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

[Joenobody0]



Thanks! So, how do I take care of these? Robert from Alden SF suggested clear polish, but I want to consult with the connoisseur's first.
Outside pic.

Robert knows what he's talking about. He's not a regular shoe salesman - he was a cobler for many years before he started working at Alden SF. With that said, Reno or Venetian followed by a high quality cream is what I'd suggest.

 

[smmrfld]



Robert knows what he's talking about. He's not a regular shoe salesman - he was a cobler for many years before he started working at Alden SF. With that said, Reno or Venetian followed by a high quality cream is what I'd suggest.

+1 on Robert. He's a terrific resource.

 

[Brigzy]



There's a reason why shoes which are fit with lasted trees don't look like that after six months. Those Alden branded split toe trees don't provide any support in the vamp area on the high volume Barrie last, and you can clearly see it in these pictures. Someone may like that look, but you can't really argue that those shoes aren't atypically creased for such a small amount of time. I have 10 year old shells that don't look like that, and grained calf is generally very resistant to heavy creasing.

What trees would you suggest for barrie last?

 

[BootSpell]

What trees would you suggest for barrie last?

Woodlore twin-tube Epic is one option.

 

[Brigzy]



+1 on Robert. He's a terrific resource.

Agree with you guys...Robert is awesome...he told me what to do 6 mos ago, but don't remember all the details. He knew that the 10 1/2 b/d was a bit big, but he also knew he couldn't talk me out of them. I was this close to grabbing a pair of cordovan chukka's fit perfect at 10EE, but the 2 eyelets and the look I couldn't get over it. When I think chukka, I think suede, but that's me.

 

[Joenobody0]



What trees would you suggest for barrie last?

Anything with a raised vamp area. The "epic" trees seem fairly good for a generic tree.

 

[Joenobody0]



Agree with you guys...Robert is awesome...he told me what to do 6 mos ago, but don't remember all the details. He knew that the 10 1/2 b/d was a bit big, but he also knew he couldn't talk me out of them. I was this close to grabbing a pair of cordovan chukka's fit perfect at 10EE, but the 2 eyelets and the look I couldn't get over it. When I think chukka, I think suede, but that's me.

All the SF guys suggest, but don't push sizing. Robert is my favorite because he's the most straightforward about what fits and doesn't - he's perfect for someone just getting into dress shoes.

 

[chrisefi]



#4 x tsm

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Looking good DV! You're killing it this week. For some reason every boot you post looks like a sleek plaza last. You've mastered the Alden selfie.

Seemed liked a good day for Cigar.

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Such a great boot! I love my Cigar Indy's. Enjoy them, they're one of the nicest shell offerings in my opinion.

Yeah, makes the decision to sell my natty Indys a little harder. Love these:

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My 4-6 months wait is going to be killer because of pics like this. I can't wait! Nice boots!

finally had a decent (sunny) day out.. decided to keep these, even though some finish work on both front ends leaves a little to be desired

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Add me to the "kicking myself" group. These are so sick! Congrats and enjoy them!

Wearing some green and cigar for St Patty day Quickly becoming one of my favorite shoes to wear. These are my first Commando soled shoes/boots. Very comfortable..really enjoying them!

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I hope I get lucky on the next run of these! They're really nice and a perfect shade of Cigar from your photo. Enjoy!

whiskey x aom

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Ugh. So nice again DV! You're having a great boot week!

 

[Brigzy]



Anything with a raised vamp area. The "epic" trees seem fairly good for a generic tree.

Are the creases a lost cause? the leather is stretched causing the creases? but doesn't this just come from walking in them?

 

[Joenobody0]



Are the creases a lost cause? the leather is stretched causing the creases? but doesn't this just come from walking in them?

I'd say it's a combination of a bad fit and not so great trees. Conditioning the uppers and using a better fitting tree should clean them up. They're definitely not ruined - they can always be relasted when the soles wear down. I can't really wear the Barrie last - not all lasts were made for all feet. Also, if you have a "low volume", ie boney, foot consider using a thin insole. Excess volume leads to more creases.

 

[chrisefi]

Not their maiden voyage but 2nd outing for Whiskey Wednesday! And yes the socks are a day late. I completely forgot to wear green yesterday and told everyone at the office I'd make up for it today!

 

[ClassyCanuck]



Hey guys, does anyone know where i can get my hands on some alden lwb in canada (toronto) in shell cordovan? i recently bought a pair of allen edmond McNeils and they weren't all that good, the shell had a lot of black stuff and the broguing had defects. Would love some help. I know lost&found is one place but they're sold out!

If you know your size just ask Lost and Found to order them for you.
They did for me in the summer when I asked them to. You never know, they might oblige you.
Can't hurt to ask.
Good luck.

 

[clarkyin]

If you know your size just ask Lost and Found to order them for you.
They did for me in the summer when I asked them to. You never know, they might oblige you.
Can't hurt to ask.
Good luck.

Yeah they said they;d help me out and order for me, i'm definitely considering them now.

 

[mrfixit]

Creases are part of worn leather. I don't get the panic about them. Those grain lwbs look great. Some shoes on some feet will crease more than others. There is nothing to be alarmed about. If they feel good, wear in good health.

 

[emidyl]

Yeah they said they;d help me out and order for me, i'm definitely considering them now.

def speak with Jonathan, he's looking after some boots for me but I would be up for some LW's