Alden Boot comfort

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:11 pm

This is not about having an indy boot but about having a boot that will be comfortable in a narro width, and the alden does that...so are these comfortable for walking, and general use? do they look good with khaki's or are they really more of a real work boot? I am sure they hold up just fine, all aldens do....for other folks who have worn Alden shoes, how is the fit (I know you need to go 1/2 size down) compared to a shoe?

Thanks...and anything else I need to know, like where is the best place to buy, these are not a cheap boot...

ij1936 · Post by **ij1936** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:37 pm

Great boot, fit for me is the same as for my other footwear. These boots are a bit heavy if you're not used to wearing anything but sneakers and loafers, but acclaimation is quick and your feet (or at least mine!) do not hurt when I wear them. On the contrary, most of my other footwear hurts my feet by the end on the day. I have worn them with khaki's and shorts, so it really is up to you on what you want to wear with them. These are well worth the price and if you have the means, buy two pairs, that's what I did. Since these boots are able to be re-soled, you'll never be without your beloved Aldens while the main pair is in the shop

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:41 pm

guitone, Alden's are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. Since they are orthopedic shoes, I'd suggest getting professionally measured for them. And a nice pair of Aldens look great with khaki's.

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 4:21 pm

I've worn Aldens before in dress shoes and they do indeed fit well. I know they suggest getting a 1/2 size less in these boots, but are you wearing them with thin, medium or heavy weight socks? I am going to call alden for sizing recommendations as well, I need a good supportive shoe/boot.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 4:36 pm

guitone, if you need the support, then the Aldens are the way to go! I'm wearing mine with khakis right now, and I think they look darn good to me. Because of the huge steel shank that runs the length of the shoe, you do get excellent support. (Though you'll have lots of fun going through airport security with them! I know!

)

Since these are technically orthopedic shoes, you have room to add any additional support you need. I have metatarsal supports in mine. As Jess suggested, get professionally measured for a pair of these.

bink

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 6:38 pm

are many of the shoe dealers proficient in fitting, what do they need to do?

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 7:29 pm

Try finding a store that specializes in orthopedic shoes. They would probably be your best bet having someone that could give you the correct fit.

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 7:47 pm

Thanks Jess....problem is the stores here that carry alden are more fashion shops, but I printed a list of shops out and will make some calls tomorrow to see who can do this...

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 10:45 pm

If the store carries Aldens, then any compitent salesperson SHOULD be able to measure your feet for them. When I got mine, the salesguy seemed to know how to measure for the Aldens, since Aldlen seems to label their sizes a little differently than most shoes.

bink

eddie vader · Post by **eddie vader** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:44 am

My Aldens are probably the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I need to ship them back to Alden to have maintenance performed, so in the meantime, I may have to buy another pair. I found that they fit a half-size big as well, but I would still suggest you get measured by a professional.

Personally, I think they look great with khakis and some jeans.

BTW, has anyone had success with contacting Alden and having them ship out the bag for postage? I have tried this twice now and have yet to receive anything in the mail.

E. Vader

Alabama Jones · Post by **Alabama Jones** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:05 am

Just ordered my first pair!

Tax refund in, tax refund out.

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:24 am

I spoke to my regular shoe place and Alden as well since I have a history of wearing Aldens..the 1/2 size smaller is a must, but I am not sure what to do about the width..did you all order the same width you generally order? I am sure I will wear these with a heavyish sock, medium weight at least, I generally wear a 9 1/2 B so these will be either a 9 B or a 9 A, wondering what you have done?

Thanks

Alabama Jones · Post by **Alabama Jones** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:45 am

I usually wear a 10 1/2, but I knocked it down to just a 10-(D). I probably should have on my J Crews. When I read that many here went a half size down on the Aldens, I didn't hesitate.

*crosses fingers*

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:49 am

I thought about going the straight half size down, but decided to have Fritz size them for me. While the size did go down 1/2 size the width increased. I normally wear a 10D, but in Alden's I wear a 9 1/2 EE.

ij1936 · Post by **ij1936** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 1:58 pm

Alabama Jones wrote:Just ordered my first pair!

Tax refund in, tax refund out.

Cool! Let the GOVERNMENT pay!
You'll love the boot!

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 2:06 pm

Since my foot is extremely narrow, and the boot cut will be wider than the shoes I generally wear I think a 1/2 size, same width will do me better..the actually (alden) suggested I go to an A width from a B...

