ALDEN
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I am suprised that someone with the reputation of Alden refuse to replace them, pretty shitty.
I have 2 pairs of Alden boots and have had no problems with them, at the moment.
I also have a pair of Crockett & Jones boots which are of superior quality and the same price, for the Cordovan anyway.
I really like the C&J Skye model in calf and they are on my ever expanding list.[Image Missing]
TT
Those are beautiful!. I have a pair of snowdon coming, but may have to get these as well.
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But what defines a company is not how they handle things when things are going well, it is how they handle things when things go wrong.
I couldn't have said it better. I always preach this though. I think good customer service is what keeps companies in business. I mentioned months ago that if Alden doesn't fix their problems then this may be the end of their 100+ years as a quality shoe maker.
Although Red Wings fall into a separate category, here's my 2 cents. Last year I bought a pair of Black GT from a Red Wing store. I didn't notice that the leather covering the seam on the heal was way off on both boots. Quality was there but attention to detail was missing a bit. I was working overseas now so couldn't just go back to the store. I emailed Red Wing and they asked me to send them back for an exchange. The replacement pair had the same issue, although only on one of the boots. The leather seam (patch) was off center on the heal again. I emailed Red Wing again and they were so apologetic that they let me keep this pair (FREE) and offered to send me another pair. Since I would now have two of the same pair, I asked if I could get the Iron Ranger in brown instead (I know..I know). Well, they obliged. So basically, I could a pair of Iron Rangers (or GT) free. That's service!!!!
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Tripleterror: Where can I see more of that C&J Skye Boot? Can't find it on their website.
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I got that picture from another forum about 18 months ago, it was the only image I could find.
When I spoke to C&J they said that they are not a regular production boot and are only available from one of their shops.
I have found the staff at the Burlington Arcade address very helpful along with the Colmore Row address in Birmingham. Last time I was in the Birmingham shop they had some pairs in stock.
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Ahh man. I'm in the States, so this will be even more difficult for me. Thanks for the info though.
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Ask in one of the US stores, they should be able to get you some.
Do you know you're C&J size?
TT -
I don't know my C&J size (yet). I just ordered a pair of Snowdon, so when they get here will have a better idea. Then I'll start hunting this boot down. It's exactly what I'm looking for and C&J should work well with my narrow feet.
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If you knew your size a fellow member form the UK could order them for you…
We can do anything
http://bybeatle.com -
I don't know my C&J size (yet). I just ordered a pair of Snowdon, so when they get here will have a better idea. Then I'll start hunting this boot down. It's exactly what I'm looking for and C&J should work well with my narrow feet.
Yeah, I know what you mean. UK sizing typically runs a half size large than their US counterparts. It also depends on the last. Not too familiar on which last these boots are made on, but my regular C&J dress shoes are made on the 337 and 348 lasts and they are generally half size larger than my US ones. C&J also has two lines. The benchgrade and handgrade. The benchgrade apparantly uses a slightly "inferior" leather (I can't tell the difference anyway) and priced accordingly. Mind you, both the 337 and 348 are "chiselled" last and they may be considered as too pointy for wearing with jeans to some people.
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You all need to get to the C&J factory in Northampton. I have about 5 pairs of C&J boots I picked up from there for low low dollars…G
I would if I could. I'm actually in touch with Richard from The Shoe Healer in Northampton. Great guy to deal with. Hopefully he should be able to get me a pair of those C&J boots.
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I'm sure US sizes are 1/2 smaller than UK.
I wear a Alden 9D in the Barrie last and a 9E in C&J last 341, C&J say all their last shapes fit similarly.
I think that people say the Barrie is 1/2 large so that is why I have that size in Barrie.
I do wear an insole in the C&J to remove some of the volume.
If you struggle to get the Skye boots I will source them for you and get my friend to ship them to you USPS, he is US Military and will send them fron the PX at his US Air Force base in the UK.
You can Paypal me the money.
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Meant to say, C&J Skye is on last 325.
TT -
Dude that's so cool you would do that. Thanks man!
I used to be in the USAF myself and stationed in the UK.
small world.I'll let you know what happens with the Snowdon (fit, etc.) and if the shoe healer can get the Skye for me.
cheers!
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No problem, just let me know !
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Anyone who has the chance to tour the Nottingham shoe factories really should, its an education + most have a factory outlet.
Some useful info on all bench made shoes here + subjective ranking http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Tutorials/JCuseyOnShoes.htm
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Sorry to hear the problems G. I only own one pair now and am going to keep it that way. Here are some interesting Alden's at cheap prices. Plus they do free shipping and there are always promotional codes for online stores…
From the SF Alden Thread...
@sockpuppets:shoe mart just rolled out thier alden irregulars sale- they have a ton of them. $389 for these is a crazy good deal.
$289 on these bad boys in 11.
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Giles,
That's a real bitch. The Alden horror stories I've heard make me cringe, although I did recently purchase a pair through Leather Soul; having a reputable seller like Tom who backs up his products is reassuring, and I'd bet that Alden maintains a higher standard on products produced for him.
That being said, I can relate to your situation because I had a similar experience with Wings + Horns. Long story short, they shit on me as a customer. I swore off ever buying anything from them again. However, the retailer and bootmaker involved in the fiasco provided top notch service and I would give them my business again without question. In fact, I bought another pair of boots direct from the bootmaker and couldn't be happier with them.
After reading your posts I'm getting all riled up about those boots again. I can't believe I was merciful enough to not tee off on Wings + Horns on a public forum like you have with Alden. No mercy, I like your style
As I customer, I appreciate your sentiment that the customer comes first. I would not hesitate to give you my business.
Good luck with your next boot purchase!
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Sorry to hear your problems, Giles. What happened with your boots is unquestionably a manufacturing failure. The welt should never, ever separate from the upper like that. That's poor build quality. Period. However, as you said, that's not the primary issue. The real problem is that Alden essentially sold you not just one, but two pairs of boots with issues, and then when you rightfully asked for the company to stand behind its product, Alden told you to screw off. That's no way to run a company. Well, it's a way to run a company into the ground…
Oh, and I've read about how there are two levels of quality- Alden and Alden of New England, as Omega mentioned, and frankly, I have to say that if it's true, that's complete crap. Aldens are expensive and their quality, regardless of whether they're "of New England" or not should be better than this. I've never had a pair of shoes blow out like that and if I spent $400+ on a pair that did that, I'd be looking to shove them down someone's throat.
Again, sorry things went so badly for you.
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I do have to say that I have 5 or 6 other pairs of Aldens that I have had no problems with but Aldens attitude to an obvious quality issue was IMO appalling.
I dunno what to buy next.
G
Hey G, how about Dayton Boots? A Canadian Boot maker ;)!
http://www.daytonboots.com/history
