I just received my new Aldens today, and I would like to thank everyone who gave me advice on making sure I ordered a pair that fit. I also want to thank everyone else who shared their Alden stories on this forum. That lays alot of the groundwork for those of us who have never had a pair before to get started.
I had my feet professionally measured (thanks, Bink), and ordered the size accordingly. After six agonizing days they arrived this afternoon, and guess what? Perfect fit! Oddly enough, though, they actually were a half size smaller than shoes I normally buy.
I was very happy to see the color of my shoes was not the pumpkin or basketball orange that I have heard about. They are more of a light brown. Whew!
Thanks.
I do have one more question...why does the Alden shoe company use that obnoxious white stitching on the toes??? I'm hoping wear and maybe a little dirt will help ease the neon effect that stitching seems to produce, but if anyone has any other ideas, I'm all ears.
Congrats on them Aldens, Jim! Don't worry about the white stitching... first off, it will look a bit more "subdued" after some wear... and it's screen-accurate too...
I looked up Aldens on the web and one shoe store actually said on their page to order the Indy Boots 1/2 size smaller.
All the other sites didn't say a thing.
They certaily sound good for my bad feet. I wear a half length orthodic.
I certainly have enjoyed wearing my Aldens for the first few hours I had them yesterday (survived an adventure in Wal-Mart Christmas shopping). According to many of our club members, I should be able to enjoy wearing them for the next several years. That's how I justified spending $275 on a pair of shoes.
I've had my boots for almost a year and a half now. The white stitching has become more visible now that the colour at the toe is fading. The funny thing is that I dirtied it up and used a little black shoe polish over the stitching to cover the white. Ironic, ain't it.
Yikes!!! I'd hate to think the stitching will get brighter! It already seems like it glows in the dark. On a positive note, however, the more I wear them, the more comfortable they get.
Oh, and they make alot of noise when I walk. The leather rubbing leather thing. I wouldn't dare wear them to the library. I heard treating the tongue with Picard's helps reduce the squeaking. Anyone have any success with this?
I've had my boots for almost a year and a half now. The white stitching has become more visible now that the colour at the toe is fading. The funny thing is that I dirtied it up and used a little black shoe polish over the stitching to cover the white. Ironic, ain't it.
If you take to polishing your Aldens once in a while like I do, the polish helps tone it down. Honestly, I don't think the stitches on mine have gotten brighter. Sure, you can still see them, but they don't jump out and say, "Hey, look at me! I'm bright white stitches!" Of course not. Everyone knows stitches can't talk. Look at it this way, if you had Doc Martens, you'd have bright yellow stitches instead!
binkmeisterRick wrote:[If you take to polishing your Aldens once in a while like I do, the polish helps tone it down. Honestly, I don't think the stitches on mine have gotten brighter. Sure, you can still see them, but they don't jump out and say, "Hey, look at me! I'm bright white stitches!" Of course not. Everyone knows stitches can't talk. Look at it this way, if you had Doc Martens, you'd have bright yellow stitches instead!
bink
Yup, I polish my Aldens about once a month or so. It has definitely toned down the stitches.
I used to polish my boots on a monthly, sometimes bi-monthly basis. It's been about four months since I last cleaned it up. And with winter here, my boots have met the salt snowed ground.
I've had my Alden's for 5 years, and I wear them all the time, so have faith that you'll get your money's worth! My stitching has gotten darker, as have my boots... they were a nasty orange, but they've mellowed into a nice brown... I use Pecards on them every six months or so. Enjoy!
[quote="Jim"]I just received my new Aldens today, and I would like to thank everyone who gave me advice on making sure I ordered a pair that fit.
Thanks.
Well, Jim- now that you have these lovely shoes, how about an update?
Ok...I've been wearing them for almost a week. They're very comfortable when you put them on, and the uppers stay comfortable throughout the day. But my job involves being on my feet all day in grocery stores (anywhere from 8 to 12 hours), and the lack of cushioning in the sole doesn't mix well with hard concrete floors. Maybe some insoles would help. Other than that, I love 'em.
Initially, I think my issue with the bright white stitching was just because they were brand new and I wasn't used to it. Although they haven't gotten that dirty yet, the stitching doesn't seem to stand out quite as much now. I did, however, get my Aldens a little muddy yesterday saving my dog from the ice storm that blew in (VERY unusual for central Texas this time of year).
As a side note, it always makes me laugh when ice or snow is predicted for our area. At best, it usually doesn't last more than 36 hours, but people rush the grocery stores as though they're gonna be snowed in for weeks. By Saturday the highs are supposed to be back in the '60s.
I'm not used to ice at all, having grown up in central TX. As a matter of fact, I just tried to go to work, and couldn't get off my street, because both ends are uphill. Guess I'm stuck here on COW today.
The nice thing about the Aldens is they are comfortable right out of the box...no breaking in necessary. Unless of course by breaking in you mean dirt, grime and scuff marks.
Prof. Ed wrote:My daughters live in Austin. Yesterday, they closed schools early because the temperatures were in the 20's.
