Alden® for J.Crew shell cordovan longwing bluchers

These are in my top 3 unquestionably, I have had these 5 years now. They are very comfortable. After a very short break in, they conform to your feet nicely. The Barrie last is very accommodating and fit a wide variety of feet. The Barrie last looks GREAT in a longwing. The materials and construction are fantastic. This is such thick shell cordovan, the thickest of any of my shoes. But it is quite supple so it conforms well. The sole is nice and thick and fits the Ivy League, old-school aesthetic quite well. It has pinking all over the shoe, the punch holes are clean and centered. It is is so versatile. You can wear it with a wide variety of outfits. From suits to denim, this shoe can do it all, a true workhouse in your stable. Notes: The color is more eggplanty than true Color #8 which is a dark burgandy. Alden does their own treatment and applies a thick lacquer (for lack of a better word) to it. Also, someone on here said to size down a Half size from the Trubalance last. Don't.

This is my first pair of Shell Cordovan shoes from Alden and overall my 7th pair. This shoe is 100% worth the investment. Very little break in period. Comfortable out of the box. Goes with everything. Order a half size smaller than your regular size. The leather here is truly amazing. It does not crease; and the color is amazing so it allows you to wear with dark and light color dress pants or denim. Simply a very special item. Already have received tons of compliments whenever I wear them as people who know shoes can tell right away just how outstanding these shoes are. Make the investment!

Got these Alden longwings in both the Tobacco color (burnished tan) and in Color 8 shell cordovan, which is a dark burgundy with a purple tint that some people call eggplant. The shell cordovan is from Horween, a Chicago tannery that makes the finest shell cordovan in the USA. It’s on the Barrie last, so go down 1/2 a size from your Brannock size. Width also fits slightly wider than a normal medium width.

In regards to sizing, this shoe is in the Alden Barrie last. For me, this is 1/2 size smaller than my sneaker size. As for looks, these shoes are beautiful. They're Horween shell cordovan in the classic color. 8. They look classy enough to worn for formal occasions but casual enough to be worn with chinos on the weekend. Love these shoes!

Thank you J crew for introducing to Alden. This just arrived today and they are the best. I bought shell cordovan boots last year and they are the best shell cordovan I have ever had. Every time I wear Alden people notice them and I can see when they do. Thank thank thank you Jcrew

Just as the Indy Boot is a signature Alden model, so is the Color 8 Cordovan Longwing Blucher. Beautiful shoes that go well with most casual/business casual attire and can last a lifetime with care. You definitely need to break them for overall comfort as they are stiff straight out of the box. If you have never tried on a pair of Alden shoes before, their Barrie and Trubalance lasts both tend to run about a half a size larger than your normal dress shoe size. Regarding Cordovan care, many people/places may advise you to use all these various cream/wax polishes, but the best way I have found to care for shell cordovan is the "Mac Method." Basically, a horsehair brush, slightly damp rag, leather conditioner and occasionally polish. Invest in a good deer bone or inexpensive sleeking bone such as one from Abbeyhorn for additional cordovan care.