Another Alden alternative?

matei · Post by **matei** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:48 am

Hola,

As I live in Europe, I am faced with the dilemma of not having ready access to the legendary Alden 405. However, I've heard Redwing boots mentioned as a decent substitute.

A glance at the Redwing site this morning revealed the following new boot that is vaguely reminiscent of the 405:
http://www.redwingshoe.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=1905

What do ye think? A thousand pardons if these boots were already mentioned!

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:18 am

Yes, Redwings!

have been mentioned a bit around here.

They do a 100 Year Anniversary boot that sees to be liked. Unfortunately Redwings are pretty expensive here, I've been quoted between £130 and £180. For that kind of money you can get Aldens (£155 at current rates).

RWs sometimes appear on ebay heavily discounted though as seconds.

matei · Post by **matei** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:39 am

Jeez... that is pretty dear.

As I burn through soles like there is no tomorrow and resoles can be a bit dear as well I was looking at a slightly less expensive alternative... Guess not - back to the drawing board or ask some family to send me over a pair of Aldens!

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:22 pm

If you burn through soles to begin with, I wouldn't get any of the Redwings that have that white 'crepe' sole - look for their models w/ the black 'lug' sole.

The crepe sole is meant for extremely HOT surfaces - like hot coals that iron workers might step on - because the crepe will not melt, apparently.

However, the Redwings reps I've spoken to (okay, saleclerks...okay, salesGIRL...but she was cute) indicated that the crepe soles can wear down in a matter of MONTHS if worn as an everyday shoe instead of just for work. And resoles are apparently not cheap.

That's just the crepe soles, mind you. The lug soles are great. I've worn a pair of their 202's ( http://www.redwingshoe.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=202 ) for three or four months now and there's barely any wear on the sole.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 5:58 pm

matei, good find on the redwing boot. After sending off my Aldens and getting them replaced, I need a pair that I can wear and tear up hiking and such.

Cheers,
Pyr.

matei · Post by **matei** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 4:52 am

Thanks for pointing that out about the soles! The lug sole doesn't bad - I was afraid that'd come across like some kind of uber-hiking boot but it doesn't. Nice looking boots as well.

I posted on the Fedora Lounge about this - I walk everywhere and go through soles very quickly. Either the road / footpath surfaces here in London are really rough, or my shoe leather is wimpy.

There are a few shops near here that stock Redwings, so I'll have a look-see....

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:26 am

RedWings are good boots...if you buy footwear regularly, you couldn't do wrong to try a pair, and once you've worn them down, you'll have some quickly but naturally distressed close enoughs for your Indy gear, and an idea if you've found a new favorite shoe line.

(Me, I still love Rockports...but they just don't seem to have anything that looks like an Alden, that I've found, anyway. Bufflehead had some Rockport close-enoughs, but I've never seen them...guess I should search their site again. EDIT for those who care: I checked out Rockports again...those Lakota's are sweet, but they've got a limited boot collection, and the only moc toes are either BLACK or brown suede...not to mention the stitching differences. Hmm...I'm going to look at those Lakota's again, but not for Indy boots - no dice.)

J