Indiana Jess · Post by **Indiana Jess** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 2:08 pm

ij1936 wrote:
Alabama Jones wrote:Just ordered my first pair!

Tax refund in, tax refund out.
Cool! Let the GOVERNMENT pay!
You'll love the boot!

InTAXication - the euphoria you feel when your tax refund arrives. It lasts until you realize it was your money to begin with.

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 3:36 pm

But it still feels goooooood!

eddie vader · Post by **eddie vader** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 5:56 pm

Well, if you happen to get the boot and do not like the fit, the Alden Shop is very good about returns, just make sure you do not wear them outside or weather them.

When I first ordered mine, I ordered a half size down. Typically, I wear a size 10 shoe (certain brands I even wear a 10.5), so I ordered a 9.5EE. Upon arrival, they were way too long. I sent them back and received the 9EE and they fit perfectly. So, you can see how the sizes on shoes can be misleading. I can wear a size 10.5 tennis shoe but I wear a 9EE Alden.

If you can, go get measured. If it is inconvenient, order what you think will fit, and if it's not what you wanted, send them back.

E. Vader

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:00 pm

My regular shoe shop keeps telling me I won't like these, that they look too orthopedic. That is not the impression I get from the pics I have seen. Would you consider these pretty much a work boot? I generally dress pretty well, but I am a chino guy on weekends and do go for comfort always....these look like they are comfortable, but if they are too clubby chances are I would not wear them.....thanks for your opinions. Oh yea, I know I am talking to the choir.

Tristan · Post by **Tristan** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:10 pm

Guitone, these boots are good for general use but I don' t think they're much of a work boot. The soles wear out really fast if you use them everyday and the boots themselves are heavily over-priced but the comfort and look of them is the best I've had so far as footwear goes.

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:14 pm

Tristan, now when you talk about the look is it the indy look, or the general look of the boot....

I would not be using them as a work boot, just with chinos and maybe in the bad weather we get here in New England in the winter...if they could withstand that.

Thanks

eddie vader · Post by **eddie vader** » Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:37 pm

I wore mine to work and they were great. I do not have to perform any physical labor so I don't know how they would hold up under those conditions, but I am on my feet for a good part of the day and I was vey comfortable. Also, they look great with chinos and khakis, which is what I mostly wear them with.

E. Vader

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Sat Apr 23, 2005 1:16 am

I am also amazed at the great traction they provide, without having a tread so-to-speak.

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Sat Apr 23, 2005 1:24 am

I think it was Indy Blues that had the soles on his Aldens replaced with a Vibram sole. As I remember he used them as a work boot. Up and down ladders, on roofs and such. He said that they made an excellent work boot.

Alabama Jones · Post by **Alabama Jones** » Sat Apr 23, 2005 1:52 am

Indiana Jess wrote:I thought about going the straight half size down, but decided to have Fritz size them for me. While the size did go down 1/2 size the width increased. I normally wear a 10D, but in Alden's I wear a 9 1/2 EE.

Got an e-mail from Alden. They're out of 10D and it will be a 10 to 14 week wait for the next pair. But ... they have a 10E in stock. I'm going to "roll the dice" and go for it. If its not a good fit I can always return them.

Tristan · Post by **Tristan** » Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:38 pm

To me, the aldens have a good general look and they naturally nail the Indy look because Ford wore them in the films. I wear these boots about every week day with chinos and non-indy clothes and they work and look fine. I don't feel out of place with them and people don't recognize them as orthopedic shoes.

You'd probably get your feet wet with these boots if you walk around in snow or other wet, outdoor surfaces during winter. Sidewalks or other paved surfaces shouldn't be a problem, though. But, you have to be careful about slipping on ice and snow with the boots because of their flat lack of traction. They're not very waterproof but for general non-rigorous wear they're good-looking, comfortable boots.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:59 pm

I've worn mine five days on and two off (sneaker days) and I've got to addmit these shoes are the most comfortablest shoes I've ever worn. I know because I grew up around shoes as my dad was Vice prez of design at JF McGowan as I grew up and I test wore tons of shoes.

Aldens are the best and when I get the chance I'm going to purchase a second pair for back up.

Croft

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:05 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Because of the huge steel shank that runs the length of the shoe, you do get excellent support.

Actually, the shanks do not run the length of the shoe. I shoved my Aldens into an airport x-ray machine and checked it out - they are wishbone-shaped thingies in the middle of the shoe, extending from the heel and ending before the widest part of the sole. A lot smaller than I expected.
Nevertheless, the Aldens are comfy boots and the support is way beyond every other shoe I've worn...

