HGS

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.

Allen Edmonds Neumok 2.0. Picked these up in 2017 and still going strong, resoled via AE recrafting service after a year with Dainite sole which still looks almost new after many, many miles.  These are probably the most perfect business casual shoe for my purposes.    I believe this is their kudu leather which I like a lot for this shoe, but it does not hide scratches or tears well (see toe of left shoe).

@AlientoyWorkmachine I missed the last tour and am beyond excited.  An all-time favorite and I loved the reunion album.

Any slowdive fans? I randomly learned they were playing Boston in September and managed to score some tickets, and then realized they have a new album coming with a single out now.  Just incredible

Quick snap of this pair I’ve had in rotation for the last 4.5 years, been my primary pair this past year or two

@chicote chromexcel (like shell) is a pretty low maintenance leather.  also like shell even just a vigorous brushing can do a lot to restore it.  I would put cream on my chromexcel boots just a few times a year.

1 hour ago, Ciabatta said:

I’ve never own Aldens before, do they tend to run big? I’m a true 10.5 in most shoes. I’ve got my eyes on a pair on eBay rn but have been burned by purchasing shoes online a lot recently. Can’t get the sizing right.

Depends on the last.  People typically size down a half size for the Trubalance and Barrie, but it will vary person to person -- Trubalance is true to size for me, while Barrie I went down a half.  I would read about the different lasts and see which makes the most sense for your foot.   The Shoe Mart has helpful videos on youtube that describe the lasts.  What shoes are you looking at?

When buying online without being able to try on, and I am town between two sizes, I always will go with the bigger one.  Much easier to work with a shoe that's slightly too big than too small.

Color 8 coming alive as we near the two year mark 

@crownzip very nice, I have a pair of those that are still going strong.   I see you resoled with the cork -- good choice, god damn are those hard wearing and honestly I never really noticed them to be that bad in wet conditions, as some have said.  My pair from 2015 have a lot of miles left.

@Newmanlooking great. That crinkling/marbling is part of what makes the TCB denim so awesome 

8 years with the Tanner Goods utility bifold (natural) 

6 hours ago, Maynard Friedman said:

 

I love this song.  Great lyrics, this whole record is just incredible from beginning to end. 

@bartlebyyphonics I love Negativland.  My brother in law gave me Dispepsi years ago and it is so brilliant

I think that Wham song has one of the greatest videos ever, I cannot get enough 

1 hour ago, Double 0 Soul said:

26°C in our garden today

 

 

13 hours ago, julian-wolf said:

Also just gave the MOTOs their first conditioning—they recommend every ten wears, which seems like quite a bit, but I think I’m going to try sticking to it for at least the first few months…& boy do they look good for it

That does seem like a lot especially for shell, but they do look good!  I'm curious what specifically do they recommend for conditioning? 

On 4/12/2021 at 9:10 AM, ColonelAngus said:

Didn't think N&F could top themselves in the fugly department but these take the cake. Raver Guy lol

 

Now we just need some raw JNCOs

5 hours ago, rockon99 said:

I apologize if this has been covered, or may be more suited to the small questions thread...

I'm fairly new to the nicer realm of shoes/boots, but have recently started wearing Alden Indys (Chromexcel). 

How resilient are they in wet weather? I'm not planning to tromp around in puddles of mud, but I'd like not to unduly stain them or dry them out. I realize there is a camp, as with jeans, that would say, "They're boots; just wear them," but I'd surely like not to mar them prematurely, as I'm still reveling in this new-boots good feeling. 

There comes a time when white sneakers get their first wine stain, and I suppose it's to be accepted, but I'd appreciate your input.  

Edit: Looking at theshoemart's guide for caring for chromexcel, I'm a little apprehensive about spraying a protectant on leather, but if that's what folks do, then so be it.

Edit 2: also i should note that i'm a little embarrassed to be asking; i kind of thrashed my Red Wings, but they look the part as well.

Congrats on the new boots.  I haven't used any protectant on my chromexcel boots, I find the nature of chromexcel makes it pretty resilient to the elements including very wet weather (and of course very forgiving of any nicks and scuffs you get along the way). I wouldn't worry about it.  If they start to feel dry after a while, just brush them and add a little shoe scream. 

I think those pockets are awesome.  Very cool detail, something tging a little different