Chromexcel
Chromexcel
Alden Chromexcel Bluchers and Oxfords: Leather and Fit
Horween in Chicago makes Chromexcel by infusing each hide with oils and waxes, which gives Alden Chromexcel shoes a soft hand and a pull-up finish. Bend the leather and the color lightens, then settles back as the shoe rests. Our Bluchers use an open lacing pattern that accommodates a higher instep, while our Oxford styles provide a closer, cleaner line.
Alden Natural Chromexcel changes the most, moving from pale honey to deep caramel, and Brown Chromexcel develops a darker, richer shine. Light scuffs soften on their own, and deeper marks blend in as oils settle. Wear a Blucher with chinos on Saturday, and reach for a dressier Oxford on Monday.
Explore Our Alden Chromexcel Blucher and Oxford Styles
Each Alden Chromexcel Blucher and Oxford below pairs a toe style with its own last and welt. Compare the plain toe with the cap toe, or the Natural Chromexcel with the Brown. Select the pair that best suits your wardrobe, then open its page for sizing details and current pricing.
Alden Shoes: Classic Build, Modern Wear
Alden blends time-honored materials with current tastes, so nearly every man can find a shoe that fits his life. Trust Alden for a look and a fit that suit your daily routine, from the first wear to the thousandth.
Get the Right Fit
Our short video shows how to try on Alden shoes and judge the fit at home. For more on lasts and widths, read our Alden fit guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alden Chromexcel Shoes
Is Alden Chromexcel waterproof?
Chromexcel is not waterproof, but it resists water better than most calf leathers. The oils and waxes in the leather repel light rain and splashes. Heavy rain or standing water will still soak in and can leave dark spots, especially on Natural Chromexcel. Let wet shoes dry at room temperature with shoe trees inside, and keep them away from radiators and hair dryers.
How do I care for Alden Chromexcel shoes?
Brush your shoes after each wear to lift dust, then wipe them with a slightly damp cloth. Chromexcel already holds plenty of oil, so condition it only a few times a year and use a light touch to avoid darkening the leather. Shoe trees help the leather keep its shape, and our Alden shoe care products suit the finish.
Can Alden Chromexcel shoes be resoled?
Yes. Many of our Chromexcel styles use a 360-degree Goodyear welt, so a skilled cobbler can replace the outsole without disturbing the upper. A resole every several years keeps a well-cared-for pair in your rotation for decades.
The History of Alden Shoes
Charles H. Alden opened his own shoemaking business in Middleborough, Massachusetts, in 1884, just as shoe production across eastern Massachusetts was booming. The company built its name on custom boots and men's shoes, and it added children's footwear as demand grew. When the Great Depression closed many competing factories, Alden kept its doors open.
In the postwar decades, many manufacturers moved production overseas to cut costs, but Alden stayed in Massachusetts and kept its focus on well-made men's shoes and custom boots. Skilled shoemakers in Middleborough still build every pair. Today, the family-owned company is the last of the original New England shoemakers still in operation.
Shop Alden Chromexcel Bluchers and Oxfords at The Shoe Mart
The Shoe Mart has sold quality shoes since 1956, and three generations of our family have helped men find the right fit in Alden. From a Natural Chromexcel plain toe Blucher to a Brown Chromexcel long wing, we carry the pair you want, plus Alden accessories to keep it looking its best. Questions about last or width? Call us at 800-850-7463 or send a note through our contact page. Our Alden experts know these shoes well, and you can see the leather in person at our retail store in Norwalk, Connecticut.
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