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

[Franky]

Ravello Roy Boot

 

[Hisheirness23]

I have 1 up on you...you probably have several up on me 🤨..and neither of us is any competition to a few of the members here. 🙄. We'll get there my friend..patience, patience, patience. We both have teen daughters and should be used to not getting our way and being patient by now. 😅😂🤣

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Everyone's journey (both in life and with Alden) is different. I'm just glad we can all enjoy the ride and always happy to see the community here getting pairs they cherish! And always remember to wear your rares!

 

[marchello]

I recently bought my first pair of Alden shoes. They are beautiful, but something feels a bit off. Keen to get your opinion how to resolve the following 2 issues.

Issue 1: In the below image I'm mimicking a step (e.g. pushing my heels to the ground while lifting the forefoot). The shoe breaks at a different location. It feels as if the left shank is stronger or not in the same position as the right shank.

The right shoe is more comfortable. When my heel strikes the floor the forefoot kind of glides down. However, in the left shoe I feel that the heel hits the ground twice: once when I touch the ground at the back of the heel and a second time when the forefoot comes down. As a side note, I don't feel this on a carpet and that's the reason I didn't notice this in the store.

Issue 2: In the left shoe the heel area doesn't feel even. The left side of the heel area feels more elevated as the right side. This obviously irritates the bottom of heel. It feels so elevated that I don't think it will ever shape to my foot. The right shoe feels amazing.

First I attributed this issue to the heel cushion. However, a cobbler removed the cushion and the issue persists.

How would you approach these 2 problems? I have 5+ pairs of Allen Edmonds shoes and have never experienced anything like this...

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Hanging out with the great @BAK and his NST on Barrie.


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Edit: also new pattern and stock models coming next spring 25. Unlined up front, Van last

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Do you mind sharing where is that wonderful store? Forgive my ignorance.

 

[Markintosh]

In the spirit of why not both, whiskey longwings and C&J Pembroke/Marlow (aka the Warlow).
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What great pictures thank you so much!

 

[Weldy]

Do you mind sharing where is that wonderful store? Forgive my ignorance.

No problem Zahner’s Vernon, CT

 

[eyeofthek9]

What impact does antique edge have on a shoe's versatility? I see special make Alden's often have antique edges on classics like the PTB, LWB, NST, and ST. I assume that's because aesthetically it looks nice on a casual shoe. On the flip side, doesn't this just transform a shoe that was previously versatile into one that can only be worn casually?

 

[JTMD]

What impact does antique edge have on a shoe's versatility? I see special make Alden's often have antique edges on classics like the PTB, LWB, NST, and ST. I assume that's because aesthetically it looks nice on a casual shoe. On the flip side, doesn't this just transform a shoe that was previously versatile into one that can only be worn casually?

How are you defining versatile? If my intention is to toss a ptb on with a pair of jeans, would the sole matter? Beyond preference? How far up the chain from jeans would you wear the ptb with the standard sole versus the antique? I wouldn't be wearing either with a suit. Nor blazer/trousers. So between jeans and blazers. Sports coats. Sweaters. I'm not sure where the antique edge would really lose much there. Are there some occasions and mode of dress where the darker sole would indeed fit in better? Well, yes. Is it a bit more versatile and formal overall? Yes.

But..

We'd also have to look as to whether or not versatility is even a consideration. Many of those getting into Alden special makeups have a dozen shoes for any outfit in their closet. I'd say my black captoe Oxfords are the least versatile in my closet..I still own 2 pairs. I have other pairs that I enjoy wearing but only get worn a couple times a year because they aren't versatile...but versatility wasn't a deciding factor when making the purchase.

There's also a matter of choice on special make ups. Your choice is take or leave it. I get an email offering me a tanker in Ravello with an antique sole I can buy it or not. There is no 'I want a different sole".

 

[eyeofthek9]

How are you defining versatile? If my intention is to toss a ptb on with a pair of jeans, would the sole matter? Beyond preference? How far up the chain from jeans would you wear the ptb with the standard sole versus the antique? I wouldn't be wearing either with a suit. Nor blazer/trousers. So between jeans and blazers. Sports coats. Sweaters. I'm not sure where the antique edge would really lose much there. Are there some occasions and mode of dress where the darker sole would indeed fit in better? Well, yes. Is it a bit more versatile and formal overall? Yes.

But..

We'd also have to look as to whether or not versatility is even a consideration. Many of those getting into Alden special makeups have a dozen shoes for any outfit in their closet. I'd say my black captoe Oxfords are the least versatile in my closet..I still own 2 pairs. I have other pairs that I enjoy wearing but only get worn a couple times a year because they aren't versatile...but versatility wasn't a deciding factor when making the purchase.

I live on the west coast so I would definitely expect to be able to wear PTB with grey flannel trousers and a sport coat.

Sounds like I should stay away from antique edge.

 

[JTMD]

I live on the west coast so I would definitely expect to be able to wear PTB with grey flannel trousers and a sport coat.

Sounds like I should stay away from antique edge.

Would antique edge go with Grey flannel trousers is a bit more specific than overall versatility. 😅. But yes, seems as if you should avoid antique edge for your needs.