What do you think?

Modern Jones · Post by **Modern Jones** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 12:24 pm

Has anyone pointed these out before or does anyone have them? They look pretty good. Plus they have an outdoor lug sole!

They are Eddie Bauer. They come in standard leather $99 or Gore-Tex $129 (.est)

Skip

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 12:34 pm

I would be all over a pair of boots like that if it didn't have that "Monster Truck" tread on it.

Or, maybe I just need to stop being so picky.

Cheers,.
Pyr.

skywlkr · Post by **skywlkr** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 2:55 pm

Those are nice looking boots.

You could always go to a boot shop and have the soles replaced if you really want the Indy look. I prefer the tread myself.

Post by **Indy Magnoli** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 3:02 pm

Pyr, I agree with you... I can't stand the waffle-stomper soles. It seems that the current tread is to get more and more rubber underneath your shoes. The younger generation seem to be going for the Frankenstein look. It's getting harder and harder to find leather, or even flat, soles. Skywlkrinc... love the profile pic!

Kind regards,
Indy

prettybigguy · Post by **prettybigguy** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 3:07 pm

I'm going to have to disagree. I wish the Alden 409s had some kind of tread to them. They don't have to be big waffle-soles, but the flat soles that the 409s have are lethal on wet, sealed concrete (like inside a parking structure) or on an icy sidewalk.

PBG

Modern Jones · Post by **Modern Jones** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 3:12 pm

It's true about the trend of kids shoes today. I don't own Aldens, but some of the threads I've read suggest just that PBG!

At least these aren't too monstrous!

Skip

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 3:15 pm

prettybigguy wrote:I'm going to have to disagree. I wish the Alden 409s had some kind of tread to them. They don't have to be big waffle-soles, but the flat soles that the 409s have are lethal on wet, sealed concrete (like inside a parking structure) or on an icy sidewalk.
PBG

I share your same concern PBG (re: slick neoprene soles). There is a happy medium with the "405's". About a year ago we discussed the option of having the neoprene sole replaced by vibram soles. There are about 20 different soles available from Vibram that eliminate the wet concrete dilema and not have that Frankstein monster look. In fact I took my 405's to my shoe repair who is a vibram dealer and he mentioned that it would be no problem putting in the vibram's. I haven't done that yet, but as soon as my neoprene sole starts to wear out, I will do it. But I have seen Koreana JOnes 405's who has done it and they look good.

-S

prettybigguy · Post by **prettybigguy** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 3:26 pm

[quote="SergeiThere are about 20 different soles available from Vibram that eliminate the wet concrete...
-S[/quote]

Thanx Sergei,
That's good to know. My Aldens are only a few months old so I'm a long way from new soles, but I was hoping to find another alternative when the time comes!

DK

Post by **Indy Magnoli** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 3:53 pm

I got my first pair of Aldens in '96 and the soles are just now starting to wear through! (I've replaced the heels once.) I usually replace my soles with leather, which doesn't last nearly as long, but looks great. I'll have to look into Vibram down here... What does it look like? Koreana?

Kind regards,
Indy

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 5:09 pm

You may walk into a shoe repair shop that carries the vibrams. The vibrams are quite popular and especially in the boot world. Once you find a dealer then you can go through all the different sole options.

-S

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 5:33 pm

skywlkrinc wrote:Those are nice looking boots.

You could always go to a boot shop and have the soles replaced if you really want the Indy look. I prefer the tread myself.

Ditto.

prettybigguy wrote:I'm going to have to disagree. I wish the Alden 409s had some kind of tread to them. They don't have to be big waffle-soles, but the flat soles that the 409s have are lethal on wet, sealed concrete (like inside a parking structure) or on an icy sidewalk.

I've often wondered about the 405's soles and if they were slippery or not. I like Sergei's suggestion. Or, I suppose you could go with the less expensive Carolina boot alternative or the Eddie Bauer boots.

Does anyone happen to have a pic or two of Koreana's? Koreana?

I.J.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 8:29 pm

They arn't Rockport's or our other favorate brand... I'll give them a try!

skywlkr · Post by **skywlkr** » Fri Dec 13, 2002 9:21 pm

Indy Magnoli wrote: Skywlkrinc... love the profile pic!

Thanks Magnoli.

Luke

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 8:35 am

Renderking Fisk wrote:They arn't Rockport's or our other favorate brand... I'll give them a try!

Bad experience wth Rockports and Aldens, Fisk?

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 9:55 am

Nope... what I should have written is that although they arn't either Rockport or our favorate brand... I'll give them a try. (It's hard writting with a baby on my lap!)

schwammy · Post by **schwammy** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 1:00 pm

With regard to replacing the Alden 405 soles, I think doing so might compromise the orthopedic benefits of these shoes, which is really the whole point of Aldens to begin with. I know the Alden 'foot balance system' (or whatever they call it) is carefully engineered, which you can feel when you put on a pair. These are the shoes you want to wear when a trip to the mall is unavoidable - your feet never get tired! But putting different treads on these shoes would be like putting dirt-bike tires on racing wheels and then wondering why your ten-speed isn't performing as advertised.