Alabama Jones · Post by **Alabama Jones** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:23 am

Tristan wrote: You'd probably get your feet wet with these boots if you walk around in snow or other wet, outdoor surfaces during winter. Sidewalks or other paved surfaces shouldn't be a problem, though. But, you have to be careful about slipping on ice and snow with the boots because of their flat lack of traction.

While I await my Aldens I've decided that my J Crew Ruggeds will be my "winter" Indy boots, or "Nepal Boots", if you will, due to their sole with more grip.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 8:21 am

Scandinavia Jones wrote: Actually, the shanks do not run the length of the shoe. I shoved my Aldens into an airport x-ray machine and checked it out - they are wishbone-shaped thingies in the middle of the shoe, extending from the heel and ending before the widest part of the sole. A lot smaller than I expected.
Nevertheless, the Aldens are comfy boots and the support is way beyond every other shoe I've worn...

And if you bang your shoes against something hard and put them next to your ear, you'll get the right key for singing the Raiders march.

Trust me.

Regards,
Swindiana

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:10 am

Ah, a tuning shoe! Yeah, the right one is A 440 and the left shoe is off a couple of cents. It puts a song in your steps, that's for sure.

bink

belle · Post by **belle** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 12:59 pm

Hey,

A note on the sizing for Aldens. I wear a size 9-9 1/2 shoe (9 1/2 on a Brannock foot-measuring device) and I have to say, I ordered a 8 1/2 and if was to do it again, I would definately go down 1/2 a size. These boots fit big so if there is anyway you can try a pair I would recomend it.

Otherwise they are excellent boots. The guys on the forum are right, they are super rugged and they look good.

My 2 cents.

Belle

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:25 pm

Belle,

Are you saying that on a Brannock device you measure a 9 1/2, and you wish you would have ordered an 8? I have heard of people getting a 1/2 size smaller than they measure, but not 1 1/2 sizes smaller. I wonder if yours got mislabled?

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:24 pm

Yea, thats odd. 1-1/2 sizes down sounds like a little much.

I've heard that these boots don't have any padding in them. Maybe they run a half size large so you can use an insole like Dr. Scholl's or something.

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:28 pm

Just some more info needed..I have been told that these are quite heavy. Since I have had 3 knee surgeries and have pretty severe arthritis in my knees I am a bit concerned with the weight of the boots, any comments?

Thanks

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:38 pm

I don't have a pair yet, but I don't think that they would be particularly heavy. I think a lot of the comments on weight come from people who don't wear boots often. Of course I wear boots all the time and have walked many miles in a pair of hobnail mountaineering boots. So I think that a lot of it is perspective.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:38 pm

guitone wrote:Just some more info needed..I have been told that these are quite heavy. Since I have had 3 knee surgeries and have pretty severe arthritis in my knees I am a bit concerned with the weight of the boots, any comments?

Thanks

These are a heavy boot. Probably about as heavy as any other ankle boot. Make sure you talk to your doctor before putting a pair on.

Pyroxene

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 8:33 am

I have some Allen Edmonds ankle boots with a monk strap that are fine, a little heavier than the shoes, but not too too much heavier. I would think the indy boot to be quite a bit heavier..Alden shoes are pretty substantial when you get to the thicker souled models

belle · Post by **belle** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:26 am

Hey,

So when I place my foot on the brannock device my big toe is on the 9 1/2 mark while my other toes are at about 9. Let's say for argument sake I'm a 9. I had originally ordered a 9, thinking I was a 9.5, and I had to send them back because they were too long. Then I got the 8.5 but to be honest they still seem a little long. It's very tricky getting boots to fit perfectly when you have to consider width as well as length. If I got a new pair I would definately go down, or better yet, consider finding a dealer where I could try them on first. The problem for me is I live in Canada and nobody here sells those boots.

As far as the weight goes, they are heavier than a pair of sneakers but not as heavy as military parade boots.

Belle

guitone · Post by **guitone** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:41 am

Belle,

The problem with Alden and Alden Dealers is that many of the shoes are not stocked by the dealers and are brought in when someone expresses interest. I am not sure of a big stocking Alden dealer. You may want to go a width narrower instead of going shorter, depending on how much room you have in the toes....I would assume, and I have not tried these yet, you would wear these with a medium or heavy sock that would take up space.