Alden Shoe Company

Alden's commitment to traditional craftsmanship, combined with their exclusive partnerships with premium tanneries like Horween Leather Company, has established them as a leading manufacturer of high-end footwear favored by discerning customers worldwide.

Alden Shoe Company was founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts, where the company continues to operate today. The company began as a small operation focused on creating high-quality footwear for the local New England market but quickly gained recognition for its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.

During the early 20th century, Alden developed its signature relationship with Horween Leather Company of Chicago, becoming one of the primary manufacturers to specialize in shell cordovan leather footwear. This partnership allowed Alden to create shoes using one of the world's most prized leather materials, setting them apart from other manufacturers.

The company gained significant cultural recognition when their boots were worn by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones film series, specifically the "Indy Boot" which became an iconic piece of both cinema and footwear history. This exposure introduced Alden to a broader audience while maintaining their reputation for quality and authenticity.

Alden shoes and boots are built using traditional Goodyear welt construction, which provides exceptional durability and allows for resoling throughout the shoe's lifetime. The company employs time-tested construction methods that have been refined over more than a century of operation.

Construction Features:

Each pair is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Alden's Massachusetts factory, where traditional techniques are passed down through generations of craftspeople.

Alden is perhaps best known for its extensive use of Horween shell cordovan, a premium leather made from horsehide that develops a unique patina over time. The company offers the widest selection of shell cordovan colors available from any manufacturer.

Shell Cordovan Colors:

Additional Premium Leathers:

All leathers used by Alden are carefully selected for their quality, character, and aging potential, ensuring that each pair of shoes develops its own unique patina over years of wear.

Alden shoes are built on traditional American lasts that have been developed and refined over decades. The company uses several different lasts depending on the specific model and intended fit characteristics.

Popular Lasts:

Sizing Guidelines:

Due to the traditional construction and premium materials, Alden shoes require a proper break-in period during which the leather will conform to the wearer's foot shape.

Alden produces a comprehensive range of footwear styles spanning formal dress shoes to casual boots. Each model showcases the company's commitment to quality and traditional American styling.

Dress Shoes:

Boots:

Many models are available in multiple leather options and color combinations, allowing customers to select shoes that match their personal style and intended use.

Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the quality and appearance of Alden footwear. The premium materials and construction methods used by Alden mean that with appropriate care, shoes can last for decades.

Regular Maintenance:

Recommended Products:

Professional Services:

Alden offers resoling services through authorized dealers, allowing customers to maintain their shoes for decades. The Goodyear welt construction enables complete sole replacement while preserving the upper leather and overall shoe structure.