Alden Shoes
Almost everyone interested in quality footwear is probably familiar with Alden Shoes, but many don’t know that Alden is the company that invented timeless classics like the original Tassel Loafer, Indy Work Boot, and Longwing Blucher, which shaped the world of footwear we know today. Founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts, Alden is now the oldest shoe and bootmaker in America still operating.
The original Alden factory in Middlebury, Massachusetts 1884. Image courtesy of Alden Shoes
Early New England shoemaking was a trade where a craftsman made one pair of shoes a day in small cottages called "ten footers." In the 1850s, new inventions brought machines to shoemaking, boosting productivity by 500-700%. These methods improved quality and consistency, leading to growth of New England's shoe industry.
At the turn of the century, the shoe industry in eastern Massachusetts saw massive growth. Many new companies started, and demand increased as products were shipped west and south on new railways. Charles Alden's factory thrived, adding children's shoes to its lineup of men's shoes and custom boots. By 1933, when Charles Alden retired, operations moved to Brockton, Massachusetts, and joined with the Old Colony factory. At that time, the Great Depression hurt many shoe companies in New England.
During World War II, production demand grew, but by the late 1940s, rising consumer demand led companies to seek regions with lower labor costs. Over the next few decades, manufacturers increasingly looked farther away for affordable labor and materials to meet the growing U.S. demand for cheap, mass-market shoes. Most of the companies who remained in New England couldn’t survive the challenges of the post-war economy. When most others relied on lower-quality mass markets, Alden took a different approach, focusing on high-quality dress shoes and excelling in specialties like orthopedic and medical footwear. Alden grew during this time, especially in designing comfortable, orthopedically correct lasts. In 1970, a new factory was built in Middleborough, Massachusetts, where production continues today.
Alden is now the last remaining original New England shoe and bootmaker from hundreds that began long ago. Still family-owned, it continues a tradition of exceptional, high-quality, Goodyear-welted shoemaking.
Top row from left to right: Original Workboots, Rugged Workboot, Plain Toe Boot, Mocc Toe Boot
Bottom row from left to right: All Weather Walker, Plain Toe Boot, Chukka Boot
Today, their selection includes a range of casual and dress shoes, boots, and loafers. They are especially known for their use of Horween Shell Cordovan leather. Their most popular styles today are Indy Boots, Plain Toe Bluchers, Long Wing Bluchers, Chukkas, and of course, their Loafers.
Top row from left to right: Plain Toe Blucher, Mocc Toe Blucher, Chukka Boot, Plain Toe Blucher
Bottom row from left to right: Plain Toe Blucher, Mocc Toe Blucher, Penny Loafer, Ulined Chukka
Top row from left to right: Monk Strap Oxford, Plain Toe Bal Oxford, Wing Tip Bal Oxford, Straight Tip Blucher Oxford
Middle row from left to right: Wing Tip Blucher Oxford, Medallion Tip Bal Oxford, Straight Tip Bal Oxford, Straight Tip Bal Oxford
Bottom row from left to right: Norwegian Front Blucher with Handsewn Vamp & Toe Seam, Long Wing Blucher, Long Wing Blucher, Straight Tip Boot
Recently, with the rising popularity of loafers, they faced challenges and were unable to keep up with the demand for their Leisure Handsew loafers, leading to very long wait times for orders. This also led them to introduce machine-stitched loafers, which, in my opinion, lack the aesthetic appeal of the handsewn pairs. Even though they are very similar, most of shoe enthusiast immediately notice the difference.
Top row from left to right: Tassel Moccassin in Genuine Shell Cordovan, Calfskin and Suede
Bottom row from left to right: Full Strap Slip-On, Leisure Handsewn, Plaza Slip On
Their Leisure Handsewn loafers are my favorite in terms of aesthetics, but I also find that the last fits my foot really well. This is the most important factor with loafers since they don’t have laces to adjust the fit.
Let me know if you’ve had experience with Alden Shoes or if you have any favorite styles from them.
