There is no one better than Jim/James at selling/consulting on the highest end shoes. In a world that is mainly about disposable shoes, James is invaluable. Alden is world class and they will a lifetime. read more

Incredible. James is the best shoe fitter I have ever dealt with (I'm 63). The product is fabulous, but this was more than just about the product. Absolutely worth a trip up from LA to get the benefit of his amazing expertise. read more

Impeccable customer service by people who deeply care, fitted me with a pair of shoes that I now wear instead of sneakers (that's how comfortable it is), bent over backwards trying to fit my son but to no avail. Did not dissuade them and were most gracious about it. They have me as their long term customer (even though their shoes trigger of the metal detectors at airports) read more

I love my Alden's! Jim is absolutely amazing, so knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about the product. He took the time to help me find the perfect pair, and his expertise made the whole experience seamless. This is my 4th pair, got the iconic Alden wingtips. Honestly, the shoes sell themselves, but having someone like Jim makes it even better. Highly recommend read more

I exclusively dealt with Jim and he was SO knowledgeable and SO helpful. Unfortunately the shoes I ordered did not work out for my husband, but that was not Jim's fault and he made everything so easy. Even though I am based in Los Angeles, I will certainly be coming to this store, and to Jim, for all our Alden needs in the future! read more

Great little shop with a good selection. I made the trip up from San Jose and went in knowing I wanted the 405s. Michael was super helpful and gave me multiple pairs to try on to find the best size. The thing that's so remarkable about Alden is the variety of widths that they stock, so you know you'll be leaving with a perfect fit. The boots, as expected, are top notch. Will definitely go again. They have some chamois plain toe boots that I simply have to have before too long... read more

Came in looking for a pair of boots and left completely satisfied! Super helpful staff who was very patient with my fitting. I ended up getting a pair of 405s which I have not stopped wearing since! Will definitely revisit again for my next pair. read more

The Alden Shop - Shoe Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

How lucky are we to have some of the best things so close to us? Fantastic shoes being one. My boyfriend had been reading online about the comfort of the 403 boots. When I saw what he was looking hearts shot out of my eyes! Finally! a REAL pair of shoes/boots. Yes! We are going! I could not wait for Saturday to arrive when we had our first day off together. We were promptly greeted when we walked in. All questions answered and before I know it he's decided...those are the ones. These are not shoes you will wear a few months and get rid of. They are not cheap, they are meant to be long-lasting. If you are unsure of what size to purchase, or...what size you actually wear they will help with that. LISTEN TO THEM. I think people often wear things they think fit but don't. Ultimately it is your call. You purchase what feels good but if it doesn't feel comfortable, don't get it. Great selection in store, outstanding customer service. read more

I bought 4 pairs of shoes from Alden in SF and it's been always a nice experience. The staff is professional and friendly. read more

This particular review is written by a guy who has to wear nice shoes to the office everyday-- and written for those who do the same. Those who do not live this life will think I'm nuts. Every man should own a great pair of boots or shoes. There's a reason why this company has survived beyond the 60's when lower-quality shoes became the more available choice. There is an entire generation of people who are beginning to realise what our fathers and grandfathers have known all along: quality shoes are worth the money. I'll venture to say most guys will (happily) spend $120-150 for a new pair of, say, Ecco every year or two when they could invest in a pair of handcrafted Cordovan Shell Aldens for 500-600-- and have them for the next 15-plus years? (In my grandfather's case, he had the same two pair--one brown, one black-- of Alden wingtip shoes for over 30 years!) Of course the short-term savings is more of a justification to my financier, eh-hem, fiancee and only a small part of the reason for buying a pair of handmade Alden shoes. Unlike Ecco, timberland, most of the crap at Barney's, etc., that quickly start to break down and lose their shape and support, your Alden boots and shoes will form to your foot and become more comfortable and look better over time. And when the sole wears thin? Alden has a restoration program where they will rebuild, resole and refurbish the shoe over its original wooden last-- not over some generally-sized cast iron thing used by some of your "finer" cobblers that provides a general shape and leaves weird markings on the insole. There's no denying the initial sting of laying out 4, 5, 600 bucks (plus tax) the first time you do this. But there's also no denying the feeling you'll have as your handsewn Shell Cordovan Alden's break-in and become a part of your life-- and the pride you'll feel 2-3 years down the road when you look at your Alden boots or shoes and think, "I don't know which is more handsome, me or these unbelievable goddamn shoes I'm wearing". read more

