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

[breck81]



I called Alden of DC on a whim yesterday and asked if they had any long wings in cigar size 10 1/2 D. To my surprise they did, and here they are on my feet today. This is a very deep dark version of a cigar shell Cordovan and I am not upset with that in anyway. The color is very rich and even. I also like the way the creases are setting in over each vamp

Alden of DC is the best. Once again timing and a little luck prevail in the Alden rare shell game. Great pick up!

 

[TtownMD]

All right gents your help is greatly appreciated. I bought my first Alden LWB color 8 it came in today. It has few minor things that I noticed. My question is would you guys recommend to return it or keep it. Meaning I don't want it to give me problem in future. You can see it on close up pic. That I have attached. Once again your input is greatly appreciated.

 

[zippyh]

Ravello PTB. Leydon last from LS.

 

[TO Tie Guy]

@zippyh Those chukka's look outstanding on the Leydon!

Not a fan of the Chukka on barrie but boy these are nice!

 

[NAMOR]

^amazing

 

[zippyh]



@zippyh Those chukka's look outstanding on the Leydon!

Not a fan of the Chukka on barrie but boy these are nice!

Thanks man, but they're PTBs, not chukkas.

 

[TO Tie Guy]



Thanks man, but they're PTBs, not chukkas.

Hah, I don't know why I thought that! Either way, gorgeous!

 

[Joenobody0]



All right gents your help is greatly appreciated. I bought my first Alden LWB color 8 it came in today. It has few minor things that I noticed. My question is would you guys recommend to return it or keep it. Meaning I don't want it to give me problem in future. You can see it on close up pic. That I have attached. Once again your input is greatly appreciated.

Deer bone the leather flaw and forget about the sole edge flaw - it will be covered when you use sole dressing for the first time. I'm picky, and I wouldn't return for that those reason. Also, was the right shoe a display model? It's highly creased, which would bother me, assuming you didn't do it.

 

[Shawnc]



When your trip gets extended by 2 days you gotta suck it up, wear your trousers over again and buy new shoes....

In here at TSM and these 986 are just smiling at me.

Nice pic BenLeaman. I've got to get a pair. BTW, nice call on the 4 Roses SB. Was finally able to snag a bottle and enjoying a hit as I make this post. Like a coveted Alden preorder, definitely worth the wait.

 

[TtownMD]



Deer bone the leather flaw and forget about the sole edge flaw - it will be covered when you use sole dressing for the first time. I'm picky, and I wouldn't return for that those reason. Also, was the right shoe a display model? It's highly creased, which would bother me, assuming you didn't do it.

I bought them from jcrew & paid full price with tax of 750$. That is why I asked if i should keep them or return them. They came in today and crease not done by me. I am assuming ppl have tried it on at store.

 

[Joenobody0]



I bought them from jcrew & paid full price with tax of 750$. That is why I asked if i should keep them or return them. They came in today and crease not done by me. I am assuming ppl have tried it on at store.

There's essentially zero chance your replacement shoe won't have some tiny issue (one of your picture is a rough join at the reverse welt - they all look like that), and another was the sole dressing (a non-issue, which occurs frequently). If you return and purchase from a proper seller (J Crew is not really in the business of selling high quality footwear), they shouldn't come creased. They may, or may not, have some leather flaws or minor scratches. If the creases bother you (they'd bother me), send them back. This assumes you're not an oddball size, but it's not as if J Crew stocks odd sizes, so it's a non-issue.

 

[TtownMD]



There's essentially zero chance your replacement shoe won't have some tiny issue (one of your picture is a rough join at the reverse welt - they all look like that), and another was the sole dressing (a non-issue, which occurs frequently). If you return and purchase from a proper seller (J Crew is not really in the business of selling high quality footwear), they shouldn't come creased. They may, or may not, have some leather flaws or minor scratches. If the creases bother you (they'd bother me), send them back. This assumes you're not an oddball size, but it's not as if J Crew stocks odd sizes, so it's a non-issue.

I originally went with size 9.5 too big got 9 fits perfect but then crease and flaw. Only reason I went to jcrew because had 200$ worth of money on gift card & paid 555$ out of pocket. Lesson learned should of gone to normal Alden store. Thank you for your help and input.

 

[Joenobody0]



I originally went with size 9.5 too big got 9 fits perfect but then crease and flaw. Only reason I went to jcrew because had 200$ worth of money on gift card & paid 555$ out of pocket. Lesson learned should of gone to normal Alden store. Thank you for your help and input.

Sorry it didn't work out, it's frustrating.

I wear an oddball size and was forced to choose between probably never getting a particular shoe in my size, or accepting something very far from perfect. I kept them because fit trumps all, but it sucked.

 

[TtownMD]



Sorry it didn't work out, it's frustrating.

I wear an oddball size and was forced to choose between probably never getting a particular shoe in my size, or accepting something very far from perfect. I kept them because fit trumps all, but it sucked.

I feel you on that one this was my first she'll cordoven Alden shoe that why it sucks but I guess it's life. If I decide to keep it I will deer bone it and shoe tree. Just got done also giving them 10 min each brushing.

 

[mdubs]



You have an amazing collection of shoes Mike and these are unquestionably my favorite. The ultimate in cool casual versatility. Nicely done.

Thank you very much Shawn! These are one of the most spectacular Whiskey Shades that I have seen along with the PTBs I sold to Watchman1.

pull straps are an issue for me because i wear tapered trousers. they catch, they bug. they may not be a problem if you wear "regular" pants.
i've cut straps off some boots before.
amazing shell and combo dubs. 

Thanks DV!

Spoiler

When your trip gets extended by 2 days you gotta suck it up, wear your trousers over again and buy new shoes....

In here at TSM and these 986 are just smiling at me.

Did they make it into the bag? TSM is a great place to visit.

Speaking of dark color 8 and eBay transactions, I picked these up in another flawless transaction (as most of mine are).

Spoiler

This is one of the 3 style that Alden of Madison carries that I really like, and surprisingly have never seen posted on SF. They also have an NST/loafer on Aberdeen and a Fullstrap loafer on Grant. I've been thinking about the monk strap for a while but didn't know how I would feel about the brass on shoes after having them for a while. When I saw them on the bay at a great price I almost couldn't believe it. Fortunately they were buy-it-now with an offer option so I didn't have to get in a bidding war. There is virtually no wear on the soles and other than some wrinkling, these shoes are immaculate. Very pleased.

Madison did a good job on those. Only thing I would do is change the buckle to silver myself. But any cobbler can do that.

I called Alden of DC on a whim yesterday and asked if they had any long wings in cigar size 10 1/2 D. To my surprise they did, and here they are on my feet today. This is a very deep dark version of a cigar shell Cordovan and I am not upset with that in anyway. The color is very rich and even. I also like the way the creases are setting in over each vamp

Spoiler

Kathy is awesome and it never hurts to ask. Sometimes you get surprised!

Ravello PTB. Leydon last from LS.

Spoiler

Spectacular PTBs! Those are killer.

Deer bone the leather flaw and forget about the sole edge flaw - it will be covered when you use sole dressing for the first time. I'm picky, and I wouldn't return for that those reason. Also, was the right shoe a display model? It's highly creased, which would bother me, assuming you didn't do it.

I concur 100% with this.

-Mike