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Took a trip up to San Francisco to visit Jim & Alden SF. Their website now lists their exclusive make-ups, one of which I wanted to check out in person.
Much to my surprise, there were two brand new make-ups in the window displays that Jim said would NOT be made available to people online.
The first boot in the window was this Navy Nubuck Jumper Boots on Commando. These have a 360 Flat Welt and the Indy Quarter Stitch with nickel eyelets and hooks. If I didn't already have Brogue's "Indigo Valley" blue suede jumper boots, I would've picked these up!
View attachment 2120355
The second special make-up in the opposite window display was a 405 mash-up. It has the same leather as the 405, but doesn't have the Indy quarter stitch, instead it has the heel foxing which I thought looked sharp. 270 pre-stitched reverse welt, but has the "faux 360 stitch" around the heel. All on top of a wedge sole. These boots look spectacular in person!
View attachment 2120357
On the wall was a make-up that was listed on their website and I believe had a Ravello or Cigar Shell run produced last year. It's a Color 8 Shell Medallion Cap Toe Quarter Brogue boot that is super clean!
View attachment 2120363
Finally, the reason for my visit was to check out some Black Shell Cordovan Wingtip Boots on Plaza with brass hardware. These have a 270 flat welt and are sitting on Commando soles. Fortunately for me, they had my size in stock (last one) so needless to say, they came home with me!
View attachment 2120361
During checkout, I always browse the display case and inquire about matching Shell belts. Even though I had been told countless times by just about everyone that Ravello belts were discontinued, I find it my running joke to ask. Much to my surprise, Jim smiled, pointed at a belt in the case, and says we just took delivery! Apparently, these are NOS Ravello belts that were found sitting at the factory and then redirected to Alden SF! I'll have pics later showing them in natural sunlight, but here's a quick teaser shot!
View attachment 2120365
Thank you, sir!Cords are nice but those boots are next-level amazing. Would love some det’s, including how long you’ve owned them. Man, I would love to have a pair that display that type of character. Nicely done!
Hi guys, I'm glad to finally be able to join the Alden cordovan boot club.
I managed to snag a pair locally, in very good shape. Quite a deal, considering Alden cordovan boots are not available locally where I'm from.
However, I would like to ask, does my Alden boots come with blind eyelets? I'm considering to install eyelets if they don't already have it. Pictures attached View attachment 2120575 View attachment 2120577
Great pix ! Thanks for sharingTook a trip up to San Francisco to visit Jim & Alden SF. Their website now lists their exclusive make-ups, one of which I wanted to check out in person.
Much to my surprise, there were two brand new make-ups in the window displays that Jim said would NOT be made available to people online.
The first boot in the window was this Navy Nubuck Jumper Boots on Commando. These have a 360 Flat Welt and the Indy Quarter Stitch with nickel eyelets and hooks. If I didn't already have Brogue's "Indigo Valley" blue suede jumper boots, I would've picked these up!
View attachment 2120355
The second special make-up in the opposite window display was a 405 mash-up. It has the same leather as the 405, but doesn't have the Indy quarter stitch, instead it has the heel foxing which I thought looked sharp. 270 pre-stitched reverse welt, but has the "faux 360 stitch" around the heel. All on top of a wedge sole. These boots look spectacular in person!
View attachment 2120357
On the wall was a make-up that was listed on their website and I believe had a Ravello or Cigar Shell run produced last year. It's a Color 8 Shell Medallion Cap Toe Quarter Brogue boot that is super clean!
View attachment 2120363
Finally, the reason for my visit was to check out some Black Shell Cordovan Wingtip Boots on Plaza with brass hardware. These have a 270 flat welt and are sitting on Commando soles. Fortunately for me, they had my size in stock (last one) so needless to say, they came home with me!
View attachment 2120361
During checkout, I always browse the display case and inquire about matching Shell belts. Even though I had been told countless times by just about everyone that Ravello belts were discontinued, I find it my running joke to ask. Much to my surprise, Jim smiled, pointed at a belt in the case, and says we just took delivery! Apparently, these are NOS Ravello belts that were found sitting at the factory and then redirected to Alden SF! I'll have pics later showing them in natural sunlight, but here's a quick teaser shot!
View attachment 2120365
Ah shucks, I was hoping they already had blind eyelets installed. Guess I'll have to go find a good cobbler nowAlden does so many things right that I hesitate to criticize them but there seems to be a few things, mostly not visible to the naked eye, that they pinch pennies on, this being one of them. I love the style of boots you have. Blind eyes and hooks are not often seen. But most high-end manufacturers recognize the convenience of having eyelets installed even when they are only internal. I believe Alden does as well but sadly they choose not to use them.
You would see the back side of the eyelet. You wouldn’t miss it.Ah shucks, I was hoping they already had blind eyelets installed. Guess I'll have to go find a good cobbler now
On another note, how do I tell if there are blind eyelets installed?
Alden does so many things right that I hesitate to criticize them but there seems to be a few things, mostly not visible to the naked eye, that they pinch pennies on, this being one of them. I love the style of boots you have. Blind eyes and hooks are not often seen. But most high-end manufacturers recognize the convenience of having eyelets installed even when they are only internal. I believe Alden does as well but sadly they choose not to use them.
Ah shucks, I was hoping they already had blind eyelets installed. Guess I'll have to go find a good cobbler now
On another note, how do I tell if there are blind eyelets installed?
I disagree. Alden intentionally does not use eyelets (internal or backing-only) for shell unless an exposed eyelet is specified. It is a feature, not a bug, and certainly not done to pinch pennies. My understanding of why they do this is is because even internal blind eyelets would leave a visible “bump” underneath the shell, and shell is strong enough not to suffer ill effects from not having the eyelet. Just look a couple posts up at those very worn color 8 wingtips with blind eyelets — they look great. My old cigar wingtips with 9 blind eyelets have held up just as well, if not better, than my eyelet-d boots. To each his own.