HGS

Pulling out the 50s on a cooler day. Color most accurate in the closeups. Love the crinkling and marbling of this denim even with countless washes

I wouldn't say the handsewn is inherently higher quality. The resulting look is slightly different. I have a pair of Alden shell tassel loafers (from shoe mart factory seconds, with possibly fewer imperfections than my first quality models -- that's a tale for another time), and I like the machine stitch on the apron. It's a bit "neater" and that makes it a bit dressier than the handsewn, which works for what I wear them for. Of course, if you are going for something more casual, then that won't be an issue. I think there is a place for both.

Alden 44508C, quick brush and polish between meetings today, featuring my foot, plus an outdoor pic from a few days ago

Pulled these 50s out of the closet for the first time in a while.

I love Alden and my Alden shoes, but with the latest price increase (approaching $700 for non-shell and over $900 for most shell models), the value question gets trickier. All of my first-quality Aldens purchased over the past few years have had issues -- some minor/cosmetic, but others more serious (vamp stitching coming undone requiring factory repair, serious puckering on another that boggles the mind how it made it through QC). In fact, I purchased a pair of shell tassel loafers seconds with fewer serious issues than pairs I paid full price for, so that might be the way to go unless you can purchase a pair in person and really look them over. That said, the lasts, designs, and overall elegance of Alden shoes are all still incredible and unique and they're still my go-to when I have the shoe itch.