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

[whatsmysize]

I really like the raised hand sewing on the apron. How is what you have in the picture different from this shoe at TSM?

Alden Men's 961 - NST Handsewn Vamp - Black Calfskin

Shop Alden 961 Norwegian split toe shoes at The Shoe Mart. The Alden 961 features handsewn vamps in black calfskin, offering unmatched durability and style. Buy Alden 961 Norwegian split toe shoes for a refined, long-lasting addition to your wardrobe.

www.theshoemart.com

I think its the exact same model but just in black calfskin.

Another thing to add, I think this is definitely one of those shoes where its helpful to set the creases when you get them out the box. Don't know how they would've looked otherwise but I'm glad I took chopsticks from my takeout and set the creases for this one, which I rarely do for my other shoes.

 

[coolarrow]

Ok, boys. Got some long-cherished shoes: Ravello LHS! This was one of those acquisitions that I wasn’t too excited about when I got on the list for them a long time ago (maybe pre-COVID?), but now I am. I've been dressing up for work only 2-3 times a week, with the rest being work casual. When I first signed up for them, it was suit/tie 5 days a week mostly. Anyway, couldn't be happier

 

[Vincent George]

Ok, boys. Got some long-cherished shoes: Ravello LHS! This was one of those acquisitions that I wasn’t too excited about when I got on the list for them a long time ago (maybe pre-COVID?), but now I am. I've been dressing up for work only 2-3 times a week, with the rest being work casual. When I first signed up for them, it was suit/tie 5 days a week mostly. Anyway, couldn't be happier

Stunning. Wear in good health.

 

[Markintosh]

I think its the exact same model but just in black calfskin.

Another thing to add, I think this is definitely one of those shoes where its helpful to set the creases when you get them out the box. Don't know how they would've looked otherwise but I'm glad I took chopsticks from my takeout and set the creases for this one, which I rarely do for my other shoes.

I’ve never set creases before. I think the pair that you posted pictures of are really nice looking. I see though that they’re built on the Aberdeen last which wouldn’t work for me. TSM has a version that is built on the Barrie last - but it doesn’t have the hand sewn seams that I like.

 

[Markintosh]

Ok, boys. Got some long-cherished shoes: Ravello LHS! This was one of those acquisitions that I wasn’t too excited about when I got on the list for them a long time ago (maybe pre-COVID?), but now I am. I've been dressing up for work only 2-3 times a week, with the rest being work casual. When I first signed up for them, it was suit/tie 5 days a week mostly. Anyway, couldn't be happier

Just fantastic! I love the multi layered heel stack. Ravello is my bucket list shoe - still looking! Congrats!

 

[jellyroller]

Do any of my fellow Aldenistas own anything in black suede? I'm contemplating picking up a pair of these but am questioning if I'm just drawn to the novelty of black suede and how often I'll actually reach for them.

Alden Penny Loafer Black Suede 5737F 'The Little Nicky'

- Suede- Van last- 360° Goodyear welt- Single leather sole- Handmade in the USA- Made exclusively for Lost & Found

shoplostfound.com

 

[bemk]

Also, this may be an overkill question but I noticed how Alden shell shoes don't have the blind / internal metal eyelets on the inside - has this ever posed a problem with tears / rips? I saw some posts here and there around it but it may just be paranoia around something that almost never becomes a problem.

I don't expect problems, it's leather and it's shell. I can only imagine issues in case the leather hasn't been cared for and would be dried out, but that's a no-go for me.

Anyways, really enjoying my first pair of Aldens so far!

They are gorgeous! 🕶️

Amazing color on these. The current color 8 looks SO DARK by comparison.

Yeah! 👊🏻 I have other C8 Aldens and also the other pair I tried in a different size then was of that darker hue. Pretty much won the C8 lottery with them, though I must say that I also like the darker aubergine - and it gets brighter with time anyway.

 

[Markintosh]

Do any of my fellow Aldenistas own anything in black suede? I'm contemplating picking up a pair of these but am questioning if I'm just drawn to the novelty of black suede and how often I'll actually reach for them.

Alden Penny Loafer Black Suede 5737F 'The Little Nicky'

- Suede- Van last- 360° Goodyear welt- Single leather sole- Handmade in the USA- Made exclusively for Lost & Found

shoplostfound.com

View attachment 2282557

I own black suede, Ferragamo drivers, and JM Weston 180s, paired with light wash jeans (black shirt), or light grey jeans (black shirt) - it's fantastic!!!!!!! The BIG plus is that they hide dirt and will continue to look great, when you get the white patches of wear, hit them with Saphir suede spray that has pigment and almond oil, it will make them look new, AND - the vamp won't crease...I'm a HUGE fan of suede....

 

[sazon]

@builder those look perfect. Congrats!

Which retailer?

 

[sazon]

@coolarrow now that’s beautiful !

 

[builder]

@builder those look perfect. Congrats!

Which retailer?

Thanks! Alden Sf but the gentleman there said they shipped from the factory (maybe due to my size being a C width?)

Now looking at a pair of snuff suede plain toe boots on the trubalance last, save me 😂

Plan to keep these boots for the rest of my life, so hard not to have a wandering eye and buy more than one could ever use in a lifetime in different colors and styles!

Love seeing Alden shoes patina over time, part of the fun in wearing a quality shoe in my opinion, they aren’t ‘throwaway’ and remind me of times in my life (teary nostalgia moment related to footwear 😅)

 

[tuna roll]

Do any of my fellow Aldenistas own anything in black suede? I'm contemplating picking up a pair of these but am questioning if I'm just drawn to the novelty of black suede and how often I'll actually reach for them.

Alden Penny Loafer Black Suede 5737F 'The Little Nicky'

- Suede- Van last- 360° Goodyear welt- Single leather sole- Handmade in the USA- Made exclusively for Lost & Found

shoplostfound.com

View attachment 2282557

I really really like black suede, although I don’t own any at the moment. I do have a bunch of them on my wishlist so that should change soon. There is the novelty factor but it’s also very wearable and classic.