Collection: Alden
Founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts, The Alden Shoe Company manufactures quality footwear in New England with a dedication to high standards of shoemaking. The Northeast was once the bedrock of American shoe manufacturing from rapid growth in the late 1800’s through industrialization and mechanical innovations, until the Great Depression started a massive decline in footwear manufacturing in the region as companies endeavored to sell lower priced footwear produced by cheaper labor, an economic mentality that remains today. Rather than chasing the lower quality, mass-market products, Alden prospered by focusing on high quality Goodyear welted dress shoes and developing aesthetically attractive orthopedic Lasts. In 1970, a new factory was constructed in Middleborough where production continues today. As the only family-owned New England shoe and bootmaker remaining, Alden carries forward a tradition of shoemaking using premium aniline dyed Calf and Shell Leathers, signature orthopedic-based Lasts, natural vegetable tanned leather insoles, cork fill with a tempered steel shank, and oak tanned leather midsoles, all assembled with genuine Goodyear welting. Known for their classics like the Indy Boot, Chukka, Plain Toe Blucher, and Longwings, Alden has not only carved out a place in the history of American shoemaking, but also within the American style identity.