In my unsolicited opinion, it would be better to just buy a different pair of boots if you're concerned about traction. These are designed to be work boots, not hiking boots.

skywlkr · Post by **skywlkr** » Sat Dec 14, 2002 4:57 pm

I thought we were talking about putting non-tread soles on the Eddie Bauer boots to get the closer Indy look?

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 12:29 pm

...most of the current crop of boots that are in this low price category do not have soles that are repairable. Only if they have something like a 'Goodyear' Welt are they something a shoe repairman will even touch. I've even had my local shoe repairman refer to these type boots as 'tennis shoes boots', as they're for wear until they go through the bottom, then pitched, so before you buy them, check them out. THAT'S why you find the Aldens and other more expensive cost that much more, as they can be renewed over and over again. Regards. Michaelson

Sergei · Post by **Sergei** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 12:32 pm

Schwammy not to gang up on you, but what gives the orthopedic qualities to these boots are the "True Balance Last", and the heels. The neoprene sole has little to do with the orthopedics.

-S

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 2:48 pm

Orthopedic is one of those 'Magical' words thrown around by some manufacturers to imply 'better for you.' There ARE benefits to the Aldens, as mentioned above, repairable soles and heels, etc, to be sure, but unless you are correctly fitted, they may actually do as much damage as any other ill-fitted shoe will.

Also, the quest for accurate Indy gear aside, many people do not need to spend that amount on shoes unless they have specific skeletal, joint or muscular anomalies and have been specifically told to by a certified Orthopedist. And yes, this is just IMHO.

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 9:37 am

Also, the quest for accurate Indy gear aside, many people do not need to spend that amount on shoes unless they have specific skeletal, joint or muscular anomalies and have been specifically told to by a certified Orthopedist.

I have always wondered about that. The only reason I was thinking about buying the Aldens (besides being Indy boots) were the orthopedic qualities. I also have dress shoes with slick soles, and I am afraid I would slide all over the place in the 405s.

That said, the Eddie Bauer boots look good, but I have heard others mention the LL Bean moc toe boot. Any thoughts on these? How comfortable are they? They have the Goodyear Welt construction as well, and can be resoled. Thanks for any input.

Peace,
Cliffhanger

P.S. Thanks Rixter...your opinion may have saved me lots of dough.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 1:56 pm

...the 405 is ONLY listed in the Alden orthopedic catalog, and I was first able to only order them through a licensed poditrist, so in this case, the word 'orthopedic' was not applied as a magical term, but a real one. Totally agree....these are NOT shoes to be ordered without proper sizing and fitting by a professional. Just ordering your 'standard size' can get you in trouble quick. I've been preaching this word for years. Regards. Michaelson

The_Edge · Post by **The_Edge** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 1:59 pm

I don't really think you need to have skeletal problems to buy a pair of Aldens. They're good for you no matter what kind of shape your body is in. I've noticed less back and knee strain since getting them. Not too mention they are classy looking boots from a bygone era. I don't regret one single dime. They're the only shoes I wear anymore. Over Thanksgiving weekend I wore them out hiking through the damp woods and then that evening they cleaned up great and I wore them to a dressy birthday party. You'd never had guessed that they were all wet and dirty a few hours earlier. An excellent all around utility boot.

Traction was my main concern before buying my pair of Aldens. I also own a pair of dress shoes that have very slick soles and I was afraid the 405s would be no different. When I finally got them I was surprised to find that the soles were much more rubbery than I expected. When you first get them they seem kind of slick and clunky because they are brand new. Once they break in you'll have much better traction. I've had my Aldens since April and I actually find that I have better traction with them than my hiking boots. The 405's sole has conformed around my foot allowing my foots natural grip to work as traction. Yes, they are a little more slick on wet rocks, logs and mud but I haven't had any trouble with surfaces like asphault and concrete.

-Kyle

Modern Jones · Post by **Modern Jones** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 3:17 pm

Thanks for the input Kyle. I never knew there was such an underground controversy about Aldens and their substitutes!!!

Having only a few pieces of gear so far, it is really great to hear so much about what everyone has experienced. I personally would love a pair of Aldens (maybe next year).

We need to organize a "Fact & Opinion" section about each of the pieces of gear and their many alternatives (not just the origins). I'm going to scour the archives and compile some info for a gear review section on a webpage I have. Any input or emails with info about gear anyone owns would be helpful.

Skip

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 3:46 pm

I'd only add that though you don't require skeletal problems, if you don't size correctly, you can CAUSE them with the 405's. I've received emails of more than one horror story from folks who used the old 'size up', or 'size down' advice posted here and other places, only to either trade, return, or sell their 405's due to foot, ankle or leg problems caused by a poor fitting. Once sized and fitted correctly, you'll probably never want to wear your regular shoes again, or will be a LOT more critical of what you purchase and wear from now on. I know I am now. As to slick...heaven help you on snow or ice!!!

Been there, done that, have the bruises to prove it! Regards. Michaelson

What do you think?

What do you think?

You better to double check that...

Well in this case...

I agree with Kyle