Stopped by the last Alden Trunk show

[Matt Deckard]

Just thought I would show the pic

 

[MK]

Did you buy anything?

 

[Matt Deckard]

After a careful look at my feet, and a chart, he suggested something in the True flare last; apparently I have a wierd foot and he says this shoe is the cure. We shall see.

He also said they have not made these since the 50's and the ones I get will be old stock. I'll tell you when I go into the store to try them on.

So I ordered these.

http://www.aldenshoe.com/cat_ortho_truf_639.htm

 

[AlanC]

Does that mean you're getting 50 year old shoes?

Do they offer discounts at the trunk shows? I've never been to a shoe trunk show, although I went to a bow tie one once.

 

[MK]

What are they asking for a pair?

 

[Matt Deckard]

About $265

Didn't mean to have a super long delay on a reply, I've been busy.
Here are the pics after a few months wear and dancing. I wore them like tennis shoes around Disneyworld last month... they are that comfortable.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I've been wearing the shoes soo much I now have to get them resoled. I wore a hole through to the cork in the right shoe.

 

[Zemke Fan]

Gotta zip-em, Matt...

Unless you're going to dance in these... You've got to get your local Nordies to put zip-soles on these. The zips wear about as fast as the heels and you will never need to resole again. -- ZF

 

[Marty M.]

Unless you're going to dance in these... You've got to get your local Nordies to put zip-soles on these. The zips wear about as fast as the heels and you will never need to resole again. -- ZF

Zemke Fan,
What are zip soles?
Marty M.

 

[Matt Deckard]

I prefer the leather hitting the pavement. Good for dancing on smooth wood as well.

 

[Mr. Rover]

Ahhh! Those are the shoes you wore with the linen suit? I was admiring them- didn't know they were Aldens. Honestly, I don't really like Alden's selection in NYC. The cordovan shoes in burgundy were nice but their brown was a bit of a honey color. Not quite my cuppa joe.

 

[Zemke Fan]

Marty: Zips...

.
Zemke Fan, What are zip soles?

... are rubber half soles (approx. 1/16 thick) that are glued on the bottom of the sole and cover about the front two-thirds. The ones that Nordstrom sells are made by Goodyear. As I said, they wear about as fast as the heels but offer complete protection to that part of the sole that gets worn down from sidewalks. I get heels and zips replaced for about $30 and it has TOTALLY changed the life-span of my Allen-Edmonds shoes.

Matt, this is one of those areas (like the new smartcare Nordy shirts) where you and I have just agreed to disagree. It's been my experience that a shoe can take new soles only two or three times. I have saved a pair of brown shoes for dancing/reenacting WITHOUT zips, but all my others have them.

 

[Tomasso]

Sounds Like They're Similar To Topy

What are zip soles?

 

[Mr. Rover]

I have to request the toe and heel guards next time I get my soles replaced- those are the two places that receive the most wear on my shoes.

 

[Zemke Fan]

The only think you have to be careful about, Ray...

... is that when the "taps" shown toe and heel start to wear out, the little nails can stick out and scratch hardwood floors. I learned the hard way about that!

 

[Mr. Rover]

Hmm...I guess I should avoid tap dancing in them then....

 

[Marty M.]

... are rubber half soles (approx. 1/16 thick) that are glued on the bottom of the sole and cover about the front two-thirds. The ones that Nordstrom sells are made by Goodyear. As I said, they wear about as fast as the heels but offer complete protection to that part of the sole that gets worn down from sidewalks. I get heels and zips replaced for about $30 and it has TOTALLY changed the life-span of my Allen-Edmonds shoes.

Matt, this is one of those areas (like the new smartcare Nordy shirts) where you and I have just agreed to disagree. It's been my experience that a shoe can take new soles only two or three times. I have saved a pair of brown shoes for dancing/reenacting WITHOUT zips, but all my others have them.

So Zip soles are the same thing as half soles?
Marty M.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Wish they'd make those shoes again.