cordovan wingtips or cordovan loafers
i did make it by the alden store last week when i was in new york (one of the only stops we made besides our meetings). i tried on the 986 cordovan loafers. i took a few steps around the store and decided to wait (my co-workers didn’t share my enthusiasm for aldens plus we were pressed for time). now that i’m back i can’t make my mind up between the loafers or the wingtips in the cordovan color 8. my shoe collection lacks a pair of wingtips, but everyone i know swears by the 986 loafers. which one do you prefer?
to take the train 
First off, I’ve really enjoyed reading your site since I found it a couple months ago.
To answer the question, I am not a huge fan of loafers and I think the cordovan is wasted on what is meant to be a more casual shoe. I would go for the wingtips. The combination of the styling and the cordovan make for a really handsome shoe in my opinion.
Wingtips if that’s what you’re lacking… Of course, spring is right around the corner which means time to break out loafers more often. This was no help. Sorry.
Definitely the longwing bluchers. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds MacNeils and love them. I actually like the shape of the wingtip details on the AEs better than the Alden’s. You should check them out too.
How are the Indy boots working out? I was about to buy the 403s the other day, but went for the Wolverine 1000 mile boots instead. 403s were a little too maroon for me.
I am going to take a look at the McNeils. Thanks for the tip.
I dig my Indy boots but don’t wear them as much as I thought I would. I don’t blame you for going with the wolverines. They’re much lighter. The Indy boots are heavy.
btw, lands end canvas has a nice pair of ae macneils in a brown leather. they are slightly burnished and look great in person.
I own the loafers and I like them. Curiously, I nearly always wear size 10.5, but my alden loafers are 10 which is a tiny bit small. Size 10.5 was clearly too large. They are breaking in nicely. Look great.
I have both. You will want to have both too to round out your wardrobe.