Alden 990Y Color 8 Shell Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher

Alden factory seconds (FD) plain toe bluchers in color 8 shell cordovan, on Barrie last with double layered oak tanned leather soles.  Size 9 US, in E width.  The Y suffix in the model # indicates an extended welt edge, although in my experience, the welt on this pair is not distinguishable in width compared to regular 990s.  Fully lined interior.  This pair was intentionally suntanned 3 - 4 days each week under California coastal UV rays, between May through June, to awaken color 8 shell's innate cherry & chocolate tones from their arrested slumber under Alden's factory-finish surface veneer of dark eggplant dye.  Photos were taken in both natural daylight, and indoors lighting at night to showcase the range of colors on this pair dependent on lighting condition.   The handwriting on the interior lining indicates this was manufactured in October 2025.  Purchased in April 2026, tried on once, and never worn outside.  While I've enjoyed owning this in my collection as an objet d'art that gives me great pleasure every time I admire its handsome looks and sturdy Yankee craftsmanship, I realized over the past 2 months that I don't really have a use case for such austere plain toe bluchers.  Selling to free up room, and hopefully raise funds, to acquire a pair of Barrie longwings (975) or an alternate shoe with perforation patterns, from which I would get more use in rotational wear.   Factory defect on this pair of seconds: (1)  In the left shoe's exterior quarter panel, there is an half-inch long scratch under the surface of the shell.  It's visible, but very faint to the touch.  It is not a surface laceration.   Overall, one of the finest factory seconds pairs that I have encountered.  Immaculate stitching, and perfect symmetry in the welt edges between left shoe and right shoe.   Ships with the factory seconds white shoebox originally mated to this pair.  Does not include shoe trees.  No returns.   Fit notes:   I'm 9.5 E US brannock, with wide toe splay, high instep, and narrow heels.  Despite Barrie's reputation for cavernous heel cups, this pair fits exceptionally well.  Achieving that "woosh" sound of air escaping from the shoe when sliding my feet in.  Since I haven't worn this pair beyond the initial fit trial, and haven't taken any steps walking in this pair, I can't comment on whether that initial stationary comfort would persist after extended wear and long walks.   But on the 1 other pair of Barrie lasted shoes I have, I do get redness at the instep after walking more than 5k steps at a time.  In case it helps, here's my sizing across other lasts: Alden Aberdeen:  9 E.  Not comfortable, tight at toes, with significant heel slip.  Moving up to 9.5 makes it worse, since the lack of heel enclosure causes my wide toes to slide further forward into narrow cone shaped front Alden Copley:  9.5 E Alden Grant:   9 E was way too loose at the heel, 9D too tight at toes Alden Leydon:  9 E Alden Modified:  wide range of 8.5 D - 9.5 D.  I've observed greater margins of manufacturing tolerance on this last, compared to any other last from Alden.  8.5 D fits perfectly on a couple boots, while 8.5 D on some shoes were so tight that I can barely squeeze my feet in, much less walk comfortably.  9E and 9.5D are also serviceable, but require thick wool socks.   Alden TruBalance:  8.5 E or 9 D Alden Van:  9E unlined cxl Allen Edmonds 65:  10 D, instep is too low Allen Edmonds 201:  10 D.  Much better at instep.   Allen Edmonds 511:  10 D.  Instep is painful, significantly worse than 65 last  Carmina soller, uetam, xim:  8.5 UK Crockett & Jones 240:  9.5 US (Peal & Co) Crockett & Jones 314, 325, 341, 375, 376, 393:   8.5 UK.  325 was too wide at the heel, and devoid of arch support.  Gaziano & Girling MH71:  9 E UK Saint Crispin's classic:  9 G UK Ticker's 11659, 4497:  8.5 UK Thank you, and wishing all Alden and welted shoe enthusiasts good luck, intriguing discoveries, and enjoyable journeys along the way in your eBay searches for interesting makeups and good value buys.  

Alden Model 990Y Color 8 Shell Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher SecondsBarrie Last Double Leather Outsole 360 Pre-Stitched Reverse Welt Extended Welt Sole Note these are Alden Seconds, which means they had small imperfections or defects from the factory. This is preowned condition, so please see pictures. Comes with Alden Seconds box (as shown) and shoe trees.

Alden 990Y Color 8 Shell Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher Shoes Size UK 7 || US 8 C\E || EU 41 Made in USA

Alden  Shell Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher Color is either Shell Cordovan or dark brown calf skin Very hard to tell the difference given the wear  Original size marking is unreadable Please refer to the last three images for real measurements  Used condition showing  imperfections/issues from being used/worn (as pictured) Creasing to the uppers in expected places, wear to the insoles,outsoles and heels Sorry,no original box Shoe trees not included Please refer to the images for style and condition details International bidders welcome Please feel free to navigate through my store as you may find something interesting Thanks for looking!

Men’s Vintage Alden 990 Postman Blucher Plain Toe Oxford Size 7.5. Made in USA. Color is either Shell Cordovan or Dark Brown Calf Skin. Very hard to tell the difference given the wear. Regardless, they’re beautiful shoes.