This article compares two popular shoemaking companies: Alden and Crockett and Jones.
A few differences between Alden and Crockett and Jones include the looks, how long they last (durability), and the fitting or size.
While Alden has a snug fit and grips your feet, Crockett and Jones have some room left, but not enough to look or seem oversized. Alden doesn’t make use of unique sets of lasts for their shoes, but Crockett and Jones do.
Let’s talk a bit about the history of Alden and Crockett and Jones
Table of Contents
History of Alden
Founded in 1884 by Charles H Alden, Alden shoes were made in Middleborough.
They are one of the original New England shoe and bootmakers, and perhaps one of the few left in the world today.
The Alden Indy boots are the most popular footwear from this brand. Other types of shoes by Alden include:
- Alden cap toe boot
- Alden Indy Oxford
- Alden long wing Blucher
FUNFACT: The Alden “Indy” boots were worn by Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones character in the films. Exciting isn’t it?
Pros
- Alden shoes look remarkable and are very stylish
- They are durable. These shoes are made to stand the test of time; you can wear them every day
- The leather despite being stiff is very comfortable and gradually fits
- The boots look terrific with denim jeans
- The shoes have a nice blend of classy and rugged
- The shoes age perfectly. They get even prettier as they age
- Alden offers shoe restoration services
- Alden shoes are handcrafted
- The Alden Indy boots have great arch support
- Shoes by Alden are versatile
CONS
- The shoes by Alden are very expensive! Especially the Indy boots. The prices are not for the faint-hearted
- The Indy’s have a somewhat complicated lacing system that can be quite tedious for wearers and might take some time getting used to. Sometimes it gets caught in the hem of your pants, which can be quite annoying.
- Alden shoes wear out a bit earlier than Crockett and Jones
History of Crockett and Jones
This is a shoe manufacturing company that was established in the year 1879 by Charles Jones and Sir James Crockett in Northampton, England.
It is a very prominent shoemaking company and has a good number of shoes, some of which include:
- Crockett and Jones Hallam Cap-toe Oxford shoes
- Crockett and Jones Pembroke Dainite sole
- Crockett and Jones Highbury
- Crockett and Jones Islay full brogue boots
FUNFACT: James Bond, that’s right! 007, wears the Crockett and Jones Highbury in the movie ‘No time to die’.
PROS
- Shoes by Crockett and Jones are of great quality
- They are classic looking
- They are durable
- Most of the shoes are made with quality leather
- They offer better traction and good ground grip
- The soles are slip-resistant
- They are very fashionable
- They are comfortable
- Shoes made by Crockett and Jones can easily adapt to current trends in the world of fashion
CONS
- They don’t offer much arch support but try to make up for that in the comfort of the toe and heel area
- They are prone to scratches
- The shoes are more expensive than Alden shoes
Alden vs Crockett and Jones: Similarities
- Both shoes use variants of shell cordovan leather
- They both use Goodyear welts
- Both are of good quality
- They both last long
- They are both versatile
Alden vs Crockett and Jones: Let’s get to the comparison
First glance
Alden
- Moc toe
- Rubber heel
- Neo cork sole
- Good year 270-degree welt
- Halfway lacing system
Alden shoes have Moc toes. Moc toes usually have a seam running around the top of the shoe. The heels are made of rubber.
It makes use of a 270-degree welt which leaves a gap between the heel and the upper It has a lacing system that starts halfway up the shank as the eyelets turn into a hook lacing system.
Crockett and Jones
- Shiny and sleek
- Good vamp and welt alignment
The welt is a strip of leather around the edge of the sole and to which the upper is attached. Crockett and Jones make use of the Goodyear welt construction.
The overall quality and durability
Alden
Shoes made by Alden are very durable. They use a variety of materials, one of which includes Chromo excel semi-polished leather.
This is the most popular and most durable. This choice is ideal for those who are interesting in doing hard jobs.
The suede material is also used in making some shoes and boots by Alden. However, shoes made with suede are likely to wear out quickly.
This choice is great for fashionistas who don’t mind how long their shoes stay with them as long as they are able to show them off.
Other materials used by Alden include aniline calfskin (which is soft and highly resilient) and kid suede (which is soft and supple). Simply put, shoes made by Alden are durable and last for a while.
Crockett and Jones
Crockett and Jones shoes are very durable. They are made of materials that give them a sleek and shiny look. When it comes to quality and durability, Crockett and Jones has an edge over Alden.
LEATHER
Alden
Some shoes by Alden are made with Shell Cordovan Leather. It is durable and has a well-polished or gleaming look. It is also crease-resistant.
Crockett and Jones
Crockett and Jones make use of full-grain box calf leather, which is very comfortable. Other types of leather shoes by Crockett and Jones are made of include:
- Aniline calf leather
- Wax calf leather is said to give extra comfort
- Woven calf leather. This is made by weaving strips of European calf. It gives a very distinctive look to the shoes
- Calvary calf leather. This is a strong calf leather with special surface treatment; it gives a very sleek and polished finish
- Scotch grain leather. This is supple and strong
- Country calf leather is suitable for a variety of styles
Sole
Alden
Soles of Alden are made with oak tanned leather. There is a steel shank for stability. Some soles are also made of Neo cork.
Crockett and Jones
Crockett and Jones outsoles are made of Dainite rubber soles. This sole offers good traction and is slip-resistant, making it ideal for walking on wet surfaces. It also has a wedge type of outsole. The midsole is a bit flatter.
Price
Alden
Alden shoes are costly, which isn’t surprising at all. A pair of Indy boots go for about 550 USD to 580USD. Check them out here
Crockett and Jones
Shoes by Crockett and Jones are more expensive but worth it. a typical pair goes for about $600-$650. You can check them out right here
Insoles
Alden
Shoes by Alden have vegetable tanning lining and insoles which will grip your feet in just the right way. They are very comfortable.
Crockett and Jones
The insoles of Crockett and Jones shoes are made with complete leather, which makes them very comfortable to wear.
Sizing/fit
Alden
Alden shoes are true to size. The heel is a different width from the rest of the shoe. The company makes shoes with a variety of widths. The shoes are roomy.
Alden makes use of modified lasts for their shoes, meaning some of the lasts for particular shoes are made from the lasts of previous shoes.
Crockett and Jones
Crockett and Jones shoes are true to size. They make use of unique lasts, unlike Alden. This means they make use of specific and unique lasts for a particular type or set of shoe, so that customers have a wide range to choose from.
So, while the shoes are true to the standard UK sizing, it’s always best to do research on the last used in making the shoe before purchasing it.
The width of the shoes is medium (neither too big nor small) and there is enough room for one’s feet or toe
My Overall: Verdict
Oh wow! What do we do? It’s a toughie, isn’t it?
I’m going to give you my honest, unadulterated opinion. The first time I saw a picture of a pair of Crockett and Jones… my legs turned to Jell O.
I’m not exaggerating. This opinion might seem a bit shall shallow but look at those shoes. I wasn’t even sure of their quality at that moment and I definitely wanted to get them, a few minutes later I discover that it’s top-notch!
What more could you wish for. I would definitely go for Crockett and Jones. However, that’s just my opinion.
It’s very important that we note that the differences between these shoes are very slim and so it’s best to go with your guts, and not be swayed by popular opinion. What do you think?
Are you as star-stricken by the Crockett and Jones as I am or are you completely floored by the beauty of shoes by Alden, are you ambivalent and considering getting both?
Happy shoe shopping!
Related: