rugged Alden boots

indybill · Post by **indybill** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 4:29 pm

A search on here turned up very little on these, but here's a pic from the the Alden of Carmel site. Of course they're over $300!

They look like the 405's after they've been resoled and darkened.

Anybody have these?

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:01 pm

I think Adam originally posted those. They are interesting, but unless they made some serious changes to the boot design they aren't much more use for hiking than the original 405's.

indybill · Post by **indybill** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:14 pm

I wasn't looking at them as hiking boots. I have a hard time justifying spending $300 on a pair of boots with no tread on them. It's only dry here about 2 months of the year so I need some traction on my everyday shoes. I only own one pair of real 'dress' shoes and I hate to ever wear them because I just slip and slide all over the place.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:23 pm

I know your pain.

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:27 pm

I hear ya Bill. I'll tell ya though, I wear my Aldens daily and have had no trouble with them being slick. Of course they aren't the boots you want to be wearing in the mud or snow.

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:32 am

indybill wrote:
I wasn't looking at them as hiking boots. I have a hard time justifying spending $300 on a pair of boots with no tread on them.

No tread? What do you mean? Those rugged Aldens have a nice rugged Vibram rubber hiking sole- bars and stars- what else do ya need!

And they have a heavier duty oiled leather as well.

have a nice day.

Gater · Post by **Gater** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:25 am

IMO, they look very similar to the JCrew Ruggeds that can be had for $40 during the clearance sales. I can't see dropping the extra cash just for the 'Alden' name.

JCrew

Aldens

indybill · Post by **indybill** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:54 am

No tread? What do you mean?

I was referring the the 405's.

IMO, they look very similar to the JCrew Ruggeds that can be had for $40 during the clearance sales. I can't see dropping the extra cash just for the 'Alden' name.

I'd much rather buy the Ruggeds too. My current pair is 2 years old and going strong yet. But the Ruggeds have become very popular among us gearheads are sometimes hard to come by. Plus they aren't rebuildable, thus my interest in a true Indy boot that would work well in my real world use.

What I found are several fairly close boots that run around $125-$170 regular price that would work well. Georgia, Carolina, and Chippewa all make boots that would be passable as Indy spirited boots.

Fortunately I was able to score a pair of Ruggeds in my size yesterday morning, so the pressure is off for now.

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 3:29 am

What is your size? How much did you score them for, if you don't mind me askin'?

I agree about the Jcrews being a way better deal than the Aldens. But, hey, they ARE Aldens, they're probably a great boot. But do they HAVE to make them 300 bucks??

hmmmm

have a nice day

indybill · Post by **indybill** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 11:24 am

Texas Raider wrote:What is your size? How much did you score them for, if you don't mind me askin'?

I agree about the Jcrews being a way better deal than the Aldens. But, hey, they ARE Aldens, they're probably a great boot. But do they HAVE to make them 300 bucks?? hmmmm

have a nice day

I wear a 10. I was able to get a pair on their $49.99 sale a couple days ago. The rugged Alden fan boot is $355. Like you say, I'm sure they're a wonderful boot that fit like a glove when properly sized. I've been all over the web looking at what I'd call high quality footwear. Anything in a similar range is starting at $299 or more. From there the sky's the limit; it all depends on how much is done by hand. Most shoes/boots in this range are rebuildable and made to last much longer.

In comparison my current pair of JCrew Ruggeds are two years old. I've worn them on a 90% exclusive basis during that time in all kinds of conditions from daily work wear to stomping around in the woods. The tread is just now getting worn down to almost nothing in places and the stitching is showing wear from abrasions. The leather is still in good shape though. I think I only paid $25 for these on one of their sales a couple years ago. I guess it all evens out either way. Get a pair of Aldens that'll last at least a decade in most cases or buy a pair of close enoughs every year or two.

Regards,
Indybill

eaglecrow · Post by **eaglecrow** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 7:17 am

The boots look so great on this picture

Although I really love my Aldens I'm thinking of getting a pair of there ones, too. Do they have the same damed thong slipping like the Aldens?

Feraud · Post by **Feraud** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 7:32 am

I too have yet to spend the $300 on Aldens. Currently I have two pair of 'close enough' boots that are still going strong. I have the JCrew Ruggeds and Decker models. Both are over a year old and still going strong. I find both boots very comfortable for outdoor and daily wear. Folks rave about the Aldens but I cannot justify spending that kind of money on boots. I would use the money to buy another Wested, A2, or prop.

indybill · Post by **indybill** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 7:03 pm

BreinederIndy wrote: Do they have the same damed thong slipping like the Aldens?

No slippage that I've noticed.

TFrosst · Post by **TFrosst** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 9:49 am

Can someone help me get a pair of the J. Crew Ruggeds? We dont' have J. Crew in Canada and I checked the site but there's nothign there. I'd pay for shipping obviously and anyother cost that might have to be paid for. If anyone is willing do do a fellow indy fan a favor, pm me. thanks

G-MANN · Post by **G-MANN** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:06 am

J. Crew does ship to Canada.
Call 1-800-562-5750
I just called to verify.

indybill · Post by **indybill** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:08 am

What size are you looking for?

I've called all the stores local to my area...noone has any boots.

Apparently they're stocking up on flip flops now.

Keep an eye on their website. I wouldn't be surprised to see them come and go a few more times in the coming weeks.

Regards,
Indybill

TFrosst · Post by **TFrosst** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:12 am

Just found the boot on their site. Of course it's sold out. But I guess I'll just keep checking. the problem I had before wasn't that they didnt' ship to canada, it's that I couldn't find the boot and thought maybe they took it off the site. Thanks guys

EDIT: Got lucky this morning. Tried 10.5 and got a pair. Really happy cause I didn't wnat to wait until they come back out and didnt' awant to pay $160 for them. thanks guys for letting me know about these. CAnt' wait to get them.