Rockport boots - update w/pics

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:14 pm

In the words of Jimmy Buffett - "Indecision may or may not be my problem..."
Here's the deal - there's a sale on Rockport Dark Brown Farnums - but they don't have my exact size (11D.) They do have 10 1/2, and I've heard that Farnums can run a 1/2 size large, so technically that would work. But do I take the chance?
The next cheapest place with Farnums is about $22 more