Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Moderators: Mike, Cajunkraut, Tennessee Smith
- Tennessee Smith
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10582
- Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
- Location: Everything we need is right here.
Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Well, just last week I took a family trip to Virginia and managed to take a day to walk through D.C.. Check out the national Mall, see some guys rappel off the Washington Monument and thoroughly get ticked off at the detours, road blocks and idiot drivers. That said I did manage to take a peek in the Alden store just on block away from Ford's Theater. So, after the quick history lesson of Lincoln I headed over to Alden for another lesson (killed two birds with one stone that day maybe that's not the best way to word those two... hmmmm)
Anyways, I walked in the Alden store which was rather small but very eloquent. Cherry wood, leather seats... $500 shoes, you know. As I walked in I was greeted by the store manager, Kathleen. An extremely pleasant woman that was more than happy to talk about shoes. I told her I was looking for the 403 and she walked me over to them, well we took 4 steps, it's a small shop. Either way, she asked if I had ever owned a pair. I told her I currently have a pair of 405's and loved them but wanted to see the 403's to compare the two.
The shelf she took me two had all 4 variations of the 403/405 with a few exceptions (light tan and a new Cordovan color being made as a special run). I noticed the 405 on display was a lot browner than mine (being the pumpkin run) and the 403's were almost chocolate with a reddish under tone. As I picked up the 403 she said the new feature about this boot is that it's made of cowhide whereas the 405 is made from horsehide.
That blew me for a loop... All I could think was jackets for a brief second but then turned that off and went back to the boots.
She also mentioned that while she has been working for the company 20+ years the 405 has always been a big seller. While looking at the boots she mentioned that it had only been in the last 2 years that the 405 had increased in offerings. She said the company decided to expand the styles of the 405 since the boot had been picked up in fashion magazines, and had already been made in small batches for individuals in different colors and with alterations. We also discussed J Crew's offering and at this point I mentioned the Indiana Jones connection, since I had seen it was called the "Indy" boot online for the J Crew boot. She said they never call it that and that only 2 other people had ever told her that in the store. I then pulled out my "I'm a dork card" and proceeded to recite Khan's monologue from Star Trek II.... in Klingon.
Honestly, she didn't seem to care or mind. I told her about our group and said it was certainly a niche crowd to which she replied "all of our customers are niche". I asked if I could take some photos for the site and she was more than happy to allow me to do so. After the pictures were taken, Kathleen discussed some of the history and details about the making if the boot. I told her I had seen an online "making of" video and she said she hadn't seen it but had heard about it. She said that after working there 20 years she knew of almost no one who got a tour from the outside so that video was kind of surprising when they released it.
Anyways, it was a wonderful trip and I had my feet properly measured by the store (already knew but just wanted to try on a few of them). I didn't get any boots but my wife did like the 403's a lot so... maybe Santa
I highly recommend anyone in the area to stop by the shop and talk to Kathleen, it was a wonderful visit.
Here are a few pics.
Enjoy!
-TS
Nope, not pecards!!!!
Anyways, I walked in the Alden store which was rather small but very eloquent. Cherry wood, leather seats... $500 shoes, you know. As I walked in I was greeted by the store manager, Kathleen. An extremely pleasant woman that was more than happy to talk about shoes. I told her I was looking for the 403 and she walked me over to them, well we took 4 steps, it's a small shop. Either way, she asked if I had ever owned a pair. I told her I currently have a pair of 405's and loved them but wanted to see the 403's to compare the two.
The shelf she took me two had all 4 variations of the 403/405 with a few exceptions (light tan and a new Cordovan color being made as a special run). I noticed the 405 on display was a lot browner than mine (being the pumpkin run) and the 403's were almost chocolate with a reddish under tone. As I picked up the 403 she said the new feature about this boot is that it's made of cowhide whereas the 405 is made from horsehide.
That blew me for a loop... All I could think was jackets for a brief second but then turned that off and went back to the boots.
