   
Upper - Black Shell Cordovan from Chicago's Horween Leather
Outsole - Double leather dress sole
Last - Classic American "Barrie" Last
Many of our customers consider these the be the "perfect black shoe" and their single most versatile piece of footwear. Crafted in rich Horween shell cordovan, the black upper has a natural shine to it. This makes it an excellent dress shoe and an appropriate black tie shoe as well. Black shell requires very little polishing, so the shine stays without a lot of fuss.
But - given its comfortable Barrie last, rounded toe, and sturdy double-leather sole - it's an excellent casual piece as well. It looks great with denim, chinos, and corduroy pants. Not to mention, Alden's signature steel shank and natural cork filling in the midsole means that you can comfortably wear these all day long. If you need a solid black shoe in your closet, we enthusiastically submit this as the most versatile style that we've ever encountered.
GENUINE SHELL CORDOVAN
Shell Cordovan is a rare and wonderful leather. It comes from the skin of a horse's rump, and is vegetable-tanned for no less than six months. The result is an exceptionally non-porous leather with a lustrous finish, unbelievable suppleness, and serious durability. It readily conforms to your foot, only needs the occasional polishing, and is naturally water-resistant.As you wear Shell Cordovan over the course of several years, it develops rich patina and unique character. Genuine shell is expensive, but consider it a good investment. With the proper care, you'll get many years of wear out of it.
SIZING
The "Barrie" last runs approximately one-half size big. Order one half size smaller than your typical dress shoe size (e.g. order a 9.5D if you typically wear a 10D).
SHIPPING
Our apologies, we cannot ship Alden shoes to addresses outside of the United States and Canada.
RECRAFTING
Alden shoes are Goodyear welted and handmade by union craftsmen. As such, they can be easily resoled and recrafted by the factory. When you've worn out the sole (which will take a LONG time), you can return them back to Alden for resoling and complete refurbishing of the upper. The cost is approximately $125. With this excellent program, you can easily get many years of regular wear out of Alden's quality shoes. Which is important - as you'll surely grow very attached to them.
ALDEN HISTORY
The Alden Shoe Company was founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts - and it remains in that same town to this very day. Since its inception, the Alden Shoe Company has designed and manufactured classic gentlemen's footwear that represents America's tradition of old-school, custom shoemaking at its finest. They have the well-earned reputation of being the best shoe manufacturer in the United States, and one of the top shoemakers in the world.
Given a modern world that too often prizes the promotion rather than the product, you might well imagine these old-fashioned talents for craft and honest value to be irretrievably lost. Alden's footwear stands as clear, adamant proof to the contrary. Each of their classically designed shoes are handworked from the finest leathers, represent a century-old tradition of craftsmanship, and reflect in a quiet, sure way the solid values and timeless style of the man who wears them. Epaulet is honored to be one of their official dealers.
EPAULET PRESENTS ALDEN
In June 2009, Epaulet co-owner Michael Kuhle and documentary filmmaker/animation artist Tom Eaton visited the Alden Shoe Company in Massachusetts. During our stay, we were treated to a rundown of the entire shoe crafting process, a meet and greet with the Alden staff, and some seriously good cheeseburgers. We're thrilled to present a photo gallery by Michael Kuhle and a 12-minute documentary video by Tom Eaton. Please check them out, and see the dedicated people, intricate work, culture of excellence, and incredible attention to detail that makes an Alden Shoe possible.
Epaulet Presents Alden" 12-minute HD documentary by Tom Eaton (Hosted on Vimeo.com)
"Epaulet Presents Alden" Photo Gallery by Michael Kuhle
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