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

[mdubs]

Those boots are absolutely beautiful.

-Mike

 

[dddrees]

Great looking boots Uncle Mac.

I want to get into boots, but the last time I tried some the shaft was really constricting on my ankles. Yours look pretty tight kinda like the way I wore mine. Maybe I'm just not a boot guy? Is there some kinda secret to them not being so tight on the ankles?

Not sure which boots exactly you've had bad experiences with, however some boots can be better than others. Really hard to tell exactly what your problem maybe. I can't personally imagine it myself, but some people may just not prefer to wear boots. Besides how you lace them and how tightly you are accustom to lacing your boots the way they've cut the tongue can also have an impact in regards to how comfortable a boot may or may not wear as well. Are there any particular styles of boots you don't mind wearing?

 

[mdubs]

Got my ShoeMart seconds tonight. Color 8 Fullstraps. Looked to be in excellent shape to me. Will have to look at them in the morning with natural light.

-Mike

 

[sinnedk]



Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

black medallion tip cap toe boot
cashmere otc

what the last? and are those shell?

 

[einstine]

Can someone give me some info on these Aldens I just bought? Never seen Alden produce anything close to these.

 

[patcentjin]

You don't have to treat shell with anything. It's water resistant though fyi, not waterproof. Should be fine down in your area though.

 

[larryr]

Was looking for the "ALDEN X LEFFOT GREENWICH BOOT", unfortunately I didn't get in on the pre-order. If someone bought a 10E that would be willing to sell them please let me know.

Regards.

http://leffot.com/shop/index.php/shoes/alden/44687h-greenwich-boot-pre-order.html

 

[bl@ster]

In case anyone is interested... some shell J. Crew captoes next to these WWII Impressions US Marine Service Shoes (paid $220 for these and they're reasonably well made):

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/newusmccordovan.html

 

[Beatlegeuse]

...

Can someone give me some info on these Aldens I just bought? Never seen Alden produce anything close to these.

Spoiler

Pretty sure those are not Aldens...

 

[bkotsko]

In case anyone is interested... some shell J. Crew captoes next to these WWII Impressions US Marine Service Shoes (paid $220 for these and they're reasonably well made):

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/newusmccordovan.html

Interesting.
They appear to be cxl.
I am not keen on the edging.

 

[Mr Sola]

So, I'm getting ready to start my Alden shell family. I have black oxford cap toes and cigar LWB on order.

Here's my question:
If I'm looking for a more faded or aged patina on the LWB's, should I use a lighter polish?

 

[BeSpiffington]



Spoiler

black medallion tip cap toe boot
cashmere otc

Great looking boots Uncle.

 

[budapest12]



So, I'm getting ready to start my Alden shell family. I have black oxford cap toes and cigar LWB on order.

Here's my question:
If I'm looking for a more faded or aged patina on the LWB's, should I use a lighter polish?

I kindly suggest spending some time searching the thread and googling the care of shell cordovan. You will see that you should really not polish at all. The patina comes with time. Polish is not good for cordovan.

 

[Alcibiades]

Polish, used a few times a year, helps cordovan shoes keep their color and is good for the shoes. However, if you don't want to preserve color (and want accelerated aging), just use Saphir reno a few times a year with no polish.

 

[Mr Sola]



I kindly suggest spending some time searching the thread and googling the care of shell cordovan. You will see that you should really not polish at all. The patina comes with time. Polish is not good for cordovan.

I've read quite a bit, especially concerning the Mac method. IIFC, he recommends polishing every 15 or so wears. I have also seen him recommend "Brown" Alden polish, which I am assuming is because it matches the original color of the shoe.

My questions is: If I want the shoe to develop a lighter patina should I choose a a lighter polish?