2022.11.04 update

[The Ultimate Guide to Brands! Vol. 1 | ALDEN(1/3)


From tanker boots to chukka boots, Alden, a long-established shoemaker proud of its "made in USA" craftsmanship, offers shoes that every man dreams of wearing at least once. The main reason why ALDEN shoes have been loved for so long, having walked hand in hand with the history of American traditional style, is none other than their unique presence and unparalleled comfort.

This time, we'll explain in detail the essential points for understanding ALDEN brand, including its representative models, the meticulously selected materials such as cordovan, and the types, sizes, and selection of its distinctive "lasts" (shoe molds). Discover its charm from various perspectives and perhaps get your hands on your dream Alden shoes.
* Supervised by Lakota Co., Ltd., the sole importer of ALDEN products.



History | ALDEN A revolution in shoe design that combines tradition with comfort.

The pride of Made in the USA. 130 years of history built on American tradition.

Founded in 1884 in Middleborough, Massachusetts, USA, by Charles H. Alden , the company initially focused on manufacturing custom-made boots and made-to-order men's shoes.

Alden leather shoes are characterized by their excellent fit and exceptional comfort. In addition to using high-quality materials and the traditional Goodyear welted construction method, they are also known for pioneering the field of orthopedic shoes that can be comfortably worn by people with foot problems, revolutionizing shoe design.
This category includes shoes that use the "Modified Last," a shoe last frequently used by ALDEN , which features a strong inward curve.

The pursuit of exceptional comfort is an integral part of Alden's identity, and the technology cultivated through research and development makes a significant contribution to making all Alden shoes more comfortable and pleasant to wear.


*Quoted from Lakota House website

When founder Alden retired in 1931, the management was passed on to the Tarlow family, who have now run the brand for four generations.

Currently, ALDEN shoes are made in a modern, well-equipped factory built in Middleborough in 1970.
From rigorous quality checks of the leather used for the upper, to bonding the lining leather, sewing, lasting onto the shoe last, and finishing, each Alden shoe undergoes approximately 200 steps before completion. Among these, the highly skilled craftsmanship of hand-stitching each stitch, such as in the skin-stitch moccasin construction, is indispensable. Alden's high quality is supported by the brand's history of over 130 years and the pride of being "made in USA."

Materials Section | Our Commitment to Materials Beyond Cordovan

When it comes to classic American traditional style, pairing it with ALDEN 's cordovan "No.8 (burgundy)" shoes is a staple for traditional style enthusiasts, but in recent years, the number of people who love leather, enjoy the aging process, and prefer cordovan "black" for business use has increased, and now it's just as popular as burgundy.

Furthermore, ALDEN shoes are appealing because they use carefully selected, high-quality materials, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique characteristics of each type of leather. Here, we'll take a closer look at five of ALDEN 's most popular materials and explain their features.

1. Cordovan

Color: Black

Color: No. 8 (Burgundy)


The material that has become synonymous with ALDEN , "cordovan" (horsehide from the hindquarters), is shell cordovan from the long-established tannery Horween. This material, also called the "diamond of leather," is not only lustrous, but also characterized by how well it conforms to the foot with wear, and how the creases that develop over time are clearly defined and wavy. As any ALDEN enthusiast knows, these creases are considered the ultimate in style.

Cordovan leather itself is a firm leather, so it feels stiff when new, but it gradually softens and becomes more supple. Also, while black and No. 8 are the standard colors for Horween's cordovan, there are rare colors of shoes that are not distributed in Japan, which are a quiet topic of conversation among enthusiasts.


2. Calf


Using carefully selected materials from among many types of leather, these shoes feature a fine grain that becomes more comfortable with wear, developing a beautiful sheen. ALDEN 's calfskin leather, distinct from cordovan, also has a strong following.

3. Suede


We use suede carefully selected from leathers around the world. We offer around 10 colors at any given time, although the selection changes frequently, using two different materials.


4. Chromexcel


Horween's Chromexcel leather, often used in work boots, is characterized by its thick cowhide impregnated with oil, resulting in a sturdy yet comfortable fit. The way the leather softens and becomes more pliable as it ages, and how scratches and other imperfections develop with continued wear, contributes to its enduring appeal. It also repels water well, making it suitable for wear in any weather.

5. Utica


This rare leather, which ALDEN used for only about four years from 2015 to 2018, is no longer available. It possesses the ruggedness and warmth characteristic of materials produced by Horween Leather Company, and its rich oil content gives it a thick yet supple feel. The soft material breaks in easily, reducing strain on the feet, making it the "ultimate work leather." Its high oil content and glove-like surface make it relatively resistant to rain and dirt.