Alden Original Tassel Loafer

Men’s dress shoes boasting the gold standard of genuine Goodyear welt construction can run upwards of $800. They can certainly be worth every penny; however, the cash can be hard to cough up for those with class who may not come from important money. Sometimes it makes sense to walk a mile in another man’s shoes. It can also save you some. Tens of thousands actually. We regularly peruse eBay for pre-owned Aldens, the beloved “Made in USA” men’s dress shoe. These Alden burgundy calfskin Tassel Moccasins, while more than $400 brand new, were a mere $59 after shipping. That’s a better deal than cheap plane tickets to Europe on a discount website.

After a thorough polish, they cleaned up considerably well. In 12-18 months they’ll be an ideal candidate for Alden’s restoration service. Alden’s craftsmen will repair and refinish the uppers, completely remake the oak tanned leather soles, pack them in a new Alden box and polish them off with cedar shoe trees and cloth bags ($145, free shipping). Be familiar with your size and width in a particular maker’s shoe and last before scouring the world's largest thrift store as most sales are final. You can put the hundreds you save towards your plane ticket to Europe. Spring for business class.