She also mentioned that while she has been working for the company 20+ years the 405 has always been a big seller. While looking at the boots she mentioned that it had only been in the last 2 years that the 405 had increased in offerings. She said the company decided to expand the styles of the 405 since the boot had been picked up in fashion magazines, and had already been made in small batches for individuals in different colors and with alterations. We also discussed J Crew's offering and at this point I mentioned the Indiana Jones connection, since I had seen it was called the "Indy" boot online for the J Crew boot. She said they never call it that and that only 2 other people had ever told her that in the store. I then pulled out my "I'm a dork card" and proceeded to recite Khan's monologue from Star Trek II.... in Klingon.
Honestly, she didn't seem to care or mind. I told her about our group and said it was certainly a niche crowd to which she replied "all of our customers are niche". I asked if I could take some photos for the site and she was more than happy to allow me to do so. After the pictures were taken, Kathleen discussed some of the history and details about the making if the boot. I told her I had seen an online "making of" video and she said she hadn't seen it but had heard about it. She said that after working there 20 years she knew of almost no one who got a tour from the outside so that video was kind of surprising when they released it.
Anyways, it was a wonderful trip and I had my feet properly measured by the store (already knew but just wanted to try on a few of them). I didn't get any boots but my wife did like the 403's a lot so... maybe Santa
I highly recommend anyone in the area to stop by the shop and talk to Kathleen, it was a wonderful visit.
Here are a few pics.
Enjoy!
-TS
Nope, not pecards!!!!
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44484
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Tennessee Smith wrote:Nope, not pecards!!!!
Actually, yes....yes it is......
- Tennessee Smith
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10582
- Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
- Location: Everything we need is right here.
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Michaelson wrote:Tennessee Smith wrote:Nope, not pecards!!!!
Actually, yes....yes it is......
WHAT?!?!?!?!
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
I picked up a bag of Alden goodies in San Francisco last year, including a small jar of brick red Meltonian, and I *still* haven't opened it yet! I'm such a Pecards devotee that I'm hesitant to put anything else on my boots!
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44484
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Subcontractor. They handle Redwing Boot products too.Tennessee Smith wrote:Michaelson wrote:Tennessee Smith wrote:Nope, not pecards!!!!
Actually, yes....yes it is......
WHAT?!?!?!?!
Regards! Michaelson
- Tennessee Smith
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10582
- Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
- Location: Everything we need is right here.
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Inconceivable!!!
So, I've learned 2 things this week. Horsehide isn't just for jackets and you can never escape Pecards
Thanks M!
So, I've learned 2 things this week. Horsehide isn't just for jackets and you can never escape Pecards
Thanks M!
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
You know that someday Michaelson is going to be embalmed with Pecards, don't you? See, it really DOES preserve vintage leather!!!
I'm sorry, but I could NOT resist saying that, and yes I probably will regret it way down the road, but for right now...
I'm sorry, but I could NOT resist saying that, and yes I probably will regret it way down the road, but for right now...
- binkmeisterRick
- Stealer of Wallets
- Posts: 16926
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:22 pm
- Location: Chattering with these old bones
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
That's a great store and Kathleen is always a joy to work with. I ordered my 502 cap toe shoes through her and had exceptional service. When I needed new laces, she just gave me a pair. I used to work within walking distance of that shop, too!
- Bogie1943
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 941
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:08 pm
- Location: Southern Ohio
- Contact:
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Ah it's nice to see this. The last time I was in DC I kept trying to make it to this shop. I did however visit it one evening when it was closed to window shop lol. I'm sure if I have the opportunity to visit the store while open I will walk out with something. Most likely on my feet haha. Comfy feet, skinnier wallet. Worth every dime.
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44484
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
How do you know I'm not already, Dale?whipwarrior wrote:You know that someday Michaelson is going to be embalmed with Pecards, don't you? See, it really DOES preserve vintage leather!!!
