Cordaovan has no real grain. It's smooth. It is very durable. The leather if kept properly cleaned and polished, will last more than 10 years. I should know, I have two pairs in their 11th year, and both have been recrafted.
IMHO Alden is more Trad than AE. I have both the LHS and the Full Strap slip on; both in 11.5 B in #8 shell.
The Full Strap has a narrower toe box, than does the LHS. I like them both, yet I would not wear the Full Straps with jeans, and don't really prefer them with chinos either. I will wear the Full Strap with a suit when traveling, but I would never wear the LHS with a suit. The LHS has a 360 degree welt, and the Full Strap Alden does not. The full strap is a sleaker shoe.
I used to be an AE fan, but when I made the switch to Alden I never wanted to go back. I like the heel cushion and the steel shank in the Alden. AE does not have that.
To my eye, I think that AEs look a bit nouveaux or derivative. The Alden silhouette started it with the Tassel slip on.
IMHO Alden is more Trad than AE. I have both the LHS and the Full Strap slip on; both in 11.5 B in #8 shell.
The Full Strap has a narrower toe box, than does the LHS. I like them both, yet I would not wear the Full Straps with jeans, and don't really prefer them with chinos either. I will wear the Full Strap with a suit when traveling, but I would never wear the LHS with a suit. The LHS has a 360 degree welt, and the Full Strap Alden does not. The full strap is a sleaker shoe.
I used to be an AE fan, but when I made the switch to Alden I never wanted to go back. I like the heel cushion and the steel shank in the Alden. AE does not have that.
To my eye, I think that AEs look a bit nouveaux or derivative. The Alden silhouette started it with the Tassel slip on.
