Today's Shoes

Alden two-eyelet plain-toe chukka boot in tobacco suede with a reverse welt and a mini-lug rubber sole that Alden calls "commando" (Barrie last). Standard Alden suede is dark brown with a very short nap. This suede is a rust brown with a significantly longer nap. It's much richer-looking and -feeling than the standard offering. I don't quite understand why Alden doesn't use it except for retailer make-ups or one-off special orders (like this one was, although Alden has suspended one-offs for the time being). Heck, I don't understand why more retailers don't do make-ups in it.