To this very day, my Alden Plaza Penny Loafers are still my go to loafers.
They were designed to last and they have held up, but its something you can expect from the longtime shoe company.
Alden Shoe Company was found in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Just another guy in the many hundreds of shoemakers in New England from the 19th century that survives today.
And unlike other shoe companies which have been bought out by major companies, Alden is a heritage, family-owned brand. Still in Middleborough, Massachusetts and their leather supplier is Horween Leather Company, the last tannery left in America (note: Alden also sources leather from Europe). Alden has been using their shell cordovan (high-end leather) since 1930 and Alden is their largest cordovan customer.
Having specialized in leather boots and dress shoes (in the American “Indiana Jones” films, Harrison Ford is wearing Alden model 405 boots), these are high-end shoes that last long but are also dependable.
Alden also offers factory restoration for repairs, using original materials carefully handworked on the original lasts. These are refinished by hand and are returned back with Alden cedar shoe trees and cloth bags for the price of $189.
And I wear Alden Plaza Penny Loafers (#3556) which are fully leather lined with leather insoles and are made on a Plaza last. For those not familiar with Plaza last, there is a soft, square toe box and runs tighter in the mid-foot area to make it look more sleek, but fits longer (for those who need a bit more room in the toe area) than traditional US sizes but there is no need to size down. I find the 11D to fit perfectly for me.
When you get into dress shoes, you start to learn about “lasts”, because there is more than just the usual foot size, you’ll notice when wearing dress shoes, why does this shoe of the same size fit comfortably, while this shoe pinches the small toe area. This where knowing the differences from Alden’s lasts comes to play, may it be Plaza, Aberdeen, Barrie, Grant, Tremont, etc.
Cork underlying the insole to provide a gradual adjustment to the shoe shape overtime and oak tanned leather outsoles designed to last.
There is a hint of a square toe, which is acceptable for me as I do not like square toes.
These loafers are offered in burnished dark tan calfskin (cognac) and black calfskin, they are true to size, features a 270 degree flat welt and they retail for $565.
But for Alden shoes, these are great shoes that last and are well-worth the price and for me, work great for comfort. But I do recommend, if you have the chance to please visit a store that sells Alden and try different lasts. I would not buy online unless you which last works for you and this is very important if you are interested in Alden shoes.
Again, these are great shoes and you will not be disappointed by them!
