) and are willing to pay the price for it. It isn’t really any more expensive than Viberg or anything like that.

Aldens are quite a bit cheaper than Vibergs shell offerings. I purchased “rare” Aldens this week and they are nowhere near Vibergs $1500 price tag for shell.

 

[slows2k]

The navy suede is excellent though I think it works best in LHS, or the LWB no one makes anymore. The color really carries a casual vibe, I think. TS regularly stocks an indy boot in it that looks very nice, too.

 

[barutanseijin]

What do people think about Alden’s navy suede shoes? I’ve never owned a blue suede shoe, so I’m trying to imagine what I could pair it with. Maybe casual tailoring or chinos and a sweater?

Blue suede is very tempting when you see it in the shop. It’s a fun color for casual outfits. The question you have to ask yourself is how fun, how wild you want to look — and how often you want to look that way.