Shoes that look better with age...

[amlai]

No disrespect to you amlai and congratulations on finding one of your grails, but am I the only one underwhelmed by whiskey shell indy boots?

Maybe it's the lighting in that picture but they look rather dull.

I think I prefer indy boots in darker leathers, I remember someone posting (vegeteray?) tan leather ones and they looked funny too.

Or maybe it's because they look too new. let's see some evolution!

No offense taken... when I first got my whiskey shell Norwegian split toes, I thought the color was downright odd and especially weird with denim. The look has grown on me and I think it looks great. Now that I have them on my feet, I like the look even better than I thought I would...

As requested, a quick "fit pic" below:

The color in the previous photos is more accurate... stupid camera phone.

[Happy Hooligan]

What color shoes Don't jeans go with? I think they can go with anything as long as the wearer is comfortable wearing it.

[lowrider]

No offense taken... when I first got my whiskey shell Norwegian split toes, I thought the color was downright odd and especially weird with denim. The look has grown on me and I think it looks great. Now that I have them on my feet, I like the look even better than I thought I would...

As requested, a quick "fit pic" below:

The color in the previous photos is more accurate... stupid camera phone.

Thanks for the pic amlai. Do you have one with your whole outfit? It's give me a better idea of the overall look if you know what I mean.

Thanks!

[batorizer]

Those are really nice amlai. You did good man.

[amlai]

For those of you who don't like whiskey shell... close your eyes right now... more whiskey shell porn coming right up...

This acquisition was completely unplanned, but I happened to be in NYC this past weekend and decided to see what they had at the Alden store on Madison Ave. I walked in and saw that they had a pair of whiskey shell chukkas. It turns out that the pair on display was the last pair. (I think they had just received them last week.) I really think that I'm normally supposed to be in a half size smaller in the Barrie last, but this pair seemed to fit surprisingly well. Given the rarity of finding whiskey shell, I decided that I should just go ahead and get them. OK, enough chit chat... now on with the pictures...

[nattomoto]

Those are fucking sweet! Nice grab.

[jacob_davis]

Does anybody want to trade a 1/2 size up from a ten E to a ten 1/2? Brand new Alden x context tanker boot . A little too big . They have been worn for two days. No wear. Also other trades maybe. Pm me if you want more info.

[amlai]

Since I had all the camera gear out, I thought I should take a quick family photo while I was at it...

Back row: whiskey, #8, and cigar shell

Front row: newer 405, older 405 (used in some polishing experiments)

Honestly, the 405s almost never get any wear... only if the weather is really nasty out. The #8 gets by far the most wear and has already been back to Alden once for refurbishing. I've been working on getting the cigar pair into the rotation more often, but now that I have 2 new whiskey shell boots, I imagine those will be in the rotation for a significant portion of the time...

[tmadd]

Easily my favorite Indy collection on here. Having spent the last 3 years in a pair of 405s, and having a brief tryst with a pair of Cigar 405s, I don't know how you can give your feet to Chukkas for a whole day. I understand the whole "changing things up" thing, but Indys are pretty versatile and you have a lifetime of them just in that picture. Good thing you aren't into suede/the ultimate makeups.

[Christmas In A Submarine.]

I don't know if many will agree with me, but I think that the Cigar shell is one of the most beautiful leathers Alden uses. I've got a pair of 4060s in #8 and it's honestly a bit too purple for me to enjoy for daily use, though I do enjoy them occasionally.

side note: has anyone ordered a pair of the plain toe bluchers (in cigar shell) from theshoemart? what's the wait time like on them? (i am attending a wedding soon and it seems like a good excuse, but only if they'll actually arrive in time.)

[Happy Hooligan]

if you ever need a foster dad for your family let me know... I'll give them a good home...

great set of 405's...!

[amlai]

Whenever I'm aiming for casual, I put on an Indy boot. When I'm needing to look a little bit more professional, I usually put on one of the captoe shoes and boots that I have. (And now, maybe a chukka.)

I've actually strongly considered the tan suede and the ultimate Indy boots. My only hesitation was that I already have so many Indy boots. However, when the cigar and whiskey shell editions came around, I couldn't let the opportunity to go by as I think there's something much more special about them. I think I'm nearing the end of my Alden acquisitions for a while. (whiskey NSTs, Indy, and chukkas all in a few months.)

BTW, Christmas, if you put your #8 out in the sun for a bit, they should loose a bit of that purple vibrancy and slide a little towards a flatter brown. They'll always have a more reddish tone than cigar shell, but it'll definitely get closer. Have a look at some of my old posts:

http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showpost.php?p=1266550&postcount=9005

http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showpost.php?p=1270112&postcount=9047

http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showpost.php?p=1204099&postcount=8473

[fre-co]

I don't know if many will agree with me, but I think that the Cigar shell is one of the most beautiful leathers Alden uses.

I agree with this.

Amlai, I think the Whiskey shell suits the chukkas better, those look superb. Congratulations on your purchases. If you ever feel bad about not wearing the cigar shell indys, I believe we are the same size haha.

[SLAB]

Amlai, amazing collection!

Alden x Beams cigar shells in military last; pretty sweet (except the price tag)

[enlightened.]

Since I had all the camera gear out, I thought I should take a quick family photo while I was at it...

Back row: whiskey, #8, and cigar shell

Front row: newer 405, older 405 (used in some polishing experiments)

Honestly, the 405s almost never get any wear... only if the weather is really nasty out. The #8 gets by far the most wear and has already been back to Alden once for refurbishing. I've been working on getting the cigar pair into the rotation more often, but now that I have 2 new whiskey shell boots, I imagine those will be in the rotation for a significant portion of the time...

