Alden shoes are one those manufacturers that we have looked at over the years when we have been at "Pitti" and greatly admired but have never placed an order with for one reason or another. Our main concern was the resoleing for the customer who lived in Europe but we have come to learn that Alden have a service centre in Germany and European customers can have a complete resole there with all genuine Alden parts. Therefore on our last visit there we eventually took the decision to put some shoes down and in the next few days we should receive our first small delivery.
We are looking forward to stocking two of their classic and iconic styles, the long wing blucher in burgundy cordovan and the "indy boot" in chromexcel. The cordovan long wing comes with a natural sole and has been made to order for us by Alden while the indy boot is as they often traditionally make it. These two leathers come from the famous and very highly regarded Horween Co. we have a couple of other specials with them on order but that is for another day.
We should have these two styles on our site very shortly so please keep an eye out.
This is what Alden and Horween have to say about the two leathers.
Genuine shell cordovan
Using the centuries old method of pure vegetable tann-age and hand finishing, the tannery still producing genuine shell cordovan today is indeed practising a rare art. The tanning process takes a full six months to complete and produces leather that is soft, supple and very durable. Alden's classic patterns take on a unique character when made from genuine shell cordovan
shell cordovan is leather for the old school shoemaker. High volume production methods and short cuts are powerless to bring out its qualities.
This Horween describe chromexcel
Chromexcel is the original pull-up leather using time honoured techniques and formula's that were developed nearly 100 years ago. It is still produced in the U.S. using using a bark retann-age from a proprietary recipe and then genuine hot stuffed with our secret blend of natural oils and greases.
Chromexcel is characterised by a rich pull-up in full aniline, hand rubbed finishes. Made to this day with old world craftsmanship, modern chromexcel carries on along history of superior comfort and durability.
A picture of the "indy boot"
