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

[ErikW]

Okay, last question - whomever was working on the welt was a bit overzealous with the hammer. You can actually see unstained areas and there is a sizable dent on both welts. I compared it to my other boots/shoes and none of them have that particular defect. Is that something to worry about?

 

[cyc wid it]

An igent will be along shortly to inform you that this is "to be expected" for Alden and that such "charming" marks are endearing bonus features to buying from Alden. In good health. /nephew

 

[ErikW]

You are joking, right? Do you really think that is something to have any concern over. First it is hardly noticeable and second, have you seen a boot tongue after being laced a few times. I am very particular and have been accused of being OCD more than once and can appreciate real issues, but some of the recent "is this OK" postings are bordering on the ridiculous.

Hell, I'm spending over $800 on these boots..just want to make sure I'm getting $800 worth of quality.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

after sitting on the fence for almost two years about buying a pair of shell LW, i finally picked up a pair.

My friend, you have an American classic on hand... you will love these shoes for life! Welcome to the 975 club, Alden's quintessential American-made shoe... (imho)

 

[cyc wid it]



Hell, I'm spending over $800 on these boots..just want to make sure I'm getting $800 worth of quality.

If you want your money's worth (holy crap $800 for any Aldens, esp. non exotic), you probably should look elsewhere (like Vass).

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Quote:
If those are the plaza lasted Indies in color 8 and size 10D, yes they are atrocious and need to be pawned off to ME!

If not, I don't think the uneven color on the tongue will ever bother you. Coinop is correct in that your tongue will look somewhat mangled after several wears. Enjoy often and in great health my friend!

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Okay, last question - whomever was working on the welt was a bit overzealous with the hammer. You can actually see unstained areas and there is a sizable dent on both welts. I compared it to my other boots/shoes and none of them have that particular defect. Is that something to worry about?

Get some black edge dressing and clean it up. If the "dent" is that noticeable return them. I can't really tell from the pics.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

If you want your money's worth (holy crap $800 for any Aldens, esp. non exotic), you probably should look elsewhere (like Vass).

First, Color 8 is regal my friend and second, the plaza work boot is a must-have if they are available in your size... This may sound crazy, but a $100 difference at this stage is not that horrible if you know exactly what you want. If you don't really want it, send them back.

 

[Shouldaville]

^ Just dent the other shoes to match.

 

[Bonggoy]

If you want your money's worth (holy crap $800 for any Aldens, esp. non exotic), you probably should look elsewhere (like Vass).

VASS has their own problem. Namely, size inconsistencies.

 

[cyc wid it]

Much like Alden does, regardless of the last. You can't begin to believe that $800 Aldens are worth the money by any objective metric. Of course from an emotional/sentimental aspect, people will pay up front to wait years for a likely "with character" product, so yes - if you must have glazed Alden shell in a chunky last, go right on ahead.

My last remaining pair of Aldens: Aberdeen lasted black shell cap-toe bluchers. They cost me less than half of $800. They are worth what I paid.

 

[ErikW]

First, Color 8 is regal my friend and second, the plaza work boot is a must-have if they are available in your size... This may sound crazy, but a $100 difference at this stage is not that horrible if you know exactly what you want. If you don't really want it, send them back.

I'm in total agreement about the extra $100. For a boot that theoretically should last 30+ years, it's not the end of the world if you're buying a particular style that you really want (and yes, I am infatuated with the plaza indy). The tongue doesn't bother me much, but still not sure about the dents...Percolating on this one a bit more.

 

[anrobit]

Much like Alden does, regardless of the last. You can't begin to believe that $800 Aldens are worth the money by any objective metric. Of course from an emotional/sentimental aspect, people will pay up front to wait years for a likely "with character" product, so yes - if you must have glazed Alden shell in a chunky last, go right on ahead.

My last remaining pair of Aldens: Aberdeen lasted black shell cap-toe bluchers. They cost me less than half of $800. They are worth what I paid.

I think it's tough to have any sort of objective sense of worth. You can try to go by averages, but ultimately, the question of worth is personal.

When you ask someone, "What's this worth?" you are asking the question, "What's this worth to you?" Although I may consider some of Alden's prices outrageous (see anything non-shell), others may not, and there is nothing wrong with that. For certain types of shoes, Alden provides the best American-made product.

Similarly, others may prefer Alden's chunky lasts to something sleeker or European. That is personal preference. Not every shoe has to have a sleek shape.

 

[Alcibiades]



Much like Alden does, regardless of the last. You can't begin to believe that $800 Aldens are worth the money by any objective metric. Of course from an emotional/sentimental aspect, people will pay up front to wait years for a likely "with character" product, so yes - if you must have glazed Alden shell in a chunky last, go right on ahead.

My last remaining pair of Aldens: Aberdeen lasted black shell cap-toe bluchers. They cost me less than half of $800. They are worth what I paid.

If you can show me DCFs or other valuation methodologies that come up with objective values for shoes, please go ahead

I've gotten full value out of my most expensive Alden shoes (probably my two tanker boots) so far this year. My Edward Greens? Not so much, even though they are beautiful...

 

[cyc wid it]

There are some less subjective metrics though: construction / materials / QC / turn around time / CS / etc.

Of course the higher you climb, there are diminishing returns.