Alden is one of the most famous leather shoe manufacturers in the United States. It is a wonder that once a man puts his foot into an Alden shoe, he becomes an addict, seeking only Alden shoes from that point on. Why does this brand tickle men’s hearts so much? In this article, we will introduce you to Alden’s leather shoes that you can’t help but be attracted to.
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Alden’s History of Supporting the American Tradition ” Until He Was Called the King of Leather Shoes
Alden was founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts, in the United States. In 1931, Mr. Alden retired from the company, and the management rights were transferred to the Tarlow family, which has continued to run the company until the present fourth generation. After two factory relocations to North Abington and Brockton, a state-of-the-art factory was built in 1970 in Middleborough, the company’s original location.
While continuing to make leather shoes using the traditional Goodyear welt method, the company pioneered the field of medical products. The company developed orthopedic shoes for people with foot problems, which attracted the attention of the fashion industry and led to the creation of the modified last, which later became the company’s signature wooden pattern.
Alden’s shoes are not only traditional, but are also comfortable to wear and made with the pursuit of high quality leather, and are now known as “the king of American shoes” and “the king of leather shoes.
What is Alden’s Modified Last, which developed from medical orthopedic shoes?
Alden offers a wide variety of lasts (wooden shapes), which determine the silhouette and comfort of leather shoes, but Alden shoes cannot be described without the Alden Modified Last. As mentioned above, this last has its roots in the aim of improving foot problems such as O-legs and X-legs, and employs a unique corrective support technology called “Foot Balance.
The U-shaped silhouette, moderately sloped cuff, and narrowed waistband give the wearer the sensation that their feet are being sucked into the shoe. And while the toes and heels are firmly held in place, the roomy toes provide a sense of openness. This unique sensation, which is not found even in the venerable English and Italian shoes, is the reason why Alden enthusiasts are born.
What is the Bally last used in Alden’s famous ” 990 “?
Of course, the Alden’s appeal is not limited to the modified last. In fact, Alden’s most widely produced and best-selling last is not the modified last but the Bally last.
The Bally last is used in many of Alden’s leather shoes, including the royal models “990” and “9901. The roomy fitting and rounded silhouette embody the American traditional style. Another feature is that they are made about half a size larger than regular American shoes.
Alden’s cordovan is “the diamond that men covet
If you like leather shoes, the word “cordovan” should remind you of Alden, not wallets or school bags. This material is inextricably linked to Alden shoes. It is no exaggeration to say that “Alden means cordovan” and “cordovan means Alden.
Cordovan, which can only be extracted from the rump of a single farm horse, is so rare and beautiful that it has even been called “the diamond of leather. Alden’s cordovan, made by Horween in the U.S.A., has a moist, luminous shine and texture that cannot be attained by waxing and polishing cowhide.
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Cordovan is water-sensitive, and when it gets wet in the rain, it becomes stained. It is also important to note that cordovan does not stretch like cowhide, so if you buy a tight size as if you were choosing English shoes, you will literally be in pain. Despite these disadvantages, cordovan continues to attract men because the beauty of the leather’s luster more than makes up for its weaknesses.
Alden’s quintessential Alden is in the aging of the cordovan
As Alden shoes are worn in, the sheen and wrinkles change and become even more deeply appreciated.
By taking the time and effort to clean them with a brush and regularly applying cream, Alden shoes do not just shine as beautifully as when they were new, but they develop their own unique wrinkles and luster. The shoes will become “your own pair of shoes. The process of enjoying these changes over time is the essence of cordovan’s appeal.
Alden’s wood shapes cover a wide range of foot types
If you are going to wear expensive leather shoes, you want to choose leather shoes with a form that fits your feet as much as possible. Many leather shoe brands offer a wide range of wooden shapes, without exception, but each brand has its own characteristics, such as “many wooden shapes have a high instep and wide width,” or “many wooden shapes have a low instep and narrow width. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find that “◯◯’s leather shoes do not fit my feet. In such a situation, it is said that Alden’s lasts have the comprehensiveness to fit all foot types comparatively.
Leydon last
A slimmer version of the Barry last, with a lower instep and a better fit.
Plaza last
A slightly longer and narrower version of the standard US size, featuring a square toe with a slightly angled toe.
Aberdeen last
Longer and narrower than the standard US size, this is the narrowest Alden last.
Van last
The last used mainly for loafers.
Barrie last
Alden’s signature last, also used in the indomitable ” 990 “. It is about half a size larger than the standard US size.
Trubalance last
This last is often used for boots. The Foot Balance System is used to restore foot balance.
Modified last
This last is used for masterpiece V-chip shoes. The Foot Balance System (Foot Balance System) is adopted to restore foot balance.
Alden gives every outfit an American-traditional taste and a unique presence.
Alden is a leather shoe brand that represents the United States and has a different appeal from British and Italian leather shoes. Even in Britain and Italy, which have historically been negative toward American-derived cultures and fashions, Alden is often chosen as the footwear of choice for men.
The Pitti Uomo venue, where men dressed in typical Italian jacket styles gathered, was no exception. Burgundy and dark burgundy are still popular.
Mr. Marco Zambardo is a regular contributor to men’s fashion snaps. Among Italian men, his styling that skillfully incorporates American elements is appealing in Japan. In addition to Alden, he is known for his fondness for incorporating Red Wing Irish Setter and Nike sneakers into his outfits. He also wears Alden shoes with the M-65s he produces.
A middle-gauge high-neck sweater is worn with jacket pants for a noble look. The Alden shoes on his feet give the style a martial impression.
A slim gray suit is colored with blue and pink accessories for a pop suit style. By adding Alden tassel loafers to the feet, Alden’s presence is heightened and the style is tightened with a rugged impression.
Introducing Alden’s royal model!
From here, we will introduce Alden’s royal models. In addition to cordovan, models made of high-quality calfskin leather are also of interest. Alden’s distribution in Japan is not abundant, so even if it is a classic model, it is often difficult to obtain once you miss your chance. If you find a shoe that fits your size, you should act immediately. (Please note that the purchase links are also low in stock.)
Alden “990
The “990” is Alden’s signature outer-blade plain-toe shoe in a beautiful dark burgundy color. This is one of Alden’s most popular and difficult-to-obtain cordovan shoes. There are many dubious sites on the Internet for purchasing Alden shoes, so it is best to purchase at a store you can trust.
Alden “9901
Alden’s signature model, the “9901” plain toe. The rounded and relaxed silhouette of the Barry last is a true symbol of American shoes. The “990,” also a signature model, is a rare find in dark burgundy. The brilliant black “9901” is one of the reasons for its popularity, as it is versatile enough to be used for both business and casual wear.
Click here for details and purchase
Alden “1339
The dark burgundy chukka boots, featuring the Barry last.
Alden “2210
This is another representative Alden series, “2210”. The U-tip, depicted with a hand-sewn Norwegian front, is steadfastly popular. The Aberdeen last is Alden’s slimmest wooden pattern. This is a pair that can be enjoyed in both on- and off-duty styles.
Alden ” 54321
The “54321” is extremely popular, but currently has very few in circulation. The modified last that wraps around the foot, and the trademark V-tip and burgundy cordovan. It is a pair that even non-collectors would want to get their hands on.
Alden “986”
A traditional item, the “986” is a round-toe half-saddle loafer. The burgundy color, typical of Alden, evokes an American style. Although simple, the shine of the cordovan gives the loafer a luxurious feel.
Alden “403
The “403” work boots are made of chrome excel leather with a wonderful natural texture. They are also known as “Indy boots” because Harrison Ford used them in the movie ” Indiana Jones. The Alden-like U-tip gives them a soft impression.
For details and purchase, click here.
Alden “967
The “967” is an external wingtip. This is a pair that clearly shows that Alden is not only a brand of cordovan American shoes. The silhouette of the Aberdeen last, which is slimmer than Alden’s, and the fine texture of the calfskin are truly English shoes.
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Alden “972
The “972” is another pair of Alden’s orthodox-looking straight-tip shoes with an outside shuttlecock, and the neatly stitched double-stitching is enough to explain why it is said that it takes three weeks to make one pair of Alden shoes.
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Alden ” 560
The Alden “560” tassel loafer has a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The clean silhouette of the Aberdeen last matches well with the tassel loafer item. The use of Alden’s signature brown calfskin is also a key point.
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Alden stores
Although Alden stores are scattered throughout Japan, there are only a few that carry a large selection of Alden models. Lakota House, which has stores in Tokyo and Osaka, is famous for its large selection of Alden shoes.
Lakota House Aoyama
NOA Minami-Aoyama 1F, 6-12-14 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL : 03-5778-2010
OPEN : 12:00~20:00
CLOSED : No regular holidays
Lakota House Osaka
HUQUE Bldg. 1F, 4-10-13 Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
TEL : 06-6210-2373
OPEN : Mon-Sat 12:00~20:00
Sun/Holidays 11:00~19:00
CLOSED : Wednesday ( except holiday )
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