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

[smmrfld]

Sorry but I see basically no difference.

Ditto...I would, though, put some brown polish on the white stitching at the top of the left boot so the difference isn't as apparent.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

I just got some Alden irregulars delivered, one of which was the Navy CXL tanker boot. Honestly I can't even see what the defect is.

Anyway, what do you wear with these? I'm not sure I can actually pull these off.

Pretty much any color pants or denim except for blue and black. Blue denim wouldn't be bad, but I prefer some contrast. You can do it...

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Repp, those brown cxl look great. Particularly on that commando. I find brown cxl pair exceptionally well with white pants.

Thanks man.

 

[ylku]

You should get a natty or brown chrmxl LWB!!




Two of my favorites. (Every LWB is a favorite of mine)

Your Natty CXL LWB looks great! I got my Natty CXL LWB yesterday.

 

[coolarrow]

Some calf Aldens today. Rain in the forecast. These are 2nds that I picked up about 2-3 yrs ago from the shoemart. Barrie last and waterlock double sole. Yes, I need to brush them.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Your Natty CXL LWB looks great! I got my Natty CXL LWB yesterday.

Much thanks and congrats, my longwing brotha!

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Nice weather beaters CoolArrow! Take care of them and I bet they last a long time...

 

[SuitedDx]

@MrDV: Yeah, Plaza looks good but the fit just didn't work out. I'm pretty much Barrie for now on and I leave smart shoes (i.e., balmorals) to other brands. @tifosi and @budapest12 can relate!

 

[rosslovethreads]



Ditto...I would, though, put some brown polish on the white stitching at the top of the left boot so the difference isn't as apparent.

I'm cool with the quirkiness of only one boot having accent stitching and would hate to cover it up. These are such a casual shoe that I see it as something interesting to talk about. I saw a user once recieved a pair of Indys with one single raw brass eyelet. I can see why someone would return such a shoe, but I actually think it's pretty cool. I like rare birds, and not just the ones made out of whiskey and Ravello...

 

[Vicious49]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm trying to decide between:
Alden SF Natty CXL chukka on double waterlock soles OR
Leffot unlined Natty CXL chukka on flex soles?

I am a chukkas guy and I say it entirely depends on what you're looking for. The unlined on flex sole will be softer, won't feel as hot/sweaty in the heat, but you will feel more of what you're walking on. The lined on double sole will be heavier, stiffer, and won't cause you to feel small bumps and stones when you step on them.

I personally own the unlined Leffot on flex soles chukkas but I also live in Houston where it gets hot in the summer time. For that reason I prefer the unlined version. I also don't do much walking on anything but carpet and a bit of pavement on most days.

Sorry but I see basically no difference.

Same

I personally prefer the greater support and stability of the double leather or double waterlock soles. The single leather/flex soles are thin (slipper-like) and make my feet and ankles (and knees for that matter) feel terrible at the end of a long day. I try to avoid wearing them when I know I will be on my feet all day.

Good luck!

I avoid both and try to go with a commando or crepe sole if I'm going to be walking a lot or on my feet most of the day.

 

[budapest12]

@MrDV : Yeah, Plaza looks good but the fit just didn't work out. I'm pretty much Barrie for now on and I leave smart shoes (i.e., balmorals) to other brands. @tifosi and @budapest12 can relate!

I can relate.

I avoid both and try to go with a commando or crepe sole if I'm going to be walking a lot or on my feet most of the day.

Got to chime in again on the comfort of crepe. Works on casual makeups only, but it gives terrific support. Commando is very comfortable too and a bit lighter - but if I were going to be walking a lot or on my feet most of the day, I'd give a slight edge to crepe.

 

[bigbadbuff]



Two of my favorites.  (Every LWB is a favorite of mine)

What would be your favorite LWB's? They stand out for me as well, the trouble is Alden makes at least 5 makeups I'd love to own. Feel like could swing 2 at the most.

For versatility I am leaning towards a lighter brown like the JCrew Tobacco and a tan suede...

 

[fal32]



I am a chukkas guy and I say it entirely depends on what you're looking for. The unlined on flex sole will be softer, won't feel as hot/sweaty in the heat, but you will feel more of what you're walking on. The lined on double sole will be heavier, stiffer, and won't cause you to feel small bumps and stones when you step on them.

I personally own the unlined Leffot on flex soles chukkas but I also live in Houston where it gets hot in the summer time. For that reason I prefer the unlined version. I also don't do much walking on anything but carpet and a bit of pavement on most days.

This makes a lot of sense. I live in Miami so it's very humid in the summer. I'll probably go with the unlined. Thanks everyone for the replies.

 

[lifeinabox]

What would be your favorite LWB's? They stand out for me as well, the trouble is Alden makes at least 5 makeups I'd love to own. Feel like could swing 2 at the most.

For versatility I am leaning towards a lighter brown like the JCrew Tobacco and a tan suede...

To piggyback, if you had to chose - tan suede or natty cxl LWB? Already have Epaulet Innsbruck LWB on commando and looking for something for spring/summer.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Quote:
I may be an outlier, but I'd go with double leather soles for comfort all day over the commando and crepe (I don't own crepe but I suspect people find them comfortable for the same reason as commando).

The cushion-like give of the commando ( and I presume the plantation crepe) is similar to a running or cross trainer shoe. That actually creates greater instability and lack of support in my ankles. I've decided that I will no longer buy commando soles on shoes, just boots. For a guy who has had joint problems for a while the commando soled boots are now my favorite followed by double leather soled barrie shoes. I twist my ankles all the time when wearing running shoes. Ugh, getting old stinks!