[jon44]

I like Aldens and the beefier the better (double oak sole, steel shank) for joint issues. (As a reference point, it's like wearing a motion-control running shoe.) Unfortunately, trying to buy a boot from them has been a disaster and I've run across Allen-Edmond's Higgins boot, which is nearly a copy of Alden's version at about 1/3 the price (on sale). And it comes in a narrow width.
The stability issue with shoes is really something that becomes apparent after a day of wearing, so obviously can't do this during the try-on process. Would appreciate any feedback on anyone else with gimpy bodies and how they might have fared with AE shoes (or, ideally, this particular boot).
Thx, J

 

[StephenRG]

I like Aldens and the beefier the better (double oak sole, steel shank) for joint issues. (As a reference point, it's like wearing a motion-control running shoe.) Unfortunately, trying to buy a boot from them has been a disaster and I've run across Allen-Edmond's Higgins boot, which is nearly a copy of Alden's version at about 1/3 the price (on sale). And it comes in a narrow width.
The stability issue with shoes is really something that becomes apparent after a day of wearing, so obviously can't do this during the try-on process. Would appreciate any feedback on anyone else with gimpy bodies and how they might have fared with AE shoes (or, ideally, this particular boot).
Thx, J

A side point - an athlete writes: (assuming you don't have a medical condition) now that summer is coming up, if you can, spend 15 mins to 30 mins a few days a week walking on dry sand on the beach, preferably barefoot. If you're not near a beach, see if a local running track has an open long jump pit. It's a low impact way to strengthen your ankles and feet. The problem with buying footwear that overly supports you is that your own limbs don't get the strengthening exercise that you need not to need such footwear.

 

[DG123]

I like Aldens and the beefier the better (double oak sole, steel shank) for joint issues. (As a reference point, it's like wearing a motion-control running shoe.) Unfortunately, trying to buy a boot from them has been a disaster and I've run across Allen-Edmond's Higgins boot, which is nearly a copy of Alden's version at about 1/3 the price (on sale). And it comes in a narrow width.
The stability issue with shoes is really something that becomes apparent after a day of wearing, so obviously can't do this during the try-on process. Would appreciate any feedback on anyone else with gimpy bodies and how they might have fared with AE shoes (or, ideally, this particular boot).
Thx, J

Shoes constructed with a steel shank will be more supportive and hold their shape longer than a shoe constructed without a shank. Allen Edmonds shoes and boots are not constructed with a shank.
Why not buy an Alden brand boot ?

 

[eagle2250]

I have five pair of Alden Boots and three pair of AE Boots in my collection. The Alden's are sold at a higher price point, but they do have the edge in terms of construction quality and biomechanical support afforded ones feet. The Aldens come to you with a better quality of finish and they just never seem to wear out (beyond needing reheeling and resoling). The Aldens do cost more, but in this instance, you get what you pay for. Alden's can be purchased at a more reasonable price from The Shoemart of their list of Alden's Seconds. You can save $300+ if they have what you are looking for. Good luck in your hunt.

 

[Guest]

I have had Alden footwear, but not boots. Used to wear AE 40 - 50 years ago, and had a zip boot, somewhat similar to a Chelsea , but lacking the elastic gore. I found it a general characteristic of AE that they didn't seem to hold their shape as well, perhaps as much a result of their 360 welt as the shank.

If it otherwise suits, you might wish to cross shop the AE with a UK made boot, as English footwear is typically well built and firmly structured, such as those Herrings sells among their non-UK offerings.

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/

 

[jon44]

The Alden's are sold at a higher price point, but they do have the edge in terms of construction quality and biomechanical support afforded ones feet.

Thanks very much for the feedback. JFYI, the AE Higgins is built with a wood shank. Just tried them on and they also happen to fit my foot well. Doing the test of trying to twist the shoe to gauge torsional stability, the AE boot is actually a little better than the Alden boot with commando sole. And they feel fairly supportive walking up and down my living room. (Though neither AE nor Alden boot comes close to the torsional stability offered by my Alden, double oak sole cap-toes, which rival my ice-climbing boots... )

The issue also with Alden is I'd have to wait a long time for a special order of a B width in one of their boots (likely a year) and if I got their stock dress boot on a Plaza last, I have no way of trying a B-width Plaza shoe (not a stock width for any of them) and wouldn't have return privileges.

I have to say, it was nice to be able to get a next-day delivery of exactly my (somewhat unusual) size in AE. And at less than 1/2 the price I paid for the Alden...so I'm leaning toward keeping them and trying to sell my too-short and too-wide Alden boots.

 

[DG123]

Just to follow up, the AE Higgins is built with a wood shank. Just tried them on and they also happen to fit my foot well. Doing the test of trying to twist the shoe to gauge torsional stability, the AE boot is actually a little better than the Alden with commando sole boot. And they feel fairly supportive walking up and down my living room. (Though neither AE or Alden boot comes close to the torsional stability offered by my Alden, double oak sole cap-toes, which rival my ice-climbing boots...

