Alden
One of the most beloved and well-respected footwear brands in the entire world, Alden is one of too few shoemakers that continue to craft their shoes and boots in the US.
Founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden, the Massachusetts company refuses to budge from its dedication to quality—the best leathers including the hallowed shell cordovan, bomb-proof Goodyear welted construction—and remains hellbent on staying true to its time-tested models while making just subtle tweaks in collaboration with its tight collection of retailer partners. With a price point that starts around $500, some consider Alden a gateway shoe, while others can spend a lifetime of shoe-geekdom in nothing but Aldens. Both are reasonable camps.
