[richard warren]

I’m fond of Alden because I like they way they do shell cordovan and I find all their lasts that I have tried fit me comfortably true to size.

On the other hand, over the last few years I have had to return three or four pair ordered over the internet because of obvious defects. They were all drop shipped. The last pair I bought in December were shell plain toe bluchers, one of which after wearing has been revealed to uppers subtly but definitely misaligned (the flaps and eyelets just do not line up like they should and like they do on th other shoe).

I went to the only local store that seeks Alden and tried on a pair of calf captoe balls, and the leather was quite wrinkled near the eyelets on one of the shoes.

I now have a hankering for a pair of shell medallion toe balls.

Is it wishful thinking I could order a pair from the New York Aldn store that I would not have to send back? Is there anybody who might sell them who would look at them before shipping, instead of drop shipping?

 

[smmrfld]

Adam at Alden of Carmel inspects every pair and won’t ship a pair with issues.

 

[TheDlABlO]

i didnt think Alden had lots of QC issues! scary!

I have 100% gone to England where I trust factories still have skilled operatives, a QA inspection team, and take pride in thier work

 

[Woofa]

As long as Alden is willing to replace your shoes at no cost I see no reason to stop trying to purchase from them. You have already expressed that you like their shoes and that they fit well and must be in your budget.
In the other hand we often get questions here asking if a shoe problem is really something that should be returned. Just to make sure that other experienced shoe purchasers agree that such a defect is indeed beyond what is acceptable or if you are in fact being too particular.
Alden shell shoes are not cheap and you should get a quality product for that kind of money. Plenty of other options even for shell out there.

 

[richard warren]

Thanks for the replies. I gave up on looking for “perfection” a long time ago. I have been buying shoes to wear for work for about 40 years. The problems I had on the shoes I returned were pretty obvious, even by today’s standards, except for the last pair of PTB’s, which I kept. I have 4 other pairs of shell bluchers and on all of them the flaps and eyelets line up, but on this pair things on the left shoe are just out of kilter. Hard to explain but you can see it and more important feel it. The wrinkling on the calf shoes I tried on in the store was unlike anything I have seen on quality shoes in 40 years of buying shoes.

I don’t rememebr if I had to pay postage on the shoes I returned, which is not a big deal one way or the other, but my tolerance for wrapping things up and shipping them off is very low, and I do not feel comfortable having someone else do my personal stuff (which is probably harassment here days).

I’d like to see the Alden folks prosper and continue on in the same business in the same way into the future. I try not to be too critical on the internet but everybody needs feedback somehow.

I was not aware of Alden of Carmel and will give them a try.

 

[SG_67]

Try Leffot as well. They are a small operation and will inspect their shoes upon receipt before selling them.

It's no guarantee you'll receive a pristine pair, but at least there will be another set of eyes to inspect for flaws.

The Shoe Mart is another good source for Alden and I know they habe a very robust online business. They ship promptly and returns, if necessary, are handled smoothly.

Good luck.

https://leffot.com/

https://www.theshoemart.com/

 

[eagle2250]

The ShoeMart carries Alden and having purchased at least 10 pair of Alden's from them, I have never been less than thrilled with the final result of doing business with them. LeatherSoul is another excellent vendor who carries Alden designs.

 

[SG_67]

The ShoeMart carries Alden and having purchased at least 10 pair of Alden's from them, I have never been less than thrilled with the final result of doing business with them. LeatherSoul is another excellent vendor who carries Alden designs.

I know Learher Soul either was or still is a sponsor, but I've always found the website somewhat confusing and not very user friendly.

In their defense, I believe they do indicate that they are not an e-commerce company so it's somewhat difficult to tell what they have and in what size.

But some of the special make ups they carry are really nice.

 

[eagle2250]

^^
In the past I've purchased five or six pair(s) of Alden's special make-ups from them, but have not visited their site in the last year or so...I think it's been since I embarked on my latest Lucchese boot addiction. I haven't been able to afford any additional pair(s) of my beloved Alden's! LOL. However, I will pay a visit to the LeatherSoul site today.

 

[Andy]

I'm fond of Alden because I like they way they do shell cordovan and I find all their lasts that I have tried fit me comfortably true to size.

On the other hand, over the last few years I have had to return three or four pair ordered over the internet because of obvious defects. They were all drop shipped. ...

richard warren:

I understand that Alden has a great "stand behind their product" policy. Have you discussed or returned the shoes to where you purchased them?

 

[richard warren]

Never had a problem returning Aldens. I don’ t remember if I had to pay return shipping but that’s not a big deal one way or the other. I have 14 pair and have had to return 4.

The fact remains that getting an acceptable pair of shoes after two (or more) tries is just not the same as getting them the first time.

 

[eagle2250]

^^ "after two or more tries?"
I have never had to return a pair of new shoes to Alden (or even to the oft maligned in these parts dreaded) Allen Edmond's more than once to receive arguably perfect replacements. Both vendors stand righteously behind their products (read as: they make you happy or they refund your money). I may be a sap, but I really can't ask for much more than that!

 

[Tim Correll]

^^
In the past I've purchased five or six pair(s) of Alden's special make-ups from them, but have not visited their site in the last year or so...I think it's been since I embarked on my latest Lucchese boot addiction. I haven't been able to afford any additional pair(s) of my beloved Alden's! LOL. However, I will pay a visit to the LeatherSoul site today.

Alden told me they don't do special make up anymore because too few people bought it.

 

[SG_67]

Alden told me they don't do special make up anymore because too few people bought it.

They do for their retail partners.

 

[Tim Correll]

They do for their retail partners.

But not for their customers, am I Correct?

 

[SG_67]

But not for their customers, am I Correct?

My understanding is that if you're a retail partner they will still do this.

I'm not sure how the inner workings of this occurs. Probably some established track record with sales and previous special make ups.

They won't do one offs or hold made to order events like others do.

 

[eagle2250]

Alden told me they don't do special make up anymore because too few people bought it.

They do for their retail partners.

^^Agreed. They do not do single pair runs any more. However they do complete limited runs (not sure what the minimum number of pairs are) for their retail partners.

 

[richard warren]

Since this was posted I have received via internet one pair of shell bals which I returned mostly because the little leather tab that covered the bottom of the laces was so off centered and protruding (and hence noticeably off) that it jumped out at me on my first look at them and I realized I could never be happy with them. The “perfs” were also sort of strange and more indentations than perfs. The area I had had problems with previous Alden’s, with the area 270 degree welt ends being done poorly, was ok but not up to say Crockett and Jones level.

On the whole, I have had difficulty getting bals that I would be happy to wear in a formal setting.

On the other hand, I got a pair of what I believe to be Alden made suede tassel loafers from Brooks Brothers. Seem to be ok.

My conclusion is that while I like their lasts and materials may be quality, workmanship is suffering to the point that one must be careful when buying shoes to be worn when appearances matter (in my case, more formal shoes).

 

[89826]

If memory serves, a minimum run these days is 12 pairs.

 

[suitman19]

Why don't you try contacting Alden direct with a pair you are not satisfied with?
Explain that you have had trouble with the last 3 or 4 you have ordered and see if they can either re-stitch or replace a brand new pair that is unworn?