It is snowing like crazy here in St. Louis. The school busses are running as usual.
It all depends on what you are used to, I suppose.
Glad you like your shoes. I've always had a tough time getting a proper fit and don't do well with breaking shoes in.
Best regards,
Prof. Ed
The problem here in Texas is that we rarely get this kind of weather and cities aren't always that prepared for this type of weather to prep the roads. In this case we got ice (not snow) and our cars aren't prepped with studded tires either which makes driving harder. Our school bus drivers (and many residents) aren't experienced in driving in this type of weather. So for the safety of the kids, many school districts decide for the safety of the majority and opt to close schools.
Indiana Texas-girl wrote:Jim, congrats on the Aldens!
Prof. Ed wrote:My daughters live in Austin. Yesterday, they closed schools early because the temperatures were in the 20's.
It is snowing like crazy here in St. Louis. The school busses are running as usual.
It all depends on what you are used to, I suppose.
Glad you like your shoes. I've always had a tough time getting a proper fit and don't do well with breaking shoes in.
Best regards,
Prof. Ed
The problem here in Texas is that we rarely get this kind of weather and cities aren't always that prepared for this type of weather to prep the roads. In this case we got ice (not snow) and our cars aren't prepped with studded tires either which makes driving harder. Our school bus drivers (and many residents) aren't experienced in driving in this type of weather. So for the safety of the kids, many school districts decide for the safety of the majority and opt to close schools.
Definately a good thing that they do. One of my grandbabies will start school in the near future and I want her and all kids safe.
I taught elementary school for my first 30 years and always tried to make sure kids were safe. Many a cold, windy, and snowy afternoon, I walked the little ones home.
Indiana Texas-girl wrote:Do you teach education classes (future teachers?) or a totally different field?
Actually I now teach "Introduction to College 101". A course designed to keep the new and returning learner in school. 80% of the colleges and universities are now requiring this course.
I've done this for three years. My first year, I taught 17 credut hours of Geology. It was tough. I have a Master's in science, but I'm not a geologist.
I now only teach fall semester. That is when most of the new students come. I would like to teach more, but I have very little chance of that happening. The full time teachers get first crack at classes.
Sounds like an interesting course to teach. Seems like curriculum might be hard to come up with unless you have a textbook to go with the class. I'm a 7th grade teacher, having taught 4th grade for 7 years prior.
J_Weaver wrote:Its called University 101 up here at WVU. I managed to get out of taking it since I transfered from a community college with about 50 hours.
Bless both of your hearts for work working in the public school systems!
Thank you so much, sir. I'll need that second heart. I had a heart attack one week after my official retirement from public school
Bless all of you that have the heart and soul to teach. These days it can be as big an adventure as anything Dr. Jones would encounter.
Within the last week, a nearby town had two stabbings at two different schools...and one was an elementary!!! In the latter case, it wasn't the kids stabbing each other, it was some crazy parents. I'm not sure which is worse...
I would have liked to have taught longer, but it got to be that sometimes I was afraid to walk the streets on patrol duty.
I'd break up a fight and a parent would come looking for me. I got too old and stressed for the job.
I wouldn't mind teaching more at college. I just get what they have left. I'm glad to have gotten into college teaching, if only for a few classes.
My students like and need this old guy, so some say
I'm still making a difference!
Best,
Prof. Ed
P.S. Bink, I don't want a heart from the TOD, thanks anyway.
I spent six years in college (Itried to become a career student, but my parents caught on and made me start paying for it), and developed quite a few strong relationships with some of my profs. Ya'll can be very influential at helping to guide a young college student in the right direction. Unfortunately, my profs influences had no lasting effect, and my current job bares no resemblance to the degree I received.
By the way, Indiana Texas Girl, assuming you are still deep in the Heart of Texas, did you get the day off, or go in late?
Jim wrote:I spent six years in college (Itried to become a career student, but my parents caught on and made me start paying for it), and developed quite a few strong relationships with some of my profs. Ya'll can be very influential at helping to guide a young college student in the right direction. Unfortunately, my profs influences had no lasting effect, and my current job bares no resemblance to the degree I received.
By the way, Indiana Texas Girl, assuming you are still deep in the Heart of Texas, did you get the day off, or go in late?
Jim,
It seems the norm to be in college for five or six years to earn a degree. If you are happy and making a living doing what you are doing then that is great.
You need the degree on a resume' no matter what it is in.
I worked half a day yesterday, but unfortunately, in my line of work, if it doesn't get done, its still sitting there the next day. So today I had to do a day and a half's worth of work in one day. I got up at 2 a.m., its now 6:30 p.m., and this is the first chance I've had to sit down all day (notice where I am ). In a few minutes, I have to go play with my band tonight. I'll probably get to bed about 2 a.m. tomorrow. Luckily, this don't happen all the time.
Back on subject...today at work, someone noticed my Aldens. They didn't refer to them as Indy boots, but I was told that they were way too nice for me. Thanks...I think.
Oddly enough, though, they actually were a half size smaller than shoes I normally buy.
, half size smaller you say? Well that sounds familiar. 