Wowee. How do you even get time to wear all of those lol? I'd imagine those will last you till you become grandfather age and beyond

[Becks23]

Tricker's Stow

This isn't a progression pic but how they look under different light (probably more accurate). I don't really like the color as is and would very much welcome a darker color.

[amlai]

Wowee. How do you even get time to wear all of those lol? I'd imagine those will last you till you become grandfather age and beyond

Haha... wait until I do an Alden family shot. In the collection right now is... cigar Plaza last captoe blucher, #8 Plaza last captoe boot, #9 LeatherSoulxSF Plaza last medallion boot, whiskey shell Norwegian split toe, and whiskey shell chukkas. (Plus the 5 Indy boots pictured above.)

Definitely will last me a lifetime... good thing I already sold the 4060s and the AF60s to people here on SuFu or I'd really be in trouble. While I do have some trouble deciding what to wear, the ones I reach for most are the cigar Plaza captoes and the #8 shell Indy boots. To me they're the most comfortable and seem to be by far the most versatile.

I keep saying that I'm going to pick up a White's semi-dress, but I just haven't gotten around to it... and seriously as you can tell I don't really need them.

[LeicaLad]

Tricker's Stow

This isn't a progression pic but how they look under different light (probably more accurate). I don't really like the color as is and would very much welcome a darker color.

The Tricker's Acorn color is initially a bit of a shock to the eyes. I have the Bourton in this color and I find that I like the color more and more. It grows on you, and gives you a distinctly different color in the rotation. People notice 'em, more than if just another "average" color.

Amlai: Gads! What an investment. Trust me on this: put an equal amount you spend on each new pair into a bank account. Thus, your retirement will be secure!

I look forward to seeing the entire family portrait! Double WoW!

[amlai]

Amlai: Gads! What an investment. Trust me on this: put an equal amount you spend on each new pair into a bank account. Thus, your retirement will be secure!

No worries, luckily my savings account is still in good shape. Much easier now that I'm not in NYC! (Since I started buying up shoes, I stopped buying camera equipment, which is not an inexpensive hobby as you are probably quite aware.)

And for those of you with tight budgets, LeicaLad definitely speaks the truth... don't go broke buying boots/shoes. Save some money for a rainy day or (if you're older like a few of us around here), your retirement!

[Guest jbone45]

And for those of you with tight budgets, LeicaLad definitely speaks the truth... don't go broke buying boots/shoes. Save some money for a rainy day or (if you're older like a few of us around here), your retirement!

What's wrong with having one pair that you wear everyday and become a part of you? I wear the same boots around 5 days a week, and I'll wear them until they fall apart. As opposed to having 6 pairs that don't even get worn and they all look brand new? This just completely defeats the point. I guess I'm old fashioned, but having 6 pairs of the same shoes seems a little excessive. Most people on this thread can't even get one pair to "look better with age." This is just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions.

[edmond]

nah thats why there are people whoa re passionate about what theyre doing ( collecting shoes,boots) and there are those who just uses them . dont hate man different folks different strokes

[fre-co]

Haha, any comment Eddie?

Edit: damn you beat me to it.

[edmond]

hahah hey bud.. i said the truth from the gods mouth ha!

[Guest jbone45]

nah thats why there are people whoa re passionate about what theyre doing ( collecting shoes,boots) and there are those who just uses them . dont hate man different folks different strokes

Sorry I'm not the bitch who just puts shoes on to take cute pictures and post on a blog. I bet you have never done real work in your entire life. You could shoe an entire country in Africa with all those boots you greedy fuck. Neg rep me - I don't care, it's the truth.

[fre-co]

haha another of edmonds fans

[Supawiwi]

May I ask you what color is your belt when wearing #8.

I'm trying to make it a casual look but find hard to match them with any of my belts.

[coleslawyum]

Sorry I'm not the bitch who just puts shoes on to take cute pictures and post on a blog. I bet you have never done real work in your entire life. You could shoe an entire country in Africa with all those boots you greedy fuck. Neg rep me - I don't care, it's the truth.

Ain't this a fashion forum? I mean if this was a forum about construction workers around the world, this comment would make sense. Are you expecting something else other than "the bitch(es) who just puts shoes on to take cute pictures and post on a blog." on this thread?

I agree with Eddie. I enjoy looking at all these pictures. it helps me put together my wardrobe as well as finding out about different shoes I normally wouldn't know about. Besides, Fashion + Social Awareness sometimes just doesn't work. Next thing you're going complain about is how all these shoes are made with animal skins.

[kashuken]

Sorry I'm not the bitch who just puts shoes on to take cute pictures and post on a blog. I bet you have never done real work in your entire life. You could shoe an entire country in Africa with all those boots you greedy fuck. Neg rep me - I don't care, it's the truth.

What's with the attitude? I don't think how he spends his money is any of your business.

[mikesduc]

+ 1 on that. I think if you post on this forum -which I do- you probably have a few issues anyway, so Ed is definitely in the bounds of normalcy around here.

[the_ming]

Ain't this a fashion forum? I mean if this was a forum about construction workers around the world, this comment would make sense. Are you expecting something else other than "the bitch(es) who just puts shoes on to take cute pictures and post on a blog." on this thread?

I agree with Eddie. I enjoy looking at all these pictures. it helps me put together my wardrobe as well as finding out about different shoes I normally wouldn't know about. Besides, Fashion + Social Awareness sometimes just doesn't work. Next thing you're going complain about is how all these shoes are made with animal skins.

agreed. if it wasn't for eddie, i wouldn't know that getting my whites boots resoled in japan with dead stock cat's paw soles was an option!

i mean, not only is he a collector, but he documents everything and puts it all online for others to use as a guide. that's more than a lot of collectors would do, and i for one, appreciate the effort on his part.