Alden Color #2 PCT Balmorals

The Board Room shoe that isn’t. These unique monsters are truly a fashion statement. Combining one of the most formal designs, the Perforated Tip Cap Toe Balmoral designs with the most casual and unique of Shell Cordovan available, Color #2. These are truly a special variant. But what can make something more unique than ever? Well, why not a custom wooden box for this special design.

Color #2 Shell Cordovan comes from the “Color #” family that includes the truly classic Color #8 Shell Cordovan, which with its rich burgundy color has become synonymous with Cordovan. Color #2, alike the always coveted Color #4 Shell Cordovan, is made by taking the dye of Color #8 but applying it in a reduced amount, specifically 1/4 of the concentration. This yields a lovely reddish color that yields a nice mix of the Color #8 pigment and the natural shell tan shade. It is a light red color with brown undertones to it and it makes some truly killer boots! For 2023, Alden has mixed it up and applied their special finishing to the uppers, creating a richer look to the color (as opposed to the 2014 Color #2’s which were unfinished).

These shoes are based upon Alden’s Classic Catalog Shoes. The Alden 905 is one of their most classic dress shoes in their traditional catalog. Beautiful Burgundy Calfskin on the Hampton Last. A closed, formal Balmoral pattern mixed with a Cap Toe pattern. A tiny bit of play with the Perforations along the tip of the Cap Toe. Overall, this Perforated Tip Cap Toe Balmorals are a truly exquisite model and a classic Board Room shoe.

I have a few Aldens to say the least. As much as I love Alden, their boxes are “special”. There is just something funny about it. There is something special about opening up a Green Alden Box – and yet, they feel semi-lacking for the shoes that they house. The construction and quality of them, not to mention the size of the boxes just seem a little out of place. Well, these Color #2 Balmorals did not come with the Green Alden box. A first for me from all the Alden shoes that I have ever handled. Brogue, who made these shoes, made a custom box to go with them. A lovely wooden box with beautiful hinges and locking mechanism. The Alden logo and shoe specifications feel “burned onto” the box. A truly cool experience that I have never had with Alden, that makes these truly special shoes feel, well… truly special.

As stated, this design follows all of the traditional design elements of the classic Alden Perforated Tip Cap Toe Balmorals. Closed-lace Balmoral design. Cap Toe design adorned with a subtle – yet fun Perforated and Punched Cap Toe. Classic Hampton Last Cap Toe design. This is perfectly contrasted with Alden’s Color #2 Shell Cordovan. Brighter red bringing a playfulness to an otherwise straight laced model. The Color #2 is paired nicely with Alden’s famous Antique Edges. The Flat welt goes 270 degrees around the shoe, playing into the formal design with the closed off heel design. Overall, this design is a truly unique design that will draw attention to the quality and craftsmanship of the design and make of these shoes.

Enjoy some additional pictures of these beauties below.