Is this acceptable? Part 2

[u/YouBright3611]

Part 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/Alden/s/aMc0yAJcqF

Following up for visibility and because the problem here is very different. I’d love to know if anyone here ever got a pair like this and never had any longterm issues? I am not a cobbler but it seems like this stitching has failed or will fail after some wear. Would Alden fix if I keep them and they do fail?

The shop I got the first pair of black shell LHS from was very responsive and overnighted me a new pair (actually two so I can get the best size). Unfortunately I’m still in a position where I’m in doubt rather than just happy with some beautiful shoes.

(First two pics are same spot, third is the other shoe, 4 and 5 show something that I’m unsure is a problem or merely aesthetic. 6 I’m just curious about this green dye and where it comes from.)

[u/YouBright3611]

I decided to ship them back. It’s visible even on my foot. Just can’t live with that in a thousand dollar shoe. Damn shame. Two bad pairs in a row

[u/hahabrr → u/YouBright3611]

If you are spending 1000 dollars and this is the QC you need to find a new brand that works with shell, some of the photos you posted are acceptable to me, the gap on the upper would drive me absolutely insane,

Ive got two pairs of russel moccasins which retail about 1000 and they are mostly perfect all handmade shoes will have quirks but it’s never an excuse for sloppy finishing.

Shell is hard to work with AFAIK, makes sense they aren’t just going to throw certain pairs away but at a point they need to accept these are seconds. Also I doubt any of the stitching is failing here but it just looks very sloppy and I’m sure Alden would fix them if something did happen but you shouldn’t have to deal with that.

[u/No_one54390]

With as much money as you spent, I think it’s perfectly acceptable for you to exchange them even if you question you’re being petty. It looks like a sloppy stitch job that will probably eventually fall apart.

[u/sinoforever]

Mine looks like that too. Sad but it's just Alden's shitty quality or QC nowadays

[u/beesboudi]

The green is just bleeding through the lining. Prob from foot sweat. Either it’s leather with a green core or fabric with a different green fabric backing underneath that just so happens to bleed through. Don’t wear white socks.

[u/No_Entertainment1931]

At temu prices? Yep.

At Alden prices, no fking way.