Recent Purchases

[Vicious49]

The other pair are an unlined natural CXL chukka. They should work great when it gets warmer here in Texas. If you have been on the fence about natural CXL or haven't really considered it before, I can't recommend it enough. In pics it looked ok to me but in person it has a great patina'd look and supposedly it only gets better over time.

[roughout]

Men's Greeley Chukka boot by Sorel. Toss the stock laces for rawhide. Works with chinos and denim. True size for heavy socks, go 1/2 size smaller for thin socks. Rubber sole. Slightly distressed on toe. Water resistant. Warm. http://www.sorel.com/mens-greely-chu...8#pg=2&start=0

[mcadamsandwich]

Received 2 pairs of Aldens this week that I had ordered last month. I realized I don't really dress up much since I don't work in that type of environment so I sold off a few of my dressier shoes (I kept a few pairs for suits but that's it). I wanted to pick up something more casual and versatile.

First up are these Kudu 6 eyelet chukkas on the TruBalance last. The kudu is much different than what I've seen previously on Alden models. It feels almost like calf but has darker and lighter patches depending on how much oil is in that area. I like it because it gives it more of a rugged look.

Those are gorgeous! Do they fit TTS?

I'll be investing in my first Aldens this year after this post-holiday spending freeze is over. Two pairs of shell #8s coming this fall (boots + oxfords).

[Creature]

Now a fan of bean's boots

Those the chippewa engineer boots? I've got the same (chippewa service boots) in a tan color, love them as well. Might try the llbeans since they come in wide to see how they fit, also want some cardovan colored boots too. Looks good!

[Creature]

The other pair are an unlined natural CXL chukka. They should work great when it gets warmer here in Texas. If you have been on the fence about natural CXL or haven't really considered it before, I can't recommend it enough. In pics it looked ok to me but in person it has a great patina'd look and supposedly it only gets better over time.

Awesome! I've been looking for a nicer chukka. Right now I just have CDB's, which are great, but don't dress up too well. I don't like most of the 'dress' boots that get posed (maybe because I just haven't tried them in person). These look like they are what I am wanting. Nice pickup.

[Vicious49]

Those are gorgeous! Do they fit TTS?

I'll be investing in my first Aldens this year after this post-holiday spending freeze is over. Two pairs of shell #8s coming this fall (boots + oxfords).

The Trubalance and Barrie lasts fit .5 size large for most people. I have to get an 8.5 in them instead of my standard 9. Alden does price increases every year. Shell boots are going to be in the $775-$800 range by then.

Awesome! I've been looking for a nicer chukka. Right now I just have CDB's, which are great, but don't dress up too well. I don't like most of the 'dress' boots that get posed (maybe because I just haven't tried them in person). These look like they are what I am wanting. Nice pickup.

These are much nicer than CDB's but I still wouldn't call them dressy. If you got them in brown calf or shell you could try to dress them up but the natty CXL definitely leans casual. These don't have the crepe sole like the CDBs, although Alden does make a crepe sole (just have to keep a lookout for a make you like). I figure once the waterlock soles on these wear down I'll send them to BNelson to have a dainite sole put on them.

[LosRockets]

[MENTION=3421]Vicious49[/MENTION] that kudu looks really different from what I've previously seen but it's not bad.
@people buying shell for the first time in 2015: Unless you're going for a rare makeup (a plaza NST boot for example) you should be able to find #8 boots for a bit less than retail - especially allen edmonds' models. The AE Strands in brown shell are gorgeous. And if you're going to go full retail on a pair of shell, I recommend the C&J Marlow for RL, the C&J Lindrick for RL, or one of Alden's rare shell makeups, Cigar or Ravello would be excellent. You're going ot have to wait 6mo-2yrs to get one of those though.

[chetsteadsman]

[MENTION=3421]Vicious49[/MENTION] that kudu looks really different from what I've previously seen but it's not bad.
@people buying shell for the first time in 2015: Unless you're going for a rare makeup (a plaza NST boot for example) you should be able to find #8 boots for a bit less than retail - especially allen edmonds' models. The AE Strands in brown shell are gorgeous. And if you're going to go full retail on a pair of shell, I recommend the C&J Marlow for RL, the C&J Lindrick for RL, or one of Alden's rare shell makeups, Cigar or Ravello would be excellent. You're going ot have to wait 6mo-2yrs to get one of those though.

What's the best way to get a non-black/# 8 shell shoe or boot? Say I'm looking for an Alden cigar PTB...should I try and put an order in with Shoemart or someone? There's probably an Alden retailer here in Charlotte, but I'm not familiar with them, if so.

I can wait, but would like to limit the wait as much as possible.

[Brent k]

The Trubalance and Barrie lasts fit .5 size large for most people. I have to get an 8.5 in them instead of my standard 9. Alden does price increases every year. Shell boots are going to be in the $775-$800 range by then.

These are much nicer than CDB's but I still wouldn't call them dressy. If you got them in brown calf or shell you could try to dress them up but the natty CXL definitely leans casual. These don't have the crepe sole like the CDBs, although Alden does make a crepe sole (just have to keep a lookout for a make you like). I figure once the waterlock soles on these wear down I'll send them to BNelson to have a dainite sole put on them.

What point in the year do they raise prices?

[Vicious49]

What point in the year do they raise prices?

February usually.

[jackbauer24]

[MENTION=3421]Vicious49[/MENTION] that kudu looks really different from what I've previously seen but it's not bad.
@people buying shell for the first time in 2015: Unless you're going for a rare makeup (a plaza NST boot for example) you should be able to find #8 boots for a bit less than retail - especially allen edmonds' models. The AE Strands in brown shell are gorgeous. And if you're going to go full retail on a pair of shell, I recommend the C&J Marlow for RL, the C&J Lindrick for RL, or one of Alden's rare shell makeups, Cigar or Ravello would be excellent. You're going ot have to wait 6mo-2yrs to get one of those though.

do you mean this Alden cigar markup?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BNIB-ALDEN-x...item1e97d58467

[Vicious49]

do you mean this Alden cigar markup?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BNIB-ALDEN-x...item1e97d58467

That's Ravello but those were released recently. That guy is an idiot if he thinks anyone is going to pay over $2500 above retail for them. You just have to get to know the retailers and get on their waitlists.

[jackbauer24]

That's Ravello but those were released recently. That guy is an idiot if he thinks anyone is going to pay over $2500 above retail for them. You just have to get to know the retailers and get on their waitlists.

What was the msrp on those boots? Thanks

[fey]

in the 750 range.

[Vanquish]

Wow that's a HUGE mark up. Unbelievable.