***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[shaunw]

I finally got a pair of 403's. Unfortunately my wife does not like them - she has a problem with the stacked heel. I don't want to keep them if my wife doesn't like them, but I really want to keep them. Does that make sense? She might like the 405's in Kudu, as they have a Vibram sole. Does anyone sell a 403 with a Vibram sole?
I'm a bit bummed.

I don't ask my wife if she likes my footwear or not, I just get what I like and roll with it. Conversely she doesn't ask me what I think of hers. This scenario works well for us. I like to think of this way.....as a woman she is not an expert on men's footwear and similarly being a man, I'm no expert on women's footwear.

 

[tifosi]



Sure, but I find there are certain benefits to having a spouse that cares about and enjoys the way I look . I just need to figure out how to convince her that the 403 is a nice look.

I agree with this. However, how noticeable is the heel when wearing the boot? I would think barely. What is so offensive about the heel on the Indy? Just the fact that it is there?

 

[rydenfan]

Yep, just reaffirms why I have to keep telling myself to be patient. I am a little worried about how the unlined will hold up in the long run though, just don't want them to get too sloppy looking.

I want mine as rolled out and patina'd as possible. I am not buying an unlined shell shoe to look pristine

 

[thams]

I agree with this. However, how noticeable is the heel when wearing the boot? I would think barely. What is so offensive about the heel on the Indy? Just the fact that it is there?

Agreed. Maybe just dye the heel to hide that it's stacked? I guess I'm confused why a stacked heel is so much different than a vibram one aesthetics-wise.

On top of that, would you even be able to return the boots since you've worn them?

 

[rydenfan]

I finally got a pair of 403's. Unfortunately my wife does not like them - she has a problem with the stacked heel. I don't want to keep them if my wife doesn't like them, but I really want to keep them. Does that make sense? She might like the 405's in Kudu, as they have a Vibram sole. Does anyone sell a 403 with a Vibram sole?
I'm a bit bummed.

In my opinion those Indy's look at odds with your outfit. the sweater looks to be on the short side of length and your pants pretty slim/tapered. I think a heavier workboot style look jus doesn't really work there as it stands out. For me if any one part of an outfit is highlighted or stands out in too much contrast from the rest of the look then it doesn't really work for me.

 

[chipshot]



I want mine as rolled out and patina'd as possible. I am not buying an unlined shell shoe to look pristine

^ +1

I wear a lot of unlined shell. They last...

 

[brp2]



FYI - Alden of Carmel has a #2 lwb (anniversary run) in 10.5D available (so close to my 10D) and a Cigar LWB irregular in 10D for $475.

Shame the color 2 didn't do that much for me. I'd be tempted by the novelty except for the price.

And some AoC cigar today:

 

[SkySaw]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I'm trying to move away from adidas as my only really casual (i.e., with jeans) footwear, and thought these would be a perfect place to start. Maybe as Rydenfan suggests, they don't jive with my current style, and that's what she is picking up on.

btw Thams - I respect good footwear and buyers; I've only put them on my feet twice, and not creased them. The store will take them back if I return them in perfect condition.

I'm still thinking deep down that if I keep them and wear them a lot, she will love them in a couple of weeks.

 

[Michigan Planner]



Leffot has really been rocking the new Alden make ups, wonder what's going on with LeatherSoul they've really quiet as of late....

I've noticed the same thing. LeatherSoul has been really quiet on all fronts over the past year or so, not just Alden.

 

[rydenfan]

I've noticed the same thing. LeatherSoul has been really quiet on all fronts over the past year or so, not just Alden.

not on New Balance!

 

[budapest12]



I've noticed the same thing. LeatherSoul has been really quiet on all fronts over the past year or so, not just Alden.

Maybe they are getting tons of awesome product and selling them all off to esteemed VIPs without ever bothering to market them online? (Sarcasm, sarcasm)

 

[Kahuna75]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I'm trying to move away from adidas as my only really casual (i.e., with jeans) footwear, and thought these would be a perfect place to start. Maybe as Rydenfan suggests, they don't jive with my current style, and that's what she is picking up on.

btw Thams - I respect good footwear and buyers; I've only put them on my feet twice, and not creased them. The store will take them back if I return them in perfect condition.

I'm still thinking deep down that if I keep them and wear them a lot, she will love them in a couple of weeks.

I am not a fan of that boot either...to me the stitching up top does not line up the cut of the rest of the front of the boot..I really do not see what all the fuss is about the Indy boot...of course unless you are wearing to really rough it as an alternative to a regular work boot.....that said I am sure at some point there will be one in my rotation..lol

 

[Kahuna75]

I've noticed the same thing. LeatherSoul has been really quiet on all fronts over the past year or so, not just Alden.

I emailed them about a restock of the chukka in brown CXL and they responded quickly that they did not stock my size....so I asked if they could order it and pretty much just said it would probably take a year to come in...they were not nasty in the email at all but just did not seem all that interested in me ordering it. I still may order it though

 

[frankiej26]

Others may be able to clarify this, but I recall reading something about Leffot's maneuvering around Alden's gag order relating to shell offerings other than black or color 8. They might have put an Easter egg in an Instagram or something. Hey--I went back and found it for you--read this post and the two that follow.

Retailers are not allowed to "advertise" rare shell colors. You won't get an email blast about them. Unfortunately you just have to know. 'Watch this space' is the best advice I can give. Or just call retailers and ask to hop on lists for makeups you are interested in.

Quote:

The most current run of Daytripper boots were open for pre-order in 2012, but they are just now going into production. This is why you haven't seen any email blasts or FB posts about ordering. I think a few people were able to get on the order recently -- probably because some of the people on the original pre-order dropped out because they lost all hope that the boot would be made (I was almost there myself). 2.5 years of waiting and we're almost there!

Thanks for the advice tifosi and info thams and Alpina. and here I was thinking special ordering a car was bad.....

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

I am not a fan of that boot either...to me the stitching up top does not line up the cut of the rest of the front of the boot..I really do not see what all the fuss is about the Indy boot...of course unless you are wearing to really rough it as an alternative to a regular work boot.....that said I am sure at some point there will be one in my rotation..lol

For a long while, I didn't think I would have much interest in the Indy as I do not "really rough it." I stumbled upon a pair BNIB in a men's clothing store in Baltimore a couple of summers ago. The owner offered me a price I couldn't refuse ($300 tax included); it was the last pair they had. I've been very satisfied with them as a fall/winter boot.