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

[Lagavulin62]

In my opinion, the Oxford isn't exclusively a formal shoe. For example, C&J has wide variety of "country derbies" with similar specifications. I think it looks great.

I totally agree with this. I love “casualing” my oxfords.

 

[Shawnc]

Yes, Ravello again…….



And well, you know. Just trying to be like @Vincent George and @Hisheirness23. Such a beautiful downtown skyline……….



Happy Friday-eve Gang!

 

[Keyser_Söze]

I totally agree with this. I love “casualing” my oxfords.

Are you one of those people I see on here that wear oxfords with their denim (Allen Edmonds thread)?

 

[eric_61]

I took delivery of two pairs of Aldens from Brick + Mortar today.

The first, I really love. These are their 405C Indy boots -- they're like the standard 405s except with a gold brown moc stitch rather than white, brass hardware rather than brown, commando soles rather than neocork, a 360 reverse welt rather than 270, an antique welt and edge rather than natural and waxed laces instead of cotton.

Honestly? All the right changes, as far as I'm concerned. I laced these up immediately, and these have really sort of reignited my love for the Indy boot.

The second pair is called "Seneca" -- it's a dark brown regina grain short wing boot on the Barrie last. I got these thinking they'd be really great business casual boots. Think, plane flight to a work trip where the weather's going to be cold or iffy, and I'm going to be wearing chinos, nothing too fancy. Easy to keep clean and decent-looking, pretty low-maintenance during an extended trip where they're getting worn often.

I like them a lot. The grain leather is super comfortable right away, no real break-in required. I do wish boots on the Barrie last with commando soles had a little more padding under the ball of the foot -- in that way, these aren't as comfortable as the double leather soles of my longwings. Still, I like them a lot, and I think they'll do exactly what I need them to do.

 

[Vincent George]

Are you one of those people I see on here that wear oxfords with their denim (Allen Edmonds thread)?

I'll wear cap-toe Oxfords with my light wash Levi's 501s (and I don't give a baker's @#$%).

 

[TokyoStroll]

@eric_61


Both look great, especially the 405s. I have a question about soles since you mentioned the commando on the Barrie last havingnleas cushion in the ball of the foot. Do you notice a difference in the amount of cushioning in between Indy and Barrie commando soles?

Also, how do you find the cushioning on double leather soles? I’ve only worn shoes with single leather soles but am considering a pair of Indy boots with a double leather sole.

 

[eric_61]

@eric_61


Both look great, especially the 405s. I have a question about soles since you mentioned the commando on the Barrie last havingnleas cushion in the ball of the foot. Do you notice a difference in the amount of cushioning in between Indy and Barrie commando soles?

Also, how do you find the cushioning on double leather soles? I’ve only worn shoes with single leather soles but am considering a pair of Indy boots with a double leather sole.

Personally, I find the Indy boots with commando soles a little more comfortable than Barrie lasted boots. I don't know if the cork or midsole or whatever is just a little bit thicker, or what the deal is, but I do find it noticeable.

The double leather soles are just bigger, heavier and thicker than the single leather soles. I find both extremely comfortable. I have a pair of brown chromexcel unlined plain toe bluchers with a single leather sole, and they fit like slippers from the first wear. Double leather soles take a bit of breaking in, but do mold to your feet in a way I find really satisfying. They certainly aren't cushioned like a sneaker or anything, but I do personally find them a tiny bit softer under foot, or just easier on my feet, than a lot of other goodyear welted boot/shoe soles like Dainite, commando, neocork, etc.

 

[TokyoStroll]

Personally, I find the Indy boots with commando soles a little more comfortable than Barrie lasted boots. I don't know if the cork or midsole or whatever is just a little bit thicker, or what the deal is, but I do find it noticeable.

The double leather soles are just bigger, heavier and thicker than the single leather soles. I find both extremely comfortable. I have a pair of brown chromexcel unlined plain toe bluchers with a single leather sole, and they fit like slippers from the first wear. Double leather soles take a bit of breaking in, but do mold to your feet in a way I find really satisfying. They certainly aren't cushioned like a sneaker or anything, but I do personally find them a tiny bit softer under foot, or just easier on my feet, than a lot of other goodyear welted boot/shoe soles like Dainite, commando, neocork, etc.

Thank you, that’s very helpful to know. I’m not a fan of Dainite since most of my walking is on pavement, and love the feeling of single leather soles but find that they’re better for days when I won’t be doing a lot of walking around outside due to the lack of cushioning in the ball. I may have to try double leather at some point!

 

[Markintosh]

Antique color 8 in the (rare) late afternoon winter sun
View attachment 2322343

Great sense of style - I love the blonde laces that give it some contrast with the color 8 cordovan - they matchup with the welt too - socks tie the whole thing together - well done!!!!!!

 

[Markintosh]

Ha. Looks good to me @Hisheirness23. Both the Blue Suede Splits and the shot. Well done!

Wait what?! All those empty seats at a Warriors game?

Too bad on the empty seats because they actually beat OKC - that’s a big deal these days

 

[Shawnc]

I'll wear cap-toe Oxfords with my light wash Levi's 501s (and I don't give a baker's @#$%).

THIS!!!!

Too bad on the empty seats because they actually beat OKC - that’s a big deal these days

Whoa, really? A very big deal these days……

 

[symphvaria]

I’m sure this is old news for everyone else in this thread, but I just got a pair of 986s yesterday and, as someone with wider feet, I have no idea why I didn’t buy these years ago and call it quits. Probably my most comfortable shoe right now, which is shocking considering how expensive the rest of my shoe wardrobe is. Definitely going to be shopping a lot more frequently from Alden’s wider lasts now, they feel perfect on me.

 

[SailingIvy]

I’m sure this is old news for everyone else in this thread, but I just got a pair of 986s yesterday and, as someone with wider feet, I have no idea why I didn’t buy these years ago and call it quits. Probably my most comfortable shoe right now, which is shocking considering how expensive the rest of my shoe wardrobe is. Definitely going to be shopping a lot more frequently from Alden’s wider lasts now, they feel perfect on me.

Good to you! I still have problems with mine and will see if tounge pads, heel grabbers and half-insoles will help. But this is coming from someone with narrow feet and a low instep…

 

[Vincent George]

I’m sure this is old news for everyone else in this thread, but I just got a pair of 986s yesterday and, as someone with wider feet, I have no idea why I didn’t buy these years ago and call it quits. Probably my most comfortable shoe right now, which is shocking considering how expensive the rest of my shoe wardrobe is. Definitely going to be shopping a lot more frequently from Alden’s wider lasts now, they feel perfect on me.

Isn’t it wonderful? This was my experience, too.

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

Really loving Ravello shell in the autumn. Great combination 😁

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