The Official Alden Thread for 2025 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[JTMD]

Cigar V-tips for today's lovely lakeside stroll...

 

[Club Soda]

My 8 pairs of C&J all have rubber soles - I can wear them right out of the box with no problems. I think that’s primarily because the last for the two types of shoes that I wear fit me so well. From shoe to shoe the fit is almost identical. With Alden the van last for example, I’ve definitely had different felling fits - I’m an 11 E and I have a pair that fits perfectly and I just recently sent a same-size pair back that was too tight. For me a perfect shoe would be Alden styling with with C&J QC and sole options. I think the most underrated part of the C&J line is their loafers. The last couple of years I’ve become interested in posting on the style forum and I’ve realized that boots are very popular - more so than loafers - at least that’s my perception. The other guys from Northampton, EG and JL, are above my price point level of acceptable pain

My issue with loafers is primarily the heel fit. It's either too low or too wide. I agree with the van last; I'd probably need an 8.5 in the LHS. The C&J Tassel loafers I have are pretty good and I love the double oak sole. The toe box is oddly tight and feels a little short so not the right fit. My Belgravia from EG fit fine but the heel cup is too low and not snug enough, and that's on a US 9D.

Outside of the gym, with my lifestyle I pretty much wear Alden's tassel loafer year round. I need to collect more suede for my days off though. I'd like to get a bespoke pair from McCarthy but overall I have pretty much no complaints with Alden. I could be picky about stitch density and hand welting, but I love the rigid conservative look and the comfort.

 

[jellyroller]

The Shoe Mart now has at the top of its homepage a countdown to Alden's January 26th price increase...

 

[JTMD]

The Shoe Mart now has at the top of its homepage a countdown to Alden's January 26th price increase...

Yeah...I got an email from them stating to buy now before prices increase. 🤑🤑🤑

 

[willlls]

I bought these 664 black cordovan tassels and noticed that they look brownish at the front/toe section although black around the heels. This appears a lot in sunlight or just bright lightning.
Has anyone encountered this previously and is it possible to get them black (as they should be)?
Might not be the best photos though…

 

[Club Soda]

I bought these 664 black cordovan tassels and noticed that they look brownish at the front/toe section although black around the heels. This appears a lot in sunlight or just bright lightning.
Has anyone encountered this previously and is it possible to get them black (as they should be)?
Might not be the best photos though… View attachment 2313347

That's crazy I've never seen that. From the front they absolutely look like 563s. Were they like that when you got them and where did you but them?

 

[WineAndShoes]

My favorite Alden style is the plain toe Blucher on the Barrie last and Double Leather soles. Perhaps it is a fools errand, but I have aspirations of collecting one or more "rare shell" versions of this style. I'd appreciate it if anyone can tell me when Alden SF last ran their Model 9900 - Ravello Plain Toe Blucher or Alden DC ran their Model 9905 - Whiskey Plain Toe Blucher?