Alden or Allen?

[Lonn]

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

 

[Whislerm]

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.

 

[LuvMyMan]

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.

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

 

[Fading Fast]

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.

 

[pawineguy]

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

 

[handymike]

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

 

[Isshinryu101]

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.

 

[LuvMyMan]

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.

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.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

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.

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.

 

[andrewrivas]

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.

 

[Richard Warren]

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.