The “One-Year Review” column is back once again. This time, it’s the Alden Tassel shoes’ turn. Crafted from Shell Cordovan horsehide leather in the exquisite Color #8, these shoes hail from the well-known Horween tannery in Chicago, United States. This particular pair has caught the attention of many perceptive men who aspire to own them. MenDetails would like to review. After a year of regular use, what are our likes and dislikes about them?
Review of Alden 563 Shoes: “Beautiful but Weighty”
The Alden code 563 is Alden’s signature craftsmanship closely resembling timeless traditions with a no-compromise approach, featuring full lining, Goodyear Welted construction with meticulous sole stitching and a renowned Aberdeen shoe shape characterized by its elegant slimness and gracefully curved toe that embraces the ground with finesse which is a magnificent sight.
However, the allure of the Alden 563 is accompanied by quite the weight of the shoes. It feels like a substantial weight is bearing on our feet as we walk.
Additionally, Alden’s robust Goodyear Welt and Shell Cordovan are resilient and durable but inevitably reduce walking comfort.
Leather Wrinkles: Don’t Expect Similarity
The appearance of wrinkles in leather is influenced by various factors, such as the characteristics of each piece of leather used, the shape of our feet, and our individual walking styles. This holds especially true for materials like horse hip leather or high-density Shell Cordovan, which impart a distinct wavy texture. Even when two shoes originate from the same box, the wrinkles will display differently once worn.
For anyone considering the use of Alden 563, it’s essential to remember that do not expect the left and right shoes to have symmetrical wrinkles. These expectations can easily lead to disappointment. The optimal approach is to accept leather’s nature and be pleased with imperfections
Color #8 is More Universal Than You Might Think
The defining characteristic of Color #8 is its deep burgundy hue, which is so dark. When viewed in low-light conditions, it becomes challenging to discern, with the naked eye, whether it’s black or Horween’s Color No. 8. However, when bathed in sunlight, this burgundy shade takes on a subtle, captivating glow. Initially, we thought of Color #8, considering it “awkwardly,” it’s hard to say it’s formal black or even a clear reddish-brown. This uncertainty made me afraid of how often I’d be able to wear these Alden 563 shoes.
However, after using these shoes for a year, we found that Color #8 is the perfect point. It is close to black and also has the shine of Shell Cordovan. This means we can confidently wear them with a suit for a night out or pair them easily with jeans or chinos for the daytime. The hidden burgundy color makes the shoes more appealing, making them look attractive and not out of place when dressed casually.
The One-Year Review of Alden 563 Shoes from the MenDetails team’s experiences to reflect customer use insights based on over a year of wear. If you’re eyeing this pair of Alden 563 shoes, here’s what you must consider. If you don’t mind the weight of your shoes, desire one of Alden’s most iconic, and are willing to accept imperfections, take careful size selection into account and make your purchase.
However, suppose you prioritize comfort in your Shell Cordovan shoes and aren’t set on Alden as your only choice. In that case, MenDetails will explore other options and provide another review for you to peruse in a year. Stay tuned for more!