***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[kippy]



Ravello Chukkas today.

Those look awesome. Good choice of jeans with them as well. I love how Chukkas are so versatile.

 

[Roguls]



Advan inspired me to wear my #8 cap toes today

What pants are these? Exemplary combo.

 

[Roguls]



Two statements of fact; however, if you are implying the latter because of the former, I think you are mistaken.
Darker dyes make hide coloration less noticeable. A uniform hide is desirable for producing natural and lighter shades of shell.
It's been acknowledged that the lighter shell colours (whiskey, ravello, cigar) from Alden as of late have been shades darker than what they were producing several years ago. Speculation is that they are having difficulty sourcing quality hides to produce the lighter shades and are compensating by using darker dyes.

They *seem* darker. Once they're in sunlight, they are most definitely just like you've come to expect the cigar color. Look at some Pitt Boots I had (sold them because I just don't love the Barrie).

 

[mcarthur]



Alden x Leffot Day Tripper in Ravello

good looking boots, enjoy wearing

 

[mcarthur]



Ravello Chukkas today.

i like your chukkas

 

[PorterInjax]

Advan inspired me to wear my #8 cap toes today

What pants are these? Exemplary combo.

Brown flannel from Epaulet, no longer available.

 

[Renalan]

So I just received my #8 Longwings today and they're great but one thing. Would you guys send these back? Check out the right shoe.

I can stand the eyelet dye issue on the tongue, but I don't know about this dimple.

 

[ambivalence]

So guys should i get a 7.5d or 8d for the alden longwings #8?

if im a us 8d for clarks db... us 8 for markmcnairy... us 7.5 for alden indy 405... and uk 7 for trickers malton

 

[Roguls]

^ I would send those back. That would drive me insane. You could build it up with wax, but that is a no-no for cordovan.

 

[mcarthur]



So I just received my #8 Longwings today and they're great but one thing. Would you guys send these back? Check out the right shoe.

I can stand the eyelet dye issue on the tongue, but I don't know about this dimple.

i would send back!

 

[1wb]

^ Looks like a dent from one of the brass ends of the dust bag strings. Unfortunate mark? Definitely. Would I return them? Personally, no. In my experience, there is no such thing as a new pair of Aldens that on close and repeated inspection you will find absolutely NOTHING wrong. A scratch, a ding, a fleck of gold paint from the insole insignia, some edge dressing - almost every pair has some small imperfection.

* Edit: I stand corrected. When it comes to Alden shoes, I think all can agree that Uncle Mac knows best. If Mac says send 'em back, send 'em back.

 

[scb]



Two statements of fact; however, if you are implying the latter because of the former, I think you are mistaken.
Darker dyes make hide coloration less noticeable. A uniform hide is desirable for producing natural and lighter shades of shell.
It's been acknowledged that the lighter shell colours (whiskey, ravello, cigar) from Alden as of late have been shades darker than what they were producing several years ago. Speculation is that they are having difficulty sourcing quality hides to produce the lighter shades and are compensating by using darker dyes.

my new cigar LWs look almost black in lower light. my old PTBs looked much lighter

 

[Mr. Moo]



Anyone have real-world photos of the Unionmade Green Loden Indys?

 

[Burton]



i would send back!

I would not send those back-- that is not a manufacturing defect. Shell is an imperfect material and that is, for most of us, part of the charm. Probably happened while they were taking the hair off the horse's ass--literally. It is part of what makes "shell" a uniqu material.

This video (despite the fact that it shoes AE and not Alden) should be continually reposted in this thread.

If you don't want to watch the whole thing skip to around 4:20 and you can see where this likely happened.

 

[CHRK33]



Has anybody been to Leather Soul today for the trunk show? Wondering what surprises they may have had.

+1. Anyone?