Alden Color #4 CT Boots on Crepe
Well, I could have never imagined me getting these… That may surprise you… I mean this is a Color #4 Shell Cordovan Cap Toe Boot. How could anything get better than that? I agree completely! But one thing that I have always had mixed feelings on was Alden’s Plantation Crepe outsole.
Plantation Crepe is a special outsole made by Alden, among other vendors, that are designed to provide superior performance in the rain. It utilizes the latex from rubber trees that is processed to create a soft and yet sticky material that has superior water resistance and traction in more inclement conditions. One concern with Crepe outsoles is that they are sticky, providing extreme grip. Which can be a blessing and a curse. Alden has learned from their 100 plus years of shoemaking and has learned that a short patch of Leather Outsole at the toe goes a long way. Preventing the accidents that can occur when a toe sticks while walking.
So why have I had an aversion to the Plantation Crepe outsole? Well, if you can’t tell from my website name, I live in San Diego. A city known for sunshine and beaches. San Diego isn’t exactly Seattle and we get rain, but it is few and far between. I also find it a bit oxymoronic to have a rain forward outsole on a truly exquisite lighter shade Shell Cordovan model. At the end of the day, if it is raining, I am not going to reach for a Color #4 model, as I have a small army of shoes that I go to for the rainy days.
One additional perk of the Plantation Crepe is it is incredibly comfortable in the sense that it provides a strong cushion effect due to the attributes of the Crepe. I have often heard it touted as Alden’s most comfortable outsole and so I felt compelled to overcome my perspective and give it a shot.
Moving beyond the Plantation Crepe outsole, let’s talk Color #4 Shell Cordovan. For those who are unaware of Color #4, it is one of Horween’s truly magical shades of Shell Cordovan. It uses the same dye of their classic Color #8, their phenomenal Burgundy shade that is synonymous with Cordovan, but at half the concentration. This yields an absolutely amazing shade that is a perfect combination of brown and red. The perfect shade for a perfect style!
These Boots were a special makeup from David Wood. I had the chance to visit them in October 2024, when I was on the East Coast (a day or so after my Alden of Washington DC visit that caused me to get these Ravello Medallion Cap Toe Bluchers). When I was there, in conversing with Sara, I learned about this model and decided to join the run. I mean, if I was ever going to join the Plantation Crepe club, why not do it on a Color #4 Cap Toe Boot? The specifications of these boots fascinated me. These boots are Alden’s super clean and yet sophisticated Cap Toe design. Not on the Grant last, but rather on the Barrie Last. The Barrie Last provides a hearty feel to the boots and allow it to straddle the dress and casual world. These Color #4 wonders are matched nicely with Alden’s Antique Edge and lovely Brass Hardware. This package comes together to create a truly special, dressy yet sporty aesthetic that few models can match.
Well, that is enough on a truly unique Boot bringing the best that Alden has to offer together into a refined package. How about some more pictures?
