What are the seven things that Alden’s “986” boasts that other coin loafers don’t? Page 4

Special feature 5 of Alden’s “986”: “A wide, three-dimensional form with vanlast.

Alden offers a total of 13 different lasts, seven of which are used for loafers. 986 uses the “Van Last,” a typical last developed around 1930 for loafers, and was the first loafer that BEAMS, the first company to introduce Alden in Japan, handled. Alden was first introduced in Japan by BEAMS, which was also the first to handle Van Last loafers. Compared to other lasts such as Plaza, Aberdeen, and Hampton, the Vanlast is characterized by a wider toe. Also, the side part of the toe is cut off like a wall compared to loafers with sharp lasts like the Tom last. The almost vertical form bordering the moccasin is another design feature that expresses the originality of the 986. The heel cup is small, but the opening of the shoe is generous, allowing even high-set feet, which are common among Japanese people, to wear the loafer with ease.

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Alden “986” Special Feature 6: “All-around Goodyear construction that can handle long hours of walking.

One of Alden’s characteristics is to make leather shoes using the all-around Goodyear manufacturing method, which is also the royal road to American footwear. Many brands of loafers use the Mackay method for soles, but Alden is particular even in loafers. The 986, made using the all-around Goodyear method with welt around the calf, boasts overwhelming durability compared to ordinary coin loafers. Since more cork can be laid down than usual, the fit to the foot is outstanding. Although they feel stiff at first, once you get used to them, you can walk for a long time without feeling fatigue. In terms of design, it is rare to find a coin loafer with such an assertive cork, creating a rugged, Alden-like atmosphere.

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A double sole that improves durability is also noteworthy.

The specification of the double sole with a leather sole called ” midsole ” sandwiched between the outsole and insole is also very rare for a coin loafer. The double sole, which is often used in country shoes and other outdoor-oriented leather shoes, is characterized by its excellent waterproofing and shock resistance. Loafers are often fragile in construction in exchange for ease of putting on and taking off and lightness. Compared to loafers made with the Mackay method and a single sole, the 986 takes longer to get used to, but in addition to the functionality of a loafer, it is also durable enough to withstand walking on difficult terrain.

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Alden “986” commitment 7 “Quality you wouldn’t believe it’s a loafer! The leather outsole is of such high quality and solidity that it is hard to believe that it is a loafer.

The outsole, made of unpigmented leather, is as rugged as the shoe itself. The outsole alone does not look like the sole of a loafer, with the stitching on the welt, the nails in the heel, and the Alden logo stamped on the sole. It is as if it were a solidly made, sturdy dress shoe, showing Alden’s thoroughness.

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