ALDEN
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Giles,
That's a real bitch. The Alden horror stories I've heard make me cringe, although I did recently purchase a pair through Leather Soul; having a reputable seller like Tom who backs up his products is reassuring, and I'd bet that Alden maintains a higher standard on products produced for him.
That being said, I can relate to your situation because I had a similar experience with Wings + Horns. Long story short, they shit on me as a customer. I swore off ever buying anything from them again. However, the retailer and bootmaker involved in the fiasco provided top notch service and I would give them my business again without question. In fact, I bought another pair of boots direct from the bootmaker and couldn't be happier with them.
After reading your posts I'm getting all riled up about those boots again. I can't believe I was merciful enough to not tee off on Wings + Horns on a public forum like you have with Alden. No mercy, I like your style
As I customer, I appreciate your sentiment that the customer comes first. I would not hesitate to give you my business.
Good luck with your next boot purchase!
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Sorry to hear your problems, Giles. What happened with your boots is unquestionably a manufacturing failure. The welt should never, ever separate from the upper like that. That's poor build quality. Period. However, as you said, that's not the primary issue. The real problem is that Alden essentially sold you not just one, but two pairs of boots with issues, and then when you rightfully asked for the company to stand behind its product, Alden told you to screw off. That's no way to run a company. Well, it's a way to run a company into the ground…
Oh, and I've read about how there are two levels of quality- Alden and Alden of New England, as Omega mentioned, and frankly, I have to say that if it's true, that's complete crap. Aldens are expensive and their quality, regardless of whether they're "of New England" or not should be better than this. I've never had a pair of shoes blow out like that and if I spent $400+ on a pair that did that, I'd be looking to shove them down someone's throat.
Again, sorry things went so badly for you.
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I do have to say that I have 5 or 6 other pairs of Aldens that I have had no problems with but Aldens attitude to an obvious quality issue was IMO appalling.
I dunno what to buy next.
G
Hey G, how about Dayton Boots? A Canadian Boot maker ;)!
http://www.daytonboots.com/history -
Response so far:
"If you're using these as a hiking boot I would maybe suggest a different brand. Alden shoes and boots are mainly used for lifestyle and casual functions"
Quite frankly, on a $400plus pair of boots, I'd expect them to last more than 12 wears of almost anything I can think of doing with them. Christ, Indiana Jones put them through a load more shit than I have.. :D…G
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Seriously crappy response…they are boots for gods sake!
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Response so far:
"If you're using these as a hiking boot I would maybe suggest a different brand. Alden shoes and boots are mainly used for lifestyle and casual functions"
Quite frankly, on a $400plus pair of boots, I'd expect them to last more than 12 wears of almost anything I can think of doing with them. Christ, Indiana Jones put them through a load more shit than I have.. :D…G
Is that from Alden or the dealer? Just curious.
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that sux. let us know on what shoe/boot you decide on next.
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Response so far:
"If you're using these as a hiking boot I would maybe suggest a different brand. Alden shoes and boots are mainly used for lifestyle and casual functions"
This lad should be fired, and pelted with the heaviest of Alden boots on his way to his (probably pink) Nissan.
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I almost wanted to cancel my order, but I think I'll give them a shot. Seems to be hit or miss. I can feel Giles' pain though since he's in the UK and it's difficult to send stuff back and forth.
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This lad should be fired, and pelted with the heaviest of Alden boots on his way to his (probably pink) Nissan.
Hey! what's wrong with Nissans?
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You may remember the debacle I had (am still having) with my Alden Indy's. Welll the retailer has admitted that the last pair were faulty and has been refunded by Alden. He refuses to give me a refund, offereing me a gift voucher instead.
In the UK the retailer is 100% responsible if he sells faulty goods and the law obliges him to make a full refund, if that is what the consumer wants.
Anyone know what the law is in the US (Oregon to be specific).
G
