Look what was waiting for me on my doorstep this afternoon:
Here is the follow up to this post… It took just over six weeks to get them back. Overall, I’m very happy. Very happy. Here are the results:
The contents of the package…
Right out of the box
Repaired the stitching
Unlined
Nice touch with the Brooks Brothers soles…
Add the new shoe trees…
From the back
Don’t forget…
As I said, overall I’m very happy. I think it was worth the cost to get these restored.
I would grade the work an A-. Why not an A+? Two things: 1. the corrected stitching looks like a patch-job. Not the end of the world, but the stitching doesn’t look as consistent as the rest of the shoe. 2. The right shoe (which had the stitching corrected) is a bit tighter than when I sent it (no big deal – I’m sure this will correct itself after a few rounds out and about and living with the shoe trees).
Now – the most important question – would I recommend this service to a friend? Probably.
Great work, Alden. I look forward to doing more business in the future. Especially since you included that catalog…
I bought a pair of "restoreds" from the AAAC Trad Exchange, and am exceptionally pleased with them. They look and feel "just broken in"
Alden does great work.
I was looking forward to seeing how they did on your 986's.
They look great my friend. Can't wait to see my longwing's return home.
Jeremiah
I just sent my calf tassel's of a while ago and lookign forward to their return.
What does the unlined mean?
They look good.
Respecting the right shoe with the corrected stithing, I wonder if it doesn't look slighly off (I don't really see it- but you mentioned it) because when first made, that stitching was done by machine, but now that they are assembled, the new stitching had to be done by hand?
I personally thought the shoes looked awesome before (I'm a big fan of the heavily patinated penny loafer), but I think these have achieved excellence, what with the new stitching and soles but keeping that burnished look about it.
I just received my first pair of Aldens that I won on ebay, the 681. For me, they are the perfect cross between a penny loafer and a slipper (because of the low vamp).