The Official Alden Thread for 2024 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[CLH03]

They feel fine almost... just feeling a tiny bit tight around the top of feet. Hence the thought of sizing up to a 9. Will probably visit the local store to have another go at the 8.5.

They definitely start out a little snug in the instep/top of foot, for most people. That goes away pretty soon though. I guess try the 9 and see but most of the time people size down 1/2 from brannock or take the same size as their TB or Barrie.

 

[Ancestral Star]

 

[Bavo]

I got these CXL V tips on wedge soles 3 years ago for my walk commute to work and general weekend stuff. They’ve had a ton of wear, and despite regular care are beaten up. But they have the nicest patina of any of my pairs.

 

[smfdoc]

Happy Monday forum pals.

 

[Watchman1]

Ravello WT Boot on Barrie

Cheers!

 

[coolarrow]

#8 gunboats:

 

[bluebirdy]

They definitely start out a little snug in the instep/top of foot, for most people. That goes away pretty soon though. I guess try the 9 and see but most of the time people size down 1/2 from brannock or take the same size as their TB or Barrie.

Went back to the store and got measured on the brannock. Came in at 8.5. Tried on another pair of 8.5 and they felt amazing. Thanks for the help!

 

[DJYello]

Purchasing Aldens online is such a gamble these days. I had to return 2 pairs recently.

The vamp lining doest lay flat on top of the shoe, causing this weird lump inside the shoe. Not to mention it being a little bit too creased for a new shoe.
The 2nd shoe is barely factory seconds.

 

[Shawnc]

I don’t generally get too excited about minor flaws but holy crap, that’s bad. Yes, I would be pissed if I grabbed them as seconds. Very unfortunate.

 

[tuna roll]

Greetings all!

I have a pair of calfskin LHS in 8.5E. My Brannock size is 9, so I went with the usual “half size down” with the Van last and it feels good. Been using it for a couple of years now.

Now I’m looking at the 986 (shell cordovan LHS). Is there any difference in fit / sizing between calf and shell LHSs that I should be aware of?

I’m also considering an unlined suede LHS. Again, any difference in fit compared to calf LHS?

Thanks!

 

[smfdoc]

Happy WTW in suede.

 

[Shawnc]

Hey Gang,

No spam, just hopefully a PSA. I’ve got 8 eBay listings, far more than I can get in my SF signature. All shells, 6 Aldens, an EG and a C&J. All without bids are discontinued on SF. Search for seller scklc and reach back if any interest. SF discount is between 10-14% for single purchases and slightly higher for multiple, and domestic shipping is free.

Ok, back to our regular programming……..

 

[jhcam8]

Alden x Brogue (maybe)

 

[barutanseijin]

Hey Gang,

No spam, just hopefully a PSA. I’ve got 8 eBay listings, far more than I can get in my SF signature. All shells, 6 Aldens, an EG and a C&J. All without bids are discontinued on SF. Search for seller scklc and reach back if any interest. SF discount is between 10-14% for single purchases and slightly higher for multiple, and domestic shipping is free.

Ok, back to our regular programming……..

More power to you for making some hard decisions. How did you do it?

 

[Shawnc]

More power to you for making some hard decisions. How did you do it?

Been thinking about it since C-19. I’m ITO much less (though now I am close to back normal) and even when ITO, the dress dynamic has changed. But the biggest driver quite honestly has been my recent decision to retire. Having all of this footwear sit on the rack on the off chance that I may wear them is far different than having them collect dust when I know I won’t wear them.

What I didn’t expect was just how liberating it would be. Maybe because I have been thinking about it since C-19 but as I kept listing pair after pair, I kept feeling a little bit better. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still got a ton of really nice footwear so I won’t be crashing the Goodwill anytime soon. But for me, at this stage of my life, it was time.