ALDEN
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Thanks for the comments people.
I think the best way to get a pair of one of the rarer colour cordovans is to just pre-order them, it's what I had to do with the Ravello boots, it took 6 months but was worth the wait.
The advantage of buying C&J shoes in the UK is you can at least try before you buy, Aldens are all but impossible to get in the UK so if you're ordering them from the US just be sure of your size, 'Alden of Carmel' have a good sizing guide for the different lasts, and don't forget to add VAT to the cost, makes them bloody expensive!
Simon -
As promised a piccie of my current Shell Cordovan collection.
Left to Right :-
Alden 44621H Wingtip Boot in Ravello Shell Cordovan from Shoe Mart.
Alden 4020HC NST Tanker Boot in #8 Shell Cordovan from LSH.
Crockett & Jones Harlech Boot in what C&J call Dark Brown Shell Cordovan but it looks pretty close to Cigar to me.
I think I prefer the fit and feel of the Alden boots best although the C&J are superb as well.
Simon
I really like the wingtip Ravello from ShoeMart.
Hope they restock them in the future… -
As promised a piccie of my current Shell Cordovan collection.
Left to Right :-
Alden 44621H Wingtip Boot in Ravello Shell Cordovan from Shoe Mart.I really like the wingtip Ravello from ShoeMart.
Hope they restock them in the future…yes, me too! arrow, those are the boots i wanted to wear with my SUIT!
simon, good stuff!
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I'm looking for some Alden boots, mostly for casual wear (not slacks or suits but mainly jeans/chinos). I'm really in love with wing tip boots but would prefer the commando sole. Just can't get over those Ravellos though. What do you guys think:
http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index.cfm/Shoes-Black_Wing_Tip_Boot_201.htm
http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-mens-44621h-ravello-shell/pvc-ald-mxsbd-44621h_ald_m_44621h.html
http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index.cfm/Shoes-Tan_Wing_Tip_Boot_198.htm
Or the famous Indy Boot in Chromexel.
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yo nixage!
those black wing tips are the bomb. i dont know how many times i would wear them, but when i did… i would rock them hard. man i love those. 634S-B, the 9527, a tight black tshirt and these WANG TIPS. now YMMV but wow....
HOWEVER the great thing about the indy is the everyday aspect and the look with jeans.
i need a second pair of aldens. well, the need is questionable.....
simon
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I know Simon. That's the nice thing about the Indys. I don't want to end up with a dozen pair of Aldens, although there's nothing wrong with it. Just want a few nice pair and wear the crap out of them.
I'm now considering the color 8 Indys from shoemart. I think those are the best compromise since they have the commando sole and also should age perfectly. Plus, they basically go with everything.
Can't believe these:
http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-mens-indy-boot-shell-cordovan-color-8/pvc-ald-mxsbd-40568c_ald_m_indy_boot_shell_cordovan.htmlTurn into these:
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=61011&page=17 -
If SM still has your size in the Ravello wingtip, I'd go for that. After you've worn the sole out, which can take a while, you can send them back to Alden for commando sole replacement. If you can wait, hold on for LSBH opening. I'm guessing they'll have quit a lineup of boots when they open.
Btw, amlai's #8 turned that light because he let them sit in the sun for a while. Just like these from LS: http://www.leathersoulhawaii.com/2009/02/13/alden-shoes-aging-of-color-8-shell-cordovan/
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Thanks Dexter.
Still leaning toward the color8 Indys w/ commando sole. I want to use the boots on a daily basis (almost) and I think they'd be up for the task. I do love those Ravellos though. Decisions, Decisions.
Check out the wingtip boots on this page (used to be color 8, or still are):
http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=112145&page=2 -
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is that the kudu. i've seen it in person and the color just doesn't do it for me. maybe if there was a contrasting leather sole. plus not sure about the aging effect.
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hehe. I guess what I'm looking for right now is a bit different. Something with a leather sole (hopefully commando) and something that will last forever and age nicely. I think the indy color 8 fits that bill, but still looking around. i'd go for the ultimate indy but my size is no longer available.
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Thanks for the pics Nixage. Cordovan ages really well! I think whatever you decide in the end, you will be happy. If you're dead set on a specific pair from the usual stockists, put your name on a pre-order list since they usually re-order on a 4-9 month cycle. You may have to pony up for a deposit but at least its guaranteed you will get one.
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Thanks Dexter. I'm actually considering the shoemart ones since they're in stock.
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