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

[jonathanS]

Alden has my attention due to their generous sizing and lasts (I have a hard to fit foot) and that they’re American so easy to exchange. The lasts are handsome but they only fill the casual side of my wardrobe for me. I am starting to move away from purchasing more now that I want some dressier stuff… 😁

I’m the opposite: I was always more formal, condoning more casual. Now I live in loafers and sneakers. Never appreciated boots. Came here because my mystery bespoke shoemaker had a reasonable (relatively) up charge on horween shell cordovan. So I was trying to find out more information. I concluded that shell is best for boots (thought about loafers, but I think shell would be too warm for how I use them in the summer (although I’ve never had a feet sweating issue).

Anyways, I was thinking, for next year fall, perhaps a split toe derby boot.

 

[CLH03]

Wing dinger

 

[serbarristan]

My field boot crowdfund makeup brings a smile every time.

 

[Hisheirness23]

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?

Alden Navy Suede is very rich! I actually prefer their Navy Suede to their Navy Nubuck since the nap of the suede vs. The Nubuck can result in a very deep navy blue. Quite a bit of Alden dealers have some sort of Navy suede/Nubuck model either on pre-order or for sale.

I love Brogue's Navy Suede "Indigo Valley" Jumper Boots due to their versatility and overall aesthetic.

 

[Hisheirness23]

TSA not having the millimeter wave scanner is such a time killer! Only the Alden Army will understand...

Loden Suede Marvaments boots from B+M! Had my hand in requesting a Loden Suede make-up with Yenni and she liked the idea of wrapping that around the Straight Tip "Marvaments" boot. Hard to argue with the stunning results! Loden Suede + Brass Hardware is an eye-catcher!

 

[Connemara]

I’m the opposite: I was always more formal, condoning more casual. Now I live in loafers and sneakers. Never appreciated boots. Came here because my mystery bespoke shoemaker had a reasonable (relatively) up charge on horween shell cordovan. So I was trying to find out more information. I concluded that shell is best for boots (thought about loafers, but I think shell would be too warm for how I use them in the summer (although I’ve never had a feet sweating issue).

Anyways, I was thinking, for next year fall, perhaps a split toe derby boot.

Same here. I’ll wear a tie and sportcoat to the office at least once a week, but I find even that attire is becoming ever more casual: tweed or linen jackets with patch pockets, knit ties, suede loafers, etc.

I’ve worn a suit maybe 4 or 5 times this year.

Alden’s unlined suede LHS loafers are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. I reach for them first almost every time.

 

[sussi]

My field boot crowdfund makeup brings a smile every time.
View attachment 2061139

TSA not having the millimeter wave scanner is such a time killer! Only the Alden Army will understand...

Loden Suede Marvaments boots from B+M! Had my hand in requesting a Loden Suede make-up with Yenni and she liked the idea of wrapping that around the Straight Tip "Marvaments" boot. Hard to argue with the stunning results! Loden Suede + Brass Hardware is an eye-catcher!
View attachment 2061271

both pairs look amazing!

 

[sussi]

So if I have Van last 11D and 11E, I should get the same size in Barrie last, right?

 

[7_rocket]

So if I have Van last 11D and 11E, I should get the same size in Barrie last, right?

I'm casually looking for the dark brown suede LHS loafer. I'm also wondering the same thing as I have a pair of boots on the barrie last on 10D. Difficult to get sizing when no Alden retailers near you and you only have the internet to turn to

 

[7_rocket]

I’m the opposite: I was always more formal, condoning more casual. Now I live in loafers and sneakers. Never appreciated boots. Came here because my mystery bespoke shoemaker had a reasonable (relatively) up charge on horween shell cordovan. So I was trying to find out more information. I concluded that shell is best for boots (thought about loafers, but I think shell would be too warm for how I use them in the summer (although I’ve never had a feet sweating issue).

Anyways, I was thinking, for next year fall, perhaps a split toe derby boot.

Don't you think dressing more casual is more fun and challenging than dressing formally? I know with formal wear you look more "put together" but I find it also boring at times.

 

[CLH03]

I'm casually looking for the dark brown suede LHS loafer. I'm also wondering the same thing as I have a pair of boots on the barrie last on 10D. Difficult to get sizing when no Alden retailers near you and you only have the internet to turn to

Most people do. Some people size up 1/2 size in length. Very dependent on your foot of course. I take the same size in van and Barrie and all the other “runs big” lasts.

 

[7_rocket]

Most people do. Some people size up 1/2 size in length. Very dependent on your foot of course. I take the same size in van and Barrie and all the other “runs big” lasts.

Thanks for the insight. Will report back once I get my hands on a LHS one of these days

 

[Ancestral Star]

Thanks for the insight. Will report back once I get my hands on a LHS one of these days

If you're in the Toronto area, have you stopped by Lost & Found? They have a very nice selection of Alden shoes.

Menswear built on quality, craftsmanship, heritage & the classics

Hi folks, we're called Lost & Found and we love great clothes. But even more so, we love sharing our favourite brands with you. So come on in and lay down your hat/cane/umbrella and take a gander. | Alden | Gitman | Viberg | Real McCoy's | Paraboot | Norse Projects | Our Legacy | Auralee |...

shoplostfound.com

 

[jonathanS]

Don't you think dressing more casual is more fun and challenging than dressing formally? I know with formal wear you look more "put together" but I find it also boring at times.

I definitely see your point, although I swap out dress / polo shirts for t shirts / sweaters & sports jackets for leather / suede. Mix in trousers & jeans still. I suppose I don’t have a preference, although it’s really hard to beat a bespoke suit, shirt & solid navy / blue grenadine tie. Or even, a bit more casual, bespoke trousers, jacket, and a polo with loafers.

 

[smfdoc]

Happy Friday forum pals.