Alden or Allen?

• Jan 25, 2015

• #1

Lonn

Familiar Face

Messages

78

Location

On the ground again in Seattle

Greetings,
I am faced with a daunting decision and hope to benefit from the wisdom present. Allen Edmonds Dalton in Shell Cordovan or Alden Wingtip Boot, also Cordovan.
I am willing to expand my considerations but these two seem exemplary examples of what I am hoping to achieve.
Thank you for your contribution,
Lonn

Captain Lonn James Holiday
S/V Tango

 

• Jan 25, 2015

• #2

W

Whislerm

New in Town

Messages

26

Location

North Dakota

I too have been considering these two boots. And I've decided on the Alden because of the lace hooks for ease rather than holes all the way up and I think the Alden looks better with a reverse welt which the Dalton does not have.

 

• Jan 25, 2015

• #3

LuvMyMan

I’ll Lock Up.

Messages

4,558

Location

Michigan

Whislerm said:

I too have been considering these two boots. And I've decided on the Alden because of the lace hooks for ease rather than holes all the way up and I think the Alden looks better with a reverse welt which the Dalton does not have.

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Alden will have a higher quality than the Allen Edmonds.....

 

• Jan 25, 2015

• #4

Fading Fast

Messages

16,883

Location

New York City

One more vote for Alden. The quality is a clear notch higher in leather and construction. I own two expensive boots - both Alden and am very glad I paid up as they have lasted a long time to the point that the dollar difference I paid over AEs by now - either per wear or per year of ownership - is meaningless.

 

• Jan 25, 2015

• #5

pawineguy

One Too Many

Messages

1,974

Location

Bucks County, PA

Having owned numerous shoes and boots from both companies... Alden.

 

• Jan 25, 2015

• #6

handymike

Messages

10,997

Location

SoCal

I owned the Dalton boots and would go for Alden now and in the future.

 

• Jan 25, 2015

• #7

I

Isshinryu101

One Too Many

Messages

1,328

Location

New Jersey

You should REALLY look at Vass. For only a few dollars above the alden cost, you get a boot that is 3x nicer. Better shell and a truly handmade, handwelted shoe (as opposed to Alden with it's machine goodyear construction. Besides, there are a LOT more wonderful last styles to choose from.

 

• Jan 27, 2015

• #8

LuvMyMan

I’ll Lock Up.

Messages

4,558

Location

Michigan

Isshinryu101 said:

You should REALLY look at Vass. For only a few dollars above the alden cost, you get a boot that is 3x nicer. Better shell and a truly handmade, handwelted shoe (as opposed to Alden with it's machine goodyear construction. Besides, there are a LOT more wonderful last styles to choose from.

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That is true....and hard to beat any boots made by Vass. Nice style, leather is top notch, finish is far better and made to fit your foot.....and built like a tank compared to Alden. You can at times get a bargain from a person listing them on eBay. Cannot recall the seller's name, but you will find it.

 

• Jan 27, 2015

• #9

dudewuttheheck

I'll Lock Up

Messages

4,284

LuvMyMan said:

That is true....and hard to beat any boots made by Vass. Nice style, leather is top notch, finish is far better and made to fit your foot.....and built like a tank compared to Alden. You can at times get a bargain from a person listing them on eBay. Cannot recall the seller's name, but you will find it.

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This gets my vote as well. I love my AE shoes and they are absolutely worth the money, especially considering that you can usually get them on sale, but in the future I will be looking at companies like Vass and Carmina for my non-work boots and leather shoes.

 

• Jan 27, 2015

• #10

A

andrewrivas

New in Town

Messages

15

Location

San Jose, CA

I normally like AE since they tend to be less expensive but in this case, I think both are about the same price so I would recommend Alden.

 

• Jan 28, 2015

• #11

R

Richard Warren

Practically Family

Messages

682

Location

Bay City

I hate to say it but while a good pair of Aldens is better then one from Allen Edmonds, your chances of getting Aldens with a problem is high enough that you need to inspect them really closely. On shell cordovan watch out for the stitching /connection where the part with the eyelets (or the strap on penny loafers) is attached and don't be shocked if it comes loose.