The issue also with Alden is I'd have to wait a long time for a special order of a B width in one of their boots (likely a year) and if I got their stock dress boot on a Plaza last, I have no way of trying a B-width Plaza shoe (not a stock width for any of them) and wouldn't have return privileges.

I have to say, it was nice to be able to get a next-day delivery of exactly my (unusual) size in AE. And at less than 1/2 the price I paid for the Alden, so I'm leaning toward keeping them and trying to sell my too-short and too-wide Alden boots.

Which size (s) in the Alden brand are a good fit for you ?

 

[jon44]

Which size (s) in the Alden brand are a good fit for you ?

10, B in Aberdeen last.

 

[eagle2250]

Thanks very much for the feedback. JFYI, the AE Higgins is built with a wood shank. Just tried them on and they also happen to fit my foot well. Doing the test of trying to twist the shoe to gauge torsional stability, the AE boot is actually a little better than the Alden boot with commando sole. And they feel fairly supportive walking up and down my living room. (Though neither AE or Alden boot comes close to the torsional stability offered by my Alden, double oak sole cap-toes, which rival my ice-climbing boots... )

The issue also with Alden is I'd have to wait a long time for a special order of a B width in one of their boots (likely a year) and if I got their stock dress boot on a Plaza last, I have no way of trying a B-width Plaza shoe (not a stock width for any of them) and wouldn't have return privileges.

I have to say, it was nice to be able to get a next-day delivery of exactly my (somewhat unusual) size in AE. And at less than 1/2 the price I paid for the Alden...so I'm leaning toward keeping them and trying to sell my too-short and too-wide Alden boots.

Do your AE Higgins Mill boots have the Dainite soles. They tend to wear better (and I think more comfortably) than other soling options. Good luck in your quest!

 

[DG123]

10, B in Aberdeen last.

The "year long wait" you wrote of is for a a pair of Aberdeen-lasted , or Plaza-lasted ,Alden boots ?
Which model Alden boot do you have now that is "too short" and, or, "too wide"?

 

[jon44]

Do your AE Higgins Mill boots have the Dainite soles.

Yup--I suspect they add to the stability.

 

[jon44]

The "year long wait" you wrote of is for a a pair of Aberdeen-lasted , or Plaza-lasted ,Alden boots ?
Which model Alden boot do you have now that is "too short" and, or, "too wide"?

Yes, for the Alden 3912, I'd have to wait until the next production run to special order a B width (for Aberdeen, I'd have to find a store doing a special make-up)
My ill-fitting boots are plain-toe, chromexcel with commando sole (special make-up from Shoe Mart) on Barrie last in size 9, C. (I liked the aesthetics so much, my vanity got the better of my rational judgement.)

 

[DG123]

Yes, for the Alden 3912, I'd have to wait until the next production run to special order a B width (for Aberdeen, I'd have to find a store doing a special make-up)
My ill-fitting boots are plain-toe, chromexcel with commando sole (special make-up from Shoe Mart) on Barrie last in size 9, C. (I liked the aesthetics so much, my vanity got the better of my rational judgement.)

If I understand you correctly, the one pair of Alden boots you have is a Barrie-lasted 9C (which is too short and too wide ).
Also, you think that an Aberdeen-lasted 10B boot from Alden may be a good fit, but you've not tried on a pair of that size?

 

[jon44]

If I understand you correctly, the one pair of Alden boots you have is a Barrie-lasted 9C (which is too short and too wide ).
Also, you think that an Aberdeen-lasted 10B boot from Alden may be a good fit, but you've not tried on a pair of that size?

Correct (as Aberdeen 10, B blucher (972) fits me very well).
Where is this going?

 

[DG123]

Correct (as Aberdeen 10, B blucher (972) fits me very well).
Where is this going?

I am just trying to get more information so that I have an understanding. I am not sure what type/style of Aberdeen-lasted boot you are considering. It seems most of Alden's boots are produced using Barrie, Truebalanace, or Grant lasts. If you've tried on and like the fit of a 10B Aberdeen-lasted blucher then I expect an Aberdeen-lasted boot would fit as good or better than the blucher.

 

[Guest]

Cheaney makes some very nice rock-solid footwear. But as with most English makers, there's only one width in most styles. Plus many traditional country boots are deliberately made with a wider last than other models by that maker. However, they've introduced some sleeker fitting lasts in recent years.

I'm unsure what the situation is with the pricing since the UK left the EU. Used to be that shoes shipped to the U.S. were 20% less than the stated UK prices. Don't know if the UK has an internal VAT however. Know they did prior to the EU.

Nice boots -

https://www.cheaney.co.uk/men-c48/boots-c100

Nice boot-

https://www.cheaney.co.uk/cheaney-elliott-ii-r-capped-derby-boot-in-mahogany-grain-leather-p1079