On a more serious note, and to keep this non-political, unfortunately it's the nature of the business these days. There are more and more vendors selling 'product' under THEIR name, but fewer and fewer actual manufacturers MAKING different products to fill the needs of those vendors....so those manufacturers just subcontract their product to the vendor and it's sold under the vendors name. They just don't talk about it.
Regards! Michaelson
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
I should have known better. Of course, I can't really be sure unless you don't reflect in mirrors also.How do you know I'm not already, Dale?
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44484
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44484
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
- Hollowpond
- Legendary Adventurer
- Posts: 3834
- Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:52 pm
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
How did I miss this?
Great to see you actually write something up instead of spending your time making my life miserable!
Seriously though, great write up! And I cannot believe that as many times as I've been to DC, I've NEVER been to the Alden's store!!!! Gonna have to rectify that...
Great to see you actually write something up instead of spending your time making my life miserable!
Seriously though, great write up! And I cannot believe that as many times as I've been to DC, I've NEVER been to the Alden's store!!!! Gonna have to rectify that...
- Tennessee Smith
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10582
- Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
- Location: Everything we need is right here.
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Hollowpond wrote:How did I miss this?
Great to see you actually write something up instead of spending your time making my life miserable!
Seriously though, great write up! And I cannot believe that as many times as I've been to DC, I've NEVER been to the Alden's store!!!! Gonna have to rectify that...
With lines like that first part you obviously enjoy the torture
As far as the store was concerned, you have to make the trip. It was well worth it.
- twilekjedi
- Professor of Archaeology
- Posts: 1092
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:36 pm
- Location: If there's a bright center to the universe...
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Hmm, I'm going to be in the D.C. area later this month for the Smithsonian Air & Scare event. Must... resist... urge... to visit... Aldens store.
- Michaelson
- Knower of Things
- Posts: 44484
- Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
- Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Why? You only live once.twilekjedi wrote:Hmm, I'm going to be in the D.C. area later this month for the Smithsonian Air & Scare event. Must... resist... urge... to visit... Aldens store.
Regard! Michaelson
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
So you were in DC and didn't bother to look me up?
May have to meander into that store sometime, though I rarely go into the city.
May have to meander into that store sometime, though I rarely go into the city.
- Tennessee Smith
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10582
- Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
- Location: Everything we need is right here.
-
- Dig Leader
- Posts: 618
- Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2002 9:59 am
- Location: Belgium
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
shoot! I didn't know there was an Alden shop in DC. Been in DC three times in the past two years. Must stop there next year in April, when I'm back in the DC area.
- Luke Warmwater
- Dig Leader
- Posts: 414
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:28 pm
- Location: Kensington, MD
- Contact:
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Yeah, what's up with that? I live 15 minutes from the DC store. Next time make an announcement; we'll go with you.Mike wrote:So you were in DC and didn't bother to look me up?
I've bought five pairs from Kathleen and Joe, four for me, one for my wife and took a buddy down there to get a pair for him. Great place.
- baddates1
- Vendor
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 9:57 pm
- Location: The place where Lincoln is worshipped...
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
I know this thread is old, but does anyone have the address of the place?
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
I ordered mine from the San Fransisco store.baddates1 wrote:I know this thread is old, but does anyone have the address of the place?
never heard of this one before, carmel is the only other specific Alden store I've seen...sorry
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
Alden Shoe Company
921 F Street Northwest
Washington DC, 20004
(508)-947-3926
http://www.downtowndc.org/go/alden-shoe-company" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
921 F Street Northwest
Washington DC, 20004
(508)-947-3926
http://www.downtowndc.org/go/alden-shoe-company" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
So i lived in MD for 25 years and only learn about an Alden store AFTER i move away? Doh!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
- Tennessee Smith
- Site Admin
- Posts: 10582
- Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:47 pm
- Location: Everything we need is right here.
Re: Alden shop of Washington, D.C.
ouch
Well, if you ever go back to visit....
Well, if you ever go back to visit....