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

[n-domino]

Looks like they have the exact same one Harrisonlimited had. The edging on the sole and heel might be a different color but you can't tell from the pics provided on the pelle website.

Pelle Line's CXL Chukkas are on double leather soles and fully lined. The ones Harrison stocks are unlined in the front and on single leather soles.

 

[Papa Doble]



Just picked my first Aldens with help from this thread, so I thought I'd post for the first time too. I also have a question.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

These are the unlined PTB, flex sole in color 8. The Alden DC salesperson said that the shoes were first released for Leather Soul, but Alden did a special run for this shop afterward. My question is around the crease. I've only worn them in the store and at home on carpet (about 2 hours total), and they developed a crease near the big toe of each foot. There is extra material because this was the best fit I could get. The 8.5D were tight, so I went with 8.5E. The width and length are perfect, but there is quite a bit of space between my toes and the top of the shoe. I believe that's what's causing the creasing. Should I have gone with the 8.5D expecting it to stretch and not have to deal with the extra material? Is this quick creasing abnormal? Thanks for your help and for all the great advice and pics in this thread.

That creasing looks completely normal to me, even for lined shell (unlined shell supposedly creases more than lined shell). If they fit well, and it sounds like they do, then I wouldn't worry this.

 

[Vicious49]



Pelle Line's CXL Chukkas are on double leather soles and fully lined. The ones Harrison stocks are unlined in the front and on single leather soles. 

How do you know that about the Pelle ones? Their site gives minimal info and the color on the bottom of their sole looks more like the flex sole than a double leather sole. I googled the model number but can't find info about it anywhere else.

http://www.pelleline.com/store/product-info.php?alden_chromexel_natural_chukka_boot-pid3816.html

 

[Coldsnap]

What are some of the best tanker makeups available? Looking for a casual tanker boot.

 

[sazon]

CJBianco -

I think many times retailers use the "Aldens are handmade - you should expect and accept these kinds of things" excuse to their benefit. I would return those wings.

When I bought my Cigar Indys from Epaulet I only had 2 other pair of Alden boots at the time. I noticed that the Indys tongue was a good deal shorter than my other boots. The tongue didn't even reach the top of the boot. When I brought this up to Epaulet, they told me this was normal. Not knowing any better, I accepted that explanation. Many pairs of Aldens later, I see that this was clearly a defect.

If I had returned the boots I likely may never have had the chance to have Cigar Indys again, and someone would have bought them anyway....

But still, we surely do pay a lot of dough for these shoes and we should expect 1st quality, at all times.

 

[partyof6]

That creasing looks completely normal to me, even for lined shell (unlined shell supposedly creases more than lined shell). If they fit well, and it sounds like they do, then I wouldn't worry this.

^ Those look fine to me. It is normal for these to "crease" quickly as they are unlined. Sounds like you picked the right size if they fit right in the width and length. If the ball of your foot is where it's supposed to be then you sized correctly. Enjoy!

That creasing looks completely normal to me, even for lined shell (unlined shell supposedly creases more than lined shell). If they fit well, and it sounds like they do, then I wouldn't worry this.

Agreed. If you look back at the picture I posted earlier today of my #8 unlined PTB you'll see that they're creased as all hell (including the tip of the shoe). Just the nature of unlined. They only get more comfortable as you wear them!

Thanks for the reassurance, everyone. First Aldens and first shell, so I'm over-analyzing everything. Sounds like these are keepers though. Appreciate the guidance!

 

[Vicious49]



But still, we surely do pay a lot of dough for these shoes and we should expect 1st quality, at all times.

Agreed. That's why I sent my kudu chukkas back. The tongue on the right shoe was off center. It was skewing towards 1 side while the left shoe was fine. I had included a note that they check the replacement pair before sending it out. To oconnells credit, the guy called me and told me that the other pair was the exact same way but he definitely sees what I mean about the tongue being off. I asked for a refund since the way I figure it, if I'm paying that much for shoes they shouldn't have obvious flaws like that.

 

[Beatlegeuse]



What are some of the best tanker makeups available? Looking for a casual tanker boot.

Color 8 Tankers from Leffot, but you might have to wait until they offer them up for pre-order again.

 

[kwhitelaw]

CJBianco -

I think many times retailers use the "Aldens are handmade - you should expect and accept these kinds of things" excuse to their benefit. I would return those wings.

When I bought my Cigar Indys from Epaulet I only had 2 other pair of Alden boots at the time. I noticed that the Indys tongue was a good deal shorter than my other boots. The tongue didn't even reach the top of the boot. When I brought this up to Epaulet, they told me this was normal. Not knowing any better, I accepted that explanation. Many pairs of Aldens later, I see that this was clearly a defect.

If I had returned the boots I likely may never have had the chance to have Cigar Indys again, and someone would have bought them anyway....

But still, we surely do pay a lot of dough for these shoes and we should expect 1st quality, at all times.

clearly it is

 

[mdubs]



Thanks for the reassurance, everyone. First Aldens and first shell, so I'm over-analyzing everything. Sounds like these are keepers though. Appreciate the guidance!

Congrats and welcome to them forum. I am glad that the thread has helped you so far. Hope you enjoy your new shoes!

-Mike

 

[n-domino]

How do you know that about the Pelle ones? Their site gives minimal info and the color on the bottom of their sole looks more like the flex sole than a double leather sole. I googled the model number but can't find info about it anywhere else.

http://www.pelleline.com/store/product-info.php?alden_chromexel_natural_chukka_boot-pid3816.html

Waterlock soles can be double leather.

Look at the back of both shoes. The chukkas on Harrison's site have a strip of leather on the back - just like their unlined suede versions. Pelle Line's don't. I know they don't provide pics of the back but you can tell by looking.

​

 

[sazon]



clearly it is

My boots tongue is much shorter than this

 

[Vicious49]

So the strip usually means it's unlined? How can you tell if it's a double leather sole or a flex sole from the pics they've provided on the pelle site?

I'm not asking because I doubt anyone but because I want I learn for myself for future reference.

 

[mdubs]



My boots tongue is much shorter than this

Now I am going to check my Plaza Indys when I get home.

-Mike

 

[mdubs]



So the strip usually means it's unlined? How can you tell if it's a double leather sole or a flex sole from the pics they've provided on the pelle site?

I'm not asking because I doubt anyone but because I want I learn for myself for future reference.

The oil infused or water lock sole is a darker color. It's more of a medium-dark brown. The regular oak tanned sole is a more tan color. (looking at the sole from the bottom of course)

Flex vs Waterlock is just a matter of single vs double (respectively) of the oil infused soles.

That what you are looking for?

-Mike