[jon44]

In the past, I've had Alden shoes that work well for my injury prone body. I assume this is because of the steel shank and solid leather soles. I also appreciate them coming in narrow widths.
Are there other brands that offer comparable advantages?

 

[iam.mike]

Hey there @jon44 - I'm sure one of our resident shoe experts will chime in here and help you.

In the meantime, you may want to check out our Ready To Wear Shoes Pyramid Guide, with contributions from members like @RogerP and one of our writers Tony Gorga.

Also, here a discussion about the guide:
https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/threads/ready-to-wear-shoes-pyramid-discussion.242387/

Let's see where this discussion goes

 

[fishertw]

In the US and not custom made, probably not a better brand.

 

[eagle2250]

There are good/great brands of shoes available for purchase offering perhaps more refined designs than Alden, but I doubt you will find any that are built more solidly than Alden's . Every pair of Alden's I have purchased (a Bakers dozen, I think) has proven itsself to be a potential lifetime purchase that will be passed on to my heirs! Just suggesting that if you have something that works well for you, stick with it.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

I second Fisher and Eagle. Alden, although costly at the outset, is an investment that will last. I have one pair worn probably four times a week for over thirty years. Although as Eagle observes, others may offer more refined designs, for at least four of their designs, the LHS, the tassel, the Norwegian split toe, and the walker, the Alden designs are definitive.

 

[CLTesquire]

Umm yes, there are lots of good manufacturers that incorporate all of the characteristics you list. Almost any decent manufacturer other than Allen Edmonds is going to use a shank in their footwear. I would argue that metal is actually a drawback as it sets of metal detectors in a security line. A wooden shank does the same job.

A legitimate oak bark tanned sole will last as long and probably out perform the leather sole on an Alden, which, admittedly, is a step up from Allen Edmonds. Some of the soles made by J&FJ Baker (the leather company) are extremely durable.

Anyway, Alden makes a fine shoe but it’s not the top by any means. I don’t personally find the leather to be all that wonderful after a decent amount of wear and I don’t find their lasts all that attractive for dress shoes but YMMV. I am confident you can get something of similar quality from Spain for $200 less.

That being said there are some models that are fairly iconic. I will always own an Indy boot for example. There’s nothing that rivals it. Others would say the same about an LHS, maybe a tassel, and a longwing blucher

 

[triklops55]

Umm yes, there are lots of good manufacturers that incorporate all of the characteristics you list. Almost any decent manufacturer other than Allen Edmonds is going to use a shank in their footwear. I would argue that metal is actually a drawback as it sets of metal detectors in a security line. A wooden shank does the same job.

A legitimate oak bark tanned sole will last as long and probably out perform the leather sole on an Alden, which, admittedly, is a step up from Allen Edmonds. Some of the soles made by J&FJ Baker (the leather company) are extremely durable.

Anyway, Alden makes a fine shoe but it's not the top by any means. I don't personally find the leather to be all that wonderful after a decent amount of wear and I don't find their lasts all that attractive for dress shoes but YMMV. I am confident you can get something of similar quality from Spain for $200 less.

That being said there are some models that are fairly iconic. I will always own an Indy boot for example. There's nothing that rivals it. Others would say the same about an LHS, maybe a tassel, and a longwing blucher

I agree with pretty much everything you said but believe that most AE shoes also have shanks. I think AE uses a wooden shank and not metal but they do have shanks.

As for Alden quality, I also agree with you and the other responses. Alden is probably the best U.S.-made ready to wear shoe, but there are many of excellent, comparable quality. One step up for me from Alden in every way is Crockett & Jones bench made. Solidly built, mostly traditional styling and very good quality, yet about the same price as Alden if you shop around enough. Cheaney is also a good option at around the same price.

 

[richard warren]

The main advantage of Alden is the generous fit, which many through away by sizing down.
Crockett and Jones are (or at least were) certainly better made, and if your foot is narrow you might get a good fit.

As an aside, I just bought a pair of Bangladesh made Dr. Martens, and the actual details of construction (fit and finish) seems better than the last Aldens I bought.

 

[steve.tyson]

Grant Stone......by far a better choice

 

[smmrfld]

Grant Stone......by far a better choice

Your claim is far too general. They are only a better choice if their lasts work for you...and they don't work for many of us.

 

[steve.tyson]

Your claim is far too general. They are only a better choice if their lasts work for you...and they don't work for many of us.

Good points.....I accept that and agree, as a newbie I was quick on the trigger.