The Alden Shop - Shoe Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great service by Robert - Came in here with a gentleman friend of mine and was treated very well. Our salesperson was very kind by including me in the conversation and I felt very welcome even though I was a woman in the midst of nothing but men's shoes and accessories! The price is also very comparable if you are used to Ferragamo...around $300-$400 for regular calfskin to $600 for cordovan. read more

Always an enjoyable shopping and customer support experience here for sure, not to mention most excellent footwear. Robert here is always very friendly and helpful to the point where you feel eager to shop here again. I simply won't consider any other brand for non-athletic shoes. So comfortable, impeccable styling, amazing shoes really. read more

Jim was really great! Felt bad I was in a rush but Jim was extremely accommodating. I stopped by since I couldn't resist stopping by an Alden shop and I had frayed boot laces on my vintage boots. I asked to purchase some new boot laces and to get sized--Jim got all this done for me and more. Sadly I also found out I've been mis-sized in the past by another shop. Turns out my foot is pretty narrow. Jim brought out some Trubalance Indy boots in aa/b width and they unfortunately fit perfect. Anyways, I'd definitely drop by again if I'm in SF. Especially if I want to pick up some fresh Aldens. read more

The Alden Shop is reason enough to go to San Francisco. I'm only exaggerating a little bit. I've wanted to come here for a while, but I didn't have the chance to drop in until this last visit. The shoes are beautiful, the salesmen are friendly and knowledgeable, and the shop itself is very nice. If you've only read about Alden on the internet, you owe it to yourself to be sized on the lasts you're interested in. read more

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I've been wanting Alden Shoes for 10 million years and finally got myself a pair of Cordovan Straight Tip Blucher Oxford. I came in last month without any real intention to buy but the employee Robert Yocom didn't judge or seem money hungry. This past week, he helped me again with the same attitude/smile when I actually had the intention to buy. His professionalism truly makes any shopping experience smooth/pleasant. I wish it was the case that all salespeople help out their patrons without the urge to just push product because sometimes the rewards are just delayed. I guess it really depends what type of business you're in since this spot ain't no Foot Locker or flea market shoes on a tarp. Either way, I'm 1000% satisfied with my pair of horse leather dress shoes and won't hesitate to contact Alden if I need a complete repair of my shoes (full service is like $169). Alden is a great American producer of super high quality leather shoes. If you want the best leather shoes of your life that will last forever (if you treat them right), this is your jam. read more

Fantastic little jewel box of a shop with a full selection of Alden Shoes and really good old school service both in store and through their online shop. I've purchased two pairs from their store and one online and have been very impressed with their service and of course the quality, comfort and style of their shoes and boots. If you are going to spend this much on a pair of shoes/boots then you would expect some level of higher service than the average shoe purveyor, but these guys are really on their game. Most recently when I was there Jim was running the store and was super helpful professional and friendly. The Indy boots are by far my favorite and will last a long, long, long time if treated well. I'm glad they've made it through the pandemic and hope they are around for a long, long time. There aren't many of these places left! read more

The Alden men's shoe store is amazing. First of all, their product is fantastic. Not only are the shoes made well, the store has a seemingly endless supply of sizes and widths. Also, with this being one of only two Company owned stores (the other being in Washington DC), they can provide insight into new / old styles and different features and options. Second, the customer service is phenomenal. Although their shoes are pricey, the store is small and it can be very busy from time to time. Even when this is the case, they always do a great job at guiding folks into the right product without overselling. Robert has always been especially helpful when I visit the store. Overall, this is one of the few stores left in SF that offer great, time-tested products with very good, personal customer service. I look forward to coming back again and again. read more

Just bought my 1st pair of Alden cordovans--handsome shoes! PROS: nice selection of shoes. The gentlemen in the store were most friendly and patient: thank you, Michael. CONS: . . . One of only 2 Alden stores in US, the other in DC. Apparently the brand is very popular in Korea??? Anyway, very happy to own a pair of these quality shoes! Cheers! RS read more

