At 130 years old, Alden might just be America’s coolest centenarian. As they cross into their 13th decade this year, Alden’s shoes has never been more in demand, with the reported wait list for a pair of custom shoes from their Middleborough, Massachusetts’ factory stretching back well over a year.
Alden was a marque name of the early aughts heritage revival, and even as the spotlight on Americana has begun to fade once again, Alden’s renaissance is as strong as ever. While the shoemaker continues to crank out a wide assortment of stock designs for their diehard customers, it’s the considerable crop of “special makeups†that Alden has produced in partnership with stores across the world that present some of the venerable shoemakers most interesting creations.
Trunk Clothiers Officer Chukka – A beefed up desert boot that would make General MacArthur proud.
J. Crew “Milkshake†Suede Plain Toe Boot – The other kind of “desert boot†built on an ultra-lightweight wedge sole.
Unionmade Sutter Tassel Loafer – Blue suede shoes, minus the Elvis, plus a mocc-toed and tasseled silhouette.
Bureau Belfast Color 8 Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher – The investment dress shoe, because nothing ages quite like color 8 cordovan. You’ll be passing these on to your grandson.
Frans Boone Grain Dover Oxford – With a water resistant grain leather upper and a waterlock sole, these grainy lace-ups are a true rainy day special.
Winn Perry Red Brick Buck – The no-nonsense dirty buck done right for this summer.
Context Roy Boot – A sleeker take on the iconic Indy boot, cut in a casual snuff suede.
Leffot Spectator – Because really, who else is doing a modern spectator shoe these days?
Love, love Alden Shoes and their customer service is excellent!
No love for Leather Soul?
We love Leather Soul here at ACL but they unfortunately didn’t have anything listed on their site that was in stock and matched with this post.
“…desert boot that would make General MacArthur proud.” I’m fairly certain that the United States Army did not wear desert boots in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Nor did they wear them in Korea during the Korean War. Otherwise nice post. Thanks.
@john So what you are saying is: no one in the U.S. military likes desert boots because they aren’t officially part of the combat uniform? Okay, perfect. Got it.
@Michael – I think that John W was just saying if you want to reference a general to tout the rugged authenticity of a desert boot, pick a general that commanded troops in desert warfare. It’s the incongruity of the reference that’s off putting.
@kevin So you’re saying if Macarthur picked up one of those Alden chukkas he wouldn’t appreciate it because his theater of war was largely in the Pacific? I get your point and I also (partially) disagree.
@Michael – I’m sure that Gen. MacArthur would have appreciated the fine American craftsmanship of the Alden chukka. I humbly submit that perhaps Norman Schwarzkopf may have been a more apropos reference.
@kevin LOL that was awesome.
I think those spectators are just the prettiest thing I ever saw.
Too bad they don’t ship to Yurrop.
I think Gen. George S. Patten would have been a better reference since “Old Blood and Guts” actually designed a uniform for the Tank Corps.
Jake, If they’re 130 years old, they’d be passing into their 14th decade, not their 13th, which they’ve just completed. Not really a big point, admittedly.
Love the post! Didn’t realize all the different companies they were collating with! Not to mention they’re strong presence of in the fat east. And the simple fact that zero negative comments have been based in the quality of the shoe days something considering how many trolls out there wanna get their digs in!
Collabing* and far* east