ALDEN
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My wife found these at the goodwill bins recently and paid about $4.50 USD(they charge by weight there). They are a bit beat but fit me perfectly. I’m not much of a loafer guy but these could persuade me. I’m now considering if I want to invest in a resole and other restoration.
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I am fortunate enough to own boots from Alden (405), White's, WESCO, Truman, and Trickers...I'm sorry to say that my Aldens run a distant 5th on that list. They are nice boots, but their $650 price tag is simply head scratching. I picked mine up a few years ago from Baker's Boots and they ran me around $450 at the time. IIRC it was during a 20% sale. The Indy I own is a great boot but I'm just not seeing anything that justifies the price tag. The leather is a simple chromexcel, stitching is very clean but otherwise unremarkable, and they are not as comfortable as these other brands. They are comfortable but not anywhere near as comfortable as my White's made on their 55 last. I don't regret my purchase, and the boots look great but I would purchase these other brands over Alden IMHO. YMMV
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Alden x Brogue Jumper Boot in Color 8 shell. Looking forward to beating these up…
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@djsazon those are very nice - lovely patina. I like how your legs look like they are made of the same material as the floor
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@68degreesorless Thank you !
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Hey guys, needing some advice here. Thinking about picking up some Indy boots in snuff suede. Needing something to wear more business casual but paired with IH 21 jeans and possibly a blazer. Is there any way to mitigate crocking onto the suede? Normally I wouldn’t care but these would be more “dressy” than I’m used to. And safe to size similar to White’s and Iron Rangers? Any input appreciated
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@SKT Indy boots are on the TruBalance last, which is their widest so we find that majority of people do take the same size as their Iron Ranger. Of course exceptions happen but that is definitely the majority.
I have a pair of the 4511HC in Snuff Suede that I never treated and I don't have much indigo crocking but I'm also not paying much attention. But if it's a concern, I'd spray with a quality suede protector spray. All that to say, indigo is persistent so it may just be something you have to accept.
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I have a pair of snuff suede Indys that have zero transference on them and they’ve never been treated. but my tan suede ones that I’ve had for over a decade have a tiny bit, I think the key is to use suede protectant which I’ve done 1 million times on those, although if your denim gets wet, all bets are off…
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@northsouthdenimguy thanks guys. Your second pair is the color I’m looking at but with commando sole. Comfort pretty good?
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It’s funny, both pairs I posted were worn straight out of the box for long periods. The tan ones did two weeks in South America, and the snuff pair handled a long weekend in Boston. Tons of walking in both cases, and my feet were perfectly fine at the end of every day.
In my opinion, there isn’t a more comfortable boot right out of the box. Iron Boot x Ostmo might be as comfortable, but definitely not more comfortable.
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Man, don’t get me started talking about boots — but one more thing. I’ve found that the commando runs slightly bigger than the plantation crepe and wedge. Just a touch. So unless you’ve got a lot of volume or a toe splay foot like I mentioned above, you’re probably safe going a half size down.
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@northsouthdenimguy always appreciate the knowledge. Last (and only) pair of Aldens I had were some capped toe dress shoes right out of college so it’s been a minute!
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@SKT I too have the Alden 4511HC and have treated then with Saphir Medaille d'Or Super Invulner. They hold up very nicely and look great