I've bought three or my four pairs of Aldens from this location. Each time the experience has been excellent, and their shoes are, hands down, the finest footwear made in the United States. This review is mainly to clear something up about the Alden store which I've read in a number of comments, namely the service. The Alden Shop has a very different attitude to service than most US stores. They function very similar to a Savile Row store. Their wares are excellent, and expensive. This means you don't engage with customers other than a brief greeting to start with. It avoids embarrassment is you walk in and don't know what you've gotten yourself into. 90% of people walking into a store are going to think $600 is a lot of money for a pair of shoes, and leave. Note: it is a lot of money for shoes obviously, but worth every penny! This apparent coldness is a form of old world politeness. However, once you engage with a sales person, I've found them to be friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and professional to a fault. All direct questions were answered directly. But these guys will NOT inject their opinion unless you ask them to. That would be rude. Someone wrote a review about their youth being a potential reason they were ignored. I doubt that. I'm extremely young compared to the average Alden shopper, and have walked into the store wearing a Kermit D Frog t-shirt and red shorts, and walked out a happy customer with a $700 pair of cordovan dress boots. It's San Francisco for god's sake. I'm pretty sure that the staff are aware that there are at least a few young people around with money. I understand that this is maybe not the most understandable approach to take for a general American audience. If you want a guy to shake your hand like a used car salesman and chinwag with you about their opinions on leather, go to Dillards or something. The Alden Shop has an old world charm, attitude, and calmness befitting the quality of their shoes. If you need to be coddled when you go shopping, take your mom. If you like being treated as a man, you'll enjoy the Alden Shop. read more

The last time I had a lovely shopping experience like I did at The Alden Shop SF was Harrods in London. Jim was working the store alone and made sure I and the other two men shopping had the equal amount service. He also gave me a demo on how to polish and tie my new shoes. Thank you Jim! I'll definitely be back. read more

I visited the shop to exchange my online Cordovan Chukka order with a smaller size. While the shop was awesome with vey wide selection, they were so cold that I felt very unwanted and felt extremely uncomfortable and shaken like never before. I took the size that I wanted and left. I'm not sure if that's their behavior with everyone or only me. I even sent them a mail when they forgot to put my polish in my bag, but no reply. Maybe they don't appreciate my business. I will take my business to Allen Edmonds, for Cordovan shoes, in the future. Venkat read more

Giving a bad review of Alden because you dislike their style is akin to giving El Farolito a bad review because you don't like burritos. No disrespect, I'm just saying . . . Alden's aren't for everyone. Alden's are not fashion forward. They do not have an elongated toe box that ends in a sharp point and curve to the high heavens. They don't have bizzare antiquing that seems to be so popular with high end shoes nowadays. Alden's are for the old man, and people who love old man style. If you like the Ivy League look, Mr. Rogers, or the costume designs in The Hudsucker Proxy, Alden might be right for you. These are not cheap shoes, but they are probably the best value you can find out there. For example, the unlined chukka boot runs about $350, while a very comparable Crockett and Jones version runs about $600. I can't think of another maker in the same price range that offers a similar quality Goodyear welted shoe. Most shoes at this price level, especially the Italians, love to use glue. Glue = bad shoes. Alden makes some of the most kickass cordovan shoes out there (Carmina's from Spain are pretty sweet, but very very hard to find Stateside). I love wearing shoes made from a membrane in a horse's ass. And if you are super lucky, you can find cordovan shoes here in the oh so rare whisky cordovan. You will be the envy of every Japanese dandy. Alden also stocks a wide variety of widths. So if you have a super narrow or girthy foot, here you go. The service here was excellent. No snootiness, even though I have come strolling in with Vans and am on the young side, though old man at heart. UPDATE 06/30/08 Can I tell you how great the service is here? Back in February, I asked if the store would be getting in a certain really rare shoe (Alden lovers, take an educated guess). To my surprise, the staff said yep, the shoe was coming in, but at some unknown time. I gave the store my phone number and asked to be called as soon as they came in. To be honest, I was a little skeptical about a call, considering the sales person wrote my number in a non descript notebook. Flash forward four months, and I get the call! Seriously, the Alden Shop totally made my day, week, and month. It's almost embarassing how much I love this pair of shoes. I especially appreciate the fact that they called when they could have sold out this shoe in a heartbeat (which I think they did). read more

