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

[ProfilaBinding]

I actually go up 1/2 size from Barrie for 379X. It's a bit of a tricky last.

Me too. I think it works because I have a high instep.

 

[sazon]

Me too. I think it works because I have a high instep.

Interesting, as I have really flat feet and wear Rx orthotics.

 

[JTMD]

Just be realistic here. Alden doesn’t allocate rare shell just because a retailer asks for it. You might be waiting a long time.

OK. Thank you for that caveat. So a store that has carried an Alden stocklist the past 2 decades couldn't put in an order for a model in rarer shell and expect to get it in the 2 year time frame we see with I.e. B&M? When shown Ravello boots he claimed he could pit in an order but there is no call for rare Shell from his clients to justify the minimum 12 pair order.

 

[TheLawBeard]

I know a retailer that is similarly set up to do such things. Said they'd be willing to do that for a rare shell order or even a "semi MTO" if I could get enough people to lock in on specs and pay in advance.

Said stockist gets one rare shell allotment per year typically does their own thing but is willing to do an arranged MTO.

 

[JTMD]

I know a retailer that is similarly set up to do such things. Said they'd be willing to do that for a rare shell order or even a "semi MTO" if I could get enough people to lock in on specs and pay in advance.

Said stockist gets one rare shell allotment per year typically does their own thing but is willing to do an arranged MTO.

I don't see why it wouldn't work though I'm willing to admit that I haven't explored every detail of it. Of course I wouldn't expect it to be done as a priority and of course it takes 6 months just to get a regular order out of Alden. If I went in and made it justifiable for my local guy to place the order, I don't understand why he couldn't. He seems to say he could when shown a pair of Ravello. He's had a relationship with Alden the past 2 decades that I've been into the hobby. I wouldn't expect a small shop in Europe to take priority... but you'd think they'd be allowed an order every year or 2 of the rarer shell...but again...just an idea I had as my shop never sells rarer shell (but is usually happy to cater to their long time clients). I'd expect he'd probably take a similar profit for himself and want a decent down payment (if not all of it)...but on the surface it appears to be doable. I'd want to have others interested before I approached him with the idea further. One of the issues with Alden is their no US shoes to Europe (and perhaps vice versa) policy. That might leave me on the hook for the purchase as well as handling shipping. I might not mention that my friends aren't all in europe As I said, there would certainly be some negatives. Shipping , VAT, returns, etc...and of course as the other gent mentioned, there might be issues with allotment that might take longer than other Alden retailers. Anyways...I figured it might be worth at least enquiring further about if I could find the interest

 

[Markintosh]

I have an automatic search in eBay. A pair came up today that looks like a pretty good deal. I don’t wear tassel loafers, so wanted to share link - they are 10.5 EEE and brand new in the box. $325

Alden Tan Calf Tassel Moccasin Men Size 10 1/2 w Box New! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Alden Tan Calf Tassel Moccasin Men Size 10 1/2 w Box New! at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[JTMD]

I have an automatic search in eBay. A pair came up today that looks like a pretty good deal. I don’t wear tassel loafers, so wanted to share link - they are 10.5 EEE and brand new in the box. $325

Alden Tan Calf Tassel Moccasin Men Size 10 1/2 w Box New! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Alden Tan Calf Tassel Moccasin Men Size 10 1/2 w Box New! at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

A college professor that doesn't wear tassel loafers? What's the world coming to? Though I admit to not particularly liking them 20 years ago, they've grown on me and I enjoy them quite a bit nowadays. You might want to take advantage of the deal and try them out yourself.

I've even added a few pairs throughout the years...

Bought the 8s on clearance...under $500 I believe..passed on the black shell at first but was back the next morning to get them.

Another pair I got on clearance. I wanted the Tan...but decided I could put the black to use..

These AEs in burgundy shell are my go to travel shoes. I like to joke that they've seen more airports than most Americans.

 

[Junglejack]

I have an automatic search in eBay. A pair came up today that looks like a pretty good deal. I don’t wear tassel loafers, so wanted to share link - they are 10.5 EEE and brand new in the box. $325

Alden Tan Calf Tassel Moccasin Men Size 10 1/2 w Box New! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Alden Tan Calf Tassel Moccasin Men Size 10 1/2 w Box New! at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

That is a killer deal. Planters Exchange had these and I think an LHS both in burnished tan for $399 as well, but am iffy on the Aberdeen Last.

 

[Markintosh]

A college professor that doesn't wear tassel loafers? What's the world coming to? Though I admit to not particularly liking them 20 years ago, they've grown on me and I enjoy them quite a bit nowadays. You might want to take advantage of the deal and try them out yourself.

I've even added a few pairs throughout the years...

Bought the 8s on clearance...under $500 I believe..passed on the black shell at first but was back the next morning to get them.
View attachment 2258129 View attachment 2258131

Another pair I got on clearance. I wanted the Tan...but decided I could put the black to use..

View attachment 2258133

These AEs in burgundy shell are my go to travel shoes. I like to joke that they've seen more airports than most Americans.

View attachment 2258135

What’s funny about that is my PhD committee chair wore them everywhere - he had black brown and color 8 - that was his rotation - I guess I’m just set in my way at 62. I don’t wear boots either. I do wingtips, penny and bit loafers. I hope I haven’t disappointed you LOL - you’re a shoe collecting kindred spirit. I always love your feedback!!!!!!

 

[coolarrow]

Cigar LHS. Yes, those are turquoisey sox.

 

[JTMD]

What’s funny about that is my PhD committee chair wore them everywhere - he had black brown and color 8 - that was his rotation - I guess I’m just set in my way at 62. I don’t wear boots either. I do wingtips, penny and bit loafers. I hope I haven’t disappointed you LOL - you’re a shoe collecting kindred spirit. I always love your feedback!!!!!!

To each their own my friend. 🤪 Our tastes intersect in other ways. I too love my full brogues and penny loafers...though I don't have any bit loafers. Might have to eventually give them a try. 😅

 

[Vincent George]

Well, the incomparable Yenni of Brick + Mortar has made this shoe nerd’s dreams come true by allowing me to collaborate and running my design. What started as some discussions in January 2023 is now a reality.

“The Sumner” has landed.

Tan Alpine Grain
Grant Last
Flat Welt
Antique Edge
Double Oak Outsole
9 Brass Eyelets

A tribute to my grandfather, Sumner—Papa Sonny.

I ordered two pairs for myself. Can’t wait for them to arrive.

Thanks for letting me be part of this great online shoe community, too. I look forward to what’s on all of your beautiful feet every day.


https://brickmortarseattle.com/prod...lpine-grain-grant-last?variant=42311649132632

 

[Shawnc]

That is one fine boot @Vincent George. Well done and congrats!

 

[Vincent George]

That is one fine boot @Vincent George. Well done and congrats!

Thank you, my friend.

 

[JTMD]

I'm running out of new rare pairs to feature (still 1 left in the closet) so back to basics today with these flat welt PTBs in 8 shell cordovan on the modified last..a makeup done for my local store.

In the sunlight.

In the unnatural low light of the elevator