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

[Mavidpark]

From my experience, the shade of snuff can change from batch to batch.

As for the logo stamp, possible it's just the lighting that's giving off the impression that one is white-ish? To me they could both be gold.

Yeah I'm realizing this now. Based on the responses I've received from different places. I believe they're both 6243f loafers. Different batch and date production must be the reason for the different shade of suede.

Opinions on which one look nicer? #2 look better taken care of, but #1 has the classic snuff suede color that I've been so accustomed to seeing. #2 seems more reddish.

 

[Ancestral Star]

Yeah I'm realizing this now. Based on the responses I've received from different places. I believe they're both 6243f loafers. Different batch and date production must be the reason for the different shade of suede.

Opinions on which one look nicer? #2 look better taken care of, but #1 has the classic snuff suede color that I've been so accustomed to seeing. #2 seems more reddish.

I would get whichever pair is in better condition though the reddish is quite desirable in my opinion. I haven't come across the more reddish snuff in years.

 

[Rowyourboat]

Just got my first pair of Alden shoes. These are the LHS loafers in black shell cordovan. They fit reasonably well already but excited to break them in a little bit.

 

[KarlHungus]

Beater shell in the rain and then some maintenance (along with AE loafers and Leffot naval boots).
Ironically I got these straight tips off the 'bay but they were originally a run by Sherman Brothers -- which is about four blocks from where I used to live in Center City Philadelphia.

 

[tuna roll]

Stopped by Moulded Shoes this week as I wanted to try the Modified Last.

Sam was a pleasure to deal with. I mentioned by size in other lasts but he wanted to measure me anyway. Then he put me in a pair of 8D (calf) and suggested 7.5E for cordovan. Both fit be very well but shell in 7.5E was slightly better. I ended up with these beauties in color 8. Super stoked to find them in my size.

Curiously when put side by side they look about 1/2 or 1/4 size longer than my size 8 Van shoes or my 8.5 Barrie / Leydon / Aberdeen pairs, despite the 7.5 sizing. All these lasts fit me well but the Modified might be the most comfortable.

I also find the design of the Modified Last quite flattering, despite mixed opinions online. Sure the toe box is tall and looks a bit quirky, but the tapered waist and narrow heel look very nice IMO. Bespokeish. I didn’t size up like Anatomica suggests, just took Sam’s suggestion which feels snug around the ankle, instep and vamp, comfortable around the joints and roomy in the toe box.

My feet actually might look a bit smaller in them compared to the Barrie and Van last, due to the tapered waist. Anyway, super happy with these. Sam is the best and I’ll definitely buy more pairs in this last.

 

[Vincent George]

Can’t really call it “breaking-in” because they fit so well, but I am starting to wear my birthday presents (2161s) around the house so they can make friends with my feet. All this Aberdeen talk today inspired me. Black shell and sweatpants is so 2024.

 

[Franky]

Unlined chukkas

Im very upset that I can’t get unlined black shell loafers. Damn you Alden 🥲

 

[Mavidpark]

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Unlined chukkas

Im very upset that I can’t get unlined black shell loafers. Damn you Alden 🥲

They really need to bring back unlined shell lhs. Would sell so well. I’d even be ok with it being machine stitch if if saves them money.

 

[kylebwells]

Picked up these Unlined Shell Dover's from Brick and Mortar second hand. Been looking for a pair for a while. Was able to put some life back in them with a little TLC. Super comfortable. I'm super happy.

 

[smfdoc]

Picked up these Unlined Shell Dover's from Brick and Mortar second hand. Been looking for a pair for a while. Was able to put some life back in them with a little TLC. Super comfortable. I'm super happy.


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A great example of why I love shell.

 

[smfdoc]

Ravello for a Saturday.

 

[Encore]

 

[LJ1891]

View attachment 2165999
Unlined chukkas

Im very upset that I can’t get unlined black shell loafers. Damn you Alden 🥲

I like the casual nature of this outfit.

 

[Shawnc]

Picked up these Unlined Shell Dover's from Brick and Mortar second hand. Been looking for a pair for a while. Was able to put some life back in them with a little TLC. Super comfortable. I'm super happy.


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In addition to @smfdoc comment, to the best of my knowledge, the B&M make is the only one with a flat welt. I can’t justify knew but have been scanning all the usual places for a used pair. You got the best of the best. Congrats.

Speaking of @smfdoc, those Ravello wings? Good grief, incredible!

 

[JTMD]

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Do you have someone taking photos or did you set up a little selfie area? Much more impressive than my photo offerings in any case 🙄