A quick revisit to this collaboration between Alden, Self-Edge and Leather Soul. This time we take a look at the tan Horween natural Chromexcel version which sits as a nice alternative to the black. A colourway which will appeal to those who like to follow the progress of an ageing leather, this is one for the patient. Sure to only get better with time, this 40s style boot isn’t one to be precious with, that Goodyear rubber sole is there for a reason.

Two smitten-worthy outfits come together to bring us this sleek, utilitarian boot. Denim purveyor Self Edge describes their niche in the world this way: “We don’t see a pair of jeans as just a pair of jeans. We see them as part of your life—something that ages with you and, like you, only becomes better with time.”

We couldn’t agree more, and, in the case of a quality piece of footwear, the same rules apply, which is something Leather Soul seems aware of by their own credo: “Aloha, our passion is for craftsmanship, style, the perfect fit and uncompromising service.”

One hundred pairs of the Alden boot were produced in each of two colors—black and Horween chromexcel (tan)—both bearing the telltale detail of a stitched mock toecap. You can pick them up starting February 18 at either Leather Sole location (Beverly Hills and Waikiki). In addition, Self Edge will be releasing an Iron Heart collaboration jean as part of the package.

More looks in our gallery…

Today, we head over to Europe for a taste of Italy through the eyes of Marco Ravanetti, the editor of one of our favorite sites, Men’s Reveire. We asked him to pick eight of his favorite items for the holidays; goods that could serve as gifts for just about anyone. We of course get a very discreet list what can only be seen as a very considered offering.

As Mr. Ravanetti tell us, “Yes, I do love gifts. A lot, although I don’t receive them very often. Due to this, eight, is a very tight number, therefore, I hope Jeff will allow me to cheat just a tiny bit.” Yes, sir, you can cheat.

Click for more looks at the eight gift selections from Italy’s Marco Ravanetti.

It’s a real shame expensive shoe companies don’t do perfumes. That’s one of our oddest starting sentences, but bear with us. As we all know, perfumes are the gateway drug into a brand. There’s no equivalent in men’s shoes for that, except for something like this wax. Get this and keep it in your living room, telling people your cordovan Aldens are getting repaired. It’s the new millennium version of ‘my Ferrarri’s in the garage’. Browns has it.

Richmond VA’s Need Supply works over a pair of Indy boots with New England’s Alden shoe company. Since we’re all familiar with the quality of Alden (no questions there) it all comes down to the colorway. This one is a win. the Tan Dakota upper, all around Goodyear welt construction with white stitching looks great against the brown laces as well. The eyelets also get some special treatment. Finished with a white Vibram sole. Find them at Need Supply.

More looks after the click.

At this point writing about Alden is damn near cheating. After all, their shoes are the sort of thing you’d wear to impress your partner’s parents – and we mean that in the best way possible. These Cordovan shoes are the sort of shoe we’d seriously consider entering Occupy Wall Street for. Although spending half a grand on shoes isn’t exactly OWS behavior. Tres Bien has them.

Alden wraps their classic wingtip blucher shoe with oiled tobacco Chamois leather for the Leffot shop in New York City. The buttery look of the leather gives these wingtips a look which is almost asking for a distressing; wear them and make them look like shoes should – worn. The lugged sole and water resistant finish will give them years of us. More than likely, these wingtips are a short run affair, so jump on them immediate.

More looks after the click.

Another superb Alden, Leather Soul collaboration. This is the Milkshake Saddle, sounds pretty tasty right? Soft, creamy suede sits alongside the oddly named “dark brown lady calf.” Brass eyelets, antique edge trim and Alden’s made for comfort flex welt construction. We’re not sure whether to wear them on a country walk or stick a straw in ‘em. Hit Leather Soul for more.

Click for more

Another spot on collaboration from this pair, you’d be hard pressed to find a product by these giants of footwear world that we wouldn’t happily slip our feet into. A fine pair of double stitched cap-toed boots, slim, smart with ‘a higher and slightly tapered toe box’ thanks to the Grant last. Horween shell cordovan, this particular variety is known as ‘Ravello‘, a colour, Leffot tell us, as rare as it is good-looking. These speaks for themselves, more images after the jump.

More looks after the click.

Alden continue to show off their skills with these suede boots. Khaki with a cap toe, slim and neat, these are an all-situation type of footwear, keep on walking straight from the office to the bar with no problems. If you’re looking for a more refined take on the Indy then these might just be your thing. Available at Leather Soul.

More look after the click.