All the good customer service Ive received is usually of ethnic fare. Usually due to the fact that I eat out a lot. Ive yet to experience good ol fashioned American hospitality until I made the trip north for a fitting. I had plans to just get sized for my last of choice and go order a special limited edition from Leather Soul in Hawaii but the service alone is why I chose to pay the sales tax on $500 boots. Do yourself a favor and stop by. The staff are amazing at what they do, they taught me that a person generally has three sizes that fit them, one being the best. We found a pair of Indy 403 boots which are fantastic for day to day casual work wear and I wear them 4-5 times a week and they are my most prized possession. Be prepared to spend serious money, but what is a gentleman without fine footwear? By the way, Im a 24 year old self employed college student. I just saved money for two months to make a purchase. :) read more

Passed by the shop on my way to Allen-Edmunds. I was in need of new shoes but wasn't familiar with Alden shoes. I initially stopped in while on the phone with my wife. I hate talking on the phone while in stores, don't want to be 'that guy'. Robert greeted me and was very nice, even apologized when he realized I was on the phone (I was wearing ear buds), even though I was the rude one on the phone. At first I just picked up a few pairs and just glanced before I continued on my way to Allen-Edmunds. Once I arrived at Allen-Edmunds I realized the quality at Alden far exceeded anything I picked up at Allen-Edumds. So I returned to Alden. Robert was very patient in answering my questions and explaining the difference between the shoes. After trying on one Cordovan Wing Tip Boot I was instantly in love. Never has my foot graced such a nice pair of boots and I felt it was a perfect fit. I purchased the boots and was very happy with my decision. Upon returning home in the evening I discovered one of the boots had a speck in the middle of it. I discovered it wouldn't wipe away and immediately emailed the shop. I quickly received a reply indicating they would be happy to ship me a new pair (including pre-paid return shipping box) or they would set a pair aside for me to pick up. I later returned to the shop to replace them, this time knowing to examine the pair carefully. It turned out to be a piece of gold flaking from stamping the interior of the boot. They brought out a new pair and after further investigation I found a different defect. While the gentleman assisting me was working on correcting the defect another member of the team found another pair in my size. The third pair looked perfect and they happily swapped it out for me. I couldn't be happier with both the customer service as well as the quality of the boots. They're very comfortable and I know they'll last for years. I'll be returning to get another pair in a different color in the near future and look forward to bringing my father-in-law in as well. Customer for life. read more

I'll go 4 stars, be it with hesitation. Now here's the thing. I'm an insane fan of Alden shoes, and especially Alden boots, but there is a bit of attitude in the shop. Perhaps this stems from decades of under-appreciation during the years when Americans shunned their own tradition of quality in search for prices in the mid double digits. If that's the case, then fine. If not, they really need to get with it and soak up the renaissance that shoe-making is currently having. The shoes leave no question. Worth every penny in classic styles, epic leathers made in very few remaining places, and being infinitely re-soleable you really do get your moneys worth. (I know, I know, it doesn't seem like it at first.) So the quality and product has never been a question in my mind, I own two pairs and am planning on a boot purchase in the near future. They are truly an American treasure. My only final gripe is that they seem to be totally fractured from Alden themselves. Now I can understand being a franchise, separate store, or whatever the multiple situations stores are in these days. But to have NO ability to get me what I want seems weird. To this day their motto is: "Custom Bootmakers", and what I want is literally want a pair of custom boots, high-boots to be exact. So whats the deal? P.S. I said this is 3 $'s because I don't see it as "Ultra High-End", its just a quality good, and quality comes with a price. These aren't some glued together pair of Gucci loafers, these are the real deal. read more

The guys here do know more about Alden than folks from other boutiques. Maybe, it has something to do with the fact that they are factory owned. As to the products themselves: people often ask me if the shoes are comfortable besides looking classic, my answer is yes. They're not soft and I don't recommend wearing them for basketball or hiking, but believe it or not, my feet like them more than Nike and New Balance. read more

