A "pair" of unworn 560 tassels purchased secondhand from the original owner, who got them at the Dunham's of Maine closeout sale in ~1987.

When I say "pair," they are technically a "pair" of 560 tassels, but not each others corresponding pair according to their date codes. One of the shoes left the factory about 6 months after the other, from 1980 to 1981.

The finishing on these are superb, and the SPI on the sole also appears slightly denser than modern Alden's.

Interestingly enough, the insole does not have the typical Alden stamp on it. Due to the age it is quite dry, so I will need to condition it.

My Brannock is measured at 10B, but the Aberdeen in 10B was too tight in the forefoot and pinched my toes. 10C is definitely correct, maybe a touch loose in the heel and instep.

I have a couple of brown pairs of boots in rotation from other brands and was looking for a pair of black boots. I have the 986 loafers and have really come to love shell and thought if I was going to save up for a pair of black boots, getting a nice pair of shell boots would be really cool. I looked at a few models that have the commando sole and the black jumpers really stood out to me.

Anyone have these boots (or any similar models on this last) and have thoughts on them?

As the title suggests, I was curious how you guys clean your suede Aldens? I know the general suede erasers and brass/gum brushes one should have, but I was curious if you guys also use stuff like Saphir Invulner, conditioning spray or if that stuff is mostly a gimmick? Love to hear your routine/thoughts as I also think it would be helpful to others!

I've already heard I should size down by 1/2. And in the past, with other brands, I've needed to use tongue pads for the smaller foot. Not sure I ever nailed those sizings though and don't want to use them as a baseline here.

Feeling the pressure to nail this, since it's an investment, and I'm in LA with no Alden store in sight, and since stock goes out so quickly.

Ordering a backordered size from Shoe Mart regardless... anything I should know about that timing? Planning to give them a call tomorrow with my sizing concerns as well, but though I'd get reddit's opinion.

Should I order a 10.5C since my largest foot (Left) is an 11C? and then roll with tongue pads on the right foot?

Including photos with the Brannock. And crew socks on. If I had to guess, I'll be wearing mine 95% of the time without socks on, so wanting to factor that in if it's relevant.

Thank you all in advance!

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for a pair of Alden 990 or 9901, ideally in size 7E or 7.5E.

For reference, I usually wear US 7.5 in Nike sneakers and UK 6.5 in Tod’s shoes. I have wide feet with a high instep, so finding the right fit can be a bit tricky. Even my UK 6.5 Tod’s are a little long, but I wear that size mainly to accommodate the width of my feet.

Since the 990 and 9901 are built on the Barrie last, I’m wondering whether 7E or 7.5E would be a better fit for my foot shape.

I’d really appreciate any sizing advice, especially from anyone with similar feet!

Also, if anyone has a pair in either size they’re looking to sell, please let me know. Thanks!

The other day someone posted their brand new 975s. I was inspired to get mine out of summer storage. First Aldens I ever purchased, sometime around 2014.

Finally giving these some desk time. Modified last comfort + Color 8 shine under office lighting is always a win.

Finally pulled the trigger and got myself this guys

Does anyone know anything about this Alden x United Arrows pair in Alpine Calf Leather? I’ve tried looking them up online but haven’t been able to find much information about them. Would love to hear any insights on this particular model, especially its history. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Size 10D
Brick and Mortar Wanderlust
Tan smooth Chamois Indy

Asking $600 shipped

Alden 971 Straight Tip Blucher

Very lightly worn pair of plain toe boots in a really nicely clicked brown Chromexcel. The trubalance last is quite comfortable, but I just have too many pairs of brown boots so I'm moving these along. Pictures now more accurately reflect the color of the leather, excuse my amateur photography skills. Message me with any questions!

SOLD

I just got these Alden Indy 403s from The Shoe Mart and paid full retail. There are a few things I’m not sure about, and I’d like to get some opinions from people who know Aldens better than I do.

The biggest thing bothering me is the piping/top-line binding, which doesn’t fully cover the material underneath and leaves a light, bare-looking spot along the top of the boot. I’m not sure if this is a flaw in the construction or just how the finish came out.

There’s also some pretty noticeable wrinkling around the ankle, open spots along the welt, and a few other finishing issues. I think the welt is just how they are done, but still?

I know Aldens are handmade and aren’t going to be perfect, but for what these cost, I’m wondering if I’m being too picky or if this is more in line with what you’d expect from factory seconds.

For those of you who own Aldens, would you keep these, or would you ask for an exchange?

Quite surprised with the comfort straight out of the box. Perfect time to arrive too as rainy week where I’m at.

Here are a beautiful pair of Indy Boot Shoes, size 8E, in a stunning Reverse Tobacco Chamois makeup, purchased from Alden Madison as an exclusive.
These feature:
*Trubalance last
*White Mocc Stitch
*Commando Sole
*Natural Welt / Antique Edge
*Prestitch Reverse Welt
*Brass Eyes.

Perfect for the Fall and Winter!
Comes with original box, Alden wrapping paper, and shoe bags.
These were worn only twice. The size simply doesn’t work for me. As disappointing as that is for me, here’s your chance to own these gorgeous shoes, based on the iconic Indy Boot, at a fraction of the cost!
Asking $530 shipped within the USA. PayPal Goods and services, buyer pays fees since I’m covering shipping. Make me an offer!

New Boot Day! Finally got my grail pair 😍

Hey folks. Selling my pair of Alden 403 Indy Boots, size 8E. I picked these up brand new from Alden in DC, and have only worn them twice. Even with some inserts, these just aren’t the right size for me. They have some very light wear and creasing, simply because they’re CXL. Footbeds did not really form to my feet, so they’re ready to form to yours! Beautiful boots, pick them up if they’re your size!

Comes with the original box and dust bags.
I don’t have any vouches through Reddit yet, but I’ve sold a few pairs of shoes through eBay, and you can check out my profile where they are also listed; https://ebay.io/m/twnZTB.

Asking $500 shipped. Will be shipping out of Maryland, and am only willing to ship them within the USA. Payment accepted via PayPal Goods & Services only, buyer covers applicable PP fees (since I’m covering shipping).
Thanks for looking, make me an offer!

Alden 94703 Reverse Chamois Plain Toe Blucher

Size: 10 E

Last: Barrie

Leather sole + sole saver

$300 shipped CONUS

Is this something I should return the boots for or will it not be an issue at all? Heard about QC concerns and I dropped $730 on these from shoe Mart. You can see the heel stack has a tiny gap and the welt looks a little sloppy. I will beat these up but don't want to wear them if any things the heel stack is compromised . thanks.

Alden Indy 403 Brown CXL 12.5 C/E
Worn but in great shape, cleaned and conditioned. Comes with Alden dust bags.
Ships from Rockwall TX
$325 shipped Conus PayPal F&F or Zelle
Add $5 for G&S to cover fees.
Size 12.5 is hard to find on the secondary market. The length fits me but it’s the E width that’s too big for me.

My first pair, cap-toe derby in Color #8 Horween Shell cordovan in the Barrie last.

I’ve worn them for a total of around 12 hours and I have to say the break-in period has been rough haha.

Forgot to brush them but loved the way they looked in the elevator color 8 is really something.