As one who makes things with their hands, i have always had a deep affinity for stuff from the past, not just old things but things made the old way, by hand and with meticulous attention to detail and virtuosic craftsmanship that doesn't end at a "price point"--mechanical watches from IWC, and Breguet; Henry Poole made-to-measure suits; "Aliens" (SLCDs) from CCH, outdoor gear from Arcteryx, and shoes made by hand from Alden. I had worn Alden shoes for quite a while but i had never been to one of their stores, indeed there aren't many. But San Francisco has one, so i stopped by not long after i moved here. I didn't buy a made-to-measure pair, there was no need, the Alden Shop in SF carries an astonishing range of sizes (and multiple widths per size) for nearly all of the shoes in their catalog. From the SF shop i bought a one of their classic models, which Alden has been manufacturing and selling for over 60 years. The model name is "All Weather Walkers", which is misleading. In fact, these are traditional dress shoes with a very heavy (and very heavy wearing) crepe rubber sole--dress shoes on top, hiking boots on bottom, i suppose. If your trip from home to office involves more than a few minutes of walking, and you prefer not to wear the same shoes to the office that you wear to the gym, then the AWWs are what you want. These shoes are made by hand as they have been since 1884. The company began operations in Middleborough, Massachusetts and that's where their HQ and factory are located today. The company was founded by C.H. Alden; today his great-great-grandson runs the show. Already an established company, Alden survived the great depression, then saw their business grow when they made shoes for soldiers during World War II. Over the past three decades, the growing demand for global luxury branded goods and the unfortunate ambivalence towards quality and the subtlety of genuine style have of course caused shrunk demand for Alden shoes. And yet during all of this time, Alden never succumed to the temptation to take short-cuts on their processes or their materials. In the past few years, after languishing for many years, the demand for Alden shoes has surged as word of their extraordinary quality has slowly spread (i don't believe they even advertise)--a trend perhaps accelerated by the Internet, which connects small and otherwise isolated pockets of like-minded people through chat-rooms, bulletin boards, etc. devoted to quality men's clothing (e.g., askandyaboutclothes.com), and provides expert advice to those (like me) who visit from time to time seeking advice about shoes by Alden, shirts by Ike Behar, etc. read more

This is the place for "grown man" shoes. We are fortunate to have an actual Alden retail store in SF. There are other retailers who carry their shoes but it helps to get them from the source. It helps for selection and sizes. Not to mention they have a small section of shoes on sale. I've been helped a couple times by Jim. He is friendly and attentive but not pushy. I've seen how he interacts with others and he lets people browse, but also asks if they're looking for any syle in particular. I've found this to be one of the reasons I've come back to purchase my shoes here opposed to other retailers that carry Aldens. On both occasions Jim took the time to advise me on how to care for the shoes using shoe trees and how to properly clean them. These are the intangibles you get from seeing the specialists. read more

Been buying Alden's from online stores and third party retailers...turns out I've been getting the wrong width. Problem with third party stores is they only carry one width, D. Came here with a buddy, when I convinced him to drop coin on some Alden's. Larry, the sales person who helped us was a wealth of knowledge. He knew the in's and out's of all different lasts, and sizes. He helped my friend get his first pair and it fit perfectly. Even though he knew I wasn't in the market for a new pair, he sized me and it turns out I'm an E instead of D. It was a busy Saturday afternoon but Larry made it look easy, the other sales person and he did not neglect a single customer, they made every feel welcomed. I am fortunate enough to have an Alden in my state (350mi away), I wish I had come here before I started my collection of Alden's, that way I would've gotten the right size. If you are in the market for a $500+ pair of shoes, take the time to come here and chat with Larry, you will regret it if you don't and end up with the wrong size. read more

Unlike a glaring error in someone's earlier review, there are plenty of "third party" shoe stores that sell Alden in more than D width - all you have to do is to be able to read. However...nothing like visiting the "mothership" in downtown SF on Sutter Street for hands on selection and the best service. I purchased my first pair today and it was a pleasant experience from start to finish. Robert knew his trade and the first pair I tried on fit perfectly. If my new shoes wear and well as I expect they will, I'll be a repeat customer. read more

Drove up from LA specifically to visit Alden SF. Noticed that it's just down the street from Allen Edmonds. Even if he doesn't smile much, Larry is courteous, helpful, and honest. I suspect I may look younger than the typical crowd visiting Alden SF or buying shoes at Alden's price point, but still was given no attitude. A few self-professed out-of-towners who looked even younger than I do were also politely attended to. Refreshing. Blasphemy, I realize, but I think most Alden shoes look clunky as hell. I hated the way the full brogues looked. (I think Allen Edmonds has the half and full brogues down pat.) The one exception is the norwegian split toe (norwegian front blucher, or nst/nfb if you prefer)...OMG teh sechs...they have a variety of widths and sizes, which is quite a boon. Tried on a few shoes, different lasts/sizes/widths, and settled with a [shell] color 8 nst. I love a horse's arse. Larry threw in a free container of color 8 paste. For my first Alden purchase, I wanted trees with the Alden plate, so I coughed up the premium for those, too. I have a creeping suspicion that Alden SF's prices are slightly higher than theshoemart, but trying on different shoes in different lasts is, well, nearly priceless. I am an Allen Edmonds fanboy for life, but I will happily return to Alden SF! read more

This is the one and only Alden "New England" factory store. While it's not an outlet, and nothing is on sale, the people here really know their stuff. The Asian gentleman who helped me was incredibly knowledgeable and courteous. Unfortunately, they don't stock the tassel loafer shell cordovan in very wide (3E) sizes, and I'm not quite confident enough to buy a $553 shoe sight-unseen with a lag time of several months. I should mention that Alden did stock the regular tassel loafer in my size, but it wasn't that much cheaper.. read more

Service: Prompt and outstanding. I've bought two pairs of shoes from the Alden Shop. My first pair of Alden is the All Weather Walker. It turned out that AWW was built on a last that is much larger than the usual lasts. So it took me 3 exchanges to get the correct fitting. And the shop was very, very prompt and helpful to get me into the right size. I am extremely happy with the service. I am also very happy with Alden shoes. I consider them to be more comfortable and sturdier than Allen Edmonds. Styling-wise, Alden is more conservative and a little clunkier. If you desire a more cosmopolitan and sharper look without depleting your wallet, I highly recommend Crockett & Jones of England. It's depressing that there isn't a local Alden dealer in the Seattle area. read more

The guys in this shop measured my foot and sold me the wrong size shoe. Most expensive pair of shoes I've ever bought and now I have to get rid of them. Extremely disappointing. read more

This store certainly wasn't snooty to me. I stopped in to buy some Leather Defender and the guy there was nice enough to throw in a polishing cloth for FREE. It was difficult leaving without buying anything for sure. I'll stop back next time I'm in town and see if I can part with $500 read more

I'm such a big fan of this place. I've purchased several shoes from them and service is always top notch. They take the time to answer your questions (especially with all the different types of lasts, materials, etc. ) and most importantly they give you input on the fit of the shoes. Are $500 dollar shoes really worth it? For classic styles that can be resoled and last years and years and look better with age? I think so. read more

This shop is simply amazing. Walked in and asked for a total of 5 shoes to try on. The gentlemen who was helping me listened to my needs, asked to offer his own opinion, and was very knowledgeable and friendly. Walked away with an Alden perforated cap toe boot shell cordovan! Extremely, extremely pleased with the quality, durability and overall look and feel of the shoe. If you are in the bay, DO NOT HESITATE to come by and look at the fine selection of shoes. read more

If you're looking for Aldens, you'd be hard-pressed to top the selection and range of sizes available here (if you're not looking for Aldens, I'm not here to convince you, but I would suggest anyone looking for quality mens shoes to do some research and consider them). Customer service is also excellent - Larry was very attentive and friendly the first time I went in, even though I made clear that I wasn't buying that day, and from watching other customers' interactions, the other salesmen seem to be cast in the same mold. Can't wait until I've saved up enough to go back for another pair! read more

Great cordovans, traditional and comfortable. All understated styles, makes the statement that these we well-made shoes and are not flashy, goes with any professional attire. Own 10 pairs, picked them up all from SF store whenever in town for business. Compliments from people that know shoes (usually women) and cobblers that know quality, whenever I bring them in for shine, which is needed once a year at most. Also learned the Alden double twist knot see how the salesman does it. read more

I recently acquired my first pair of Alden shoes...the cordovan wing tip boot in color 8. Amazing. It's the greatest shoe I've ever seen. I also recently got the black cordovan long wing blucher from this shop and like them a lot. If you're ready for shell cordovan, Alden should be your first choice. For calfskin, there are other options that are more fairly priced. read more

The Alden Shop - My Alden 9-eyelet color 8 wingtip boots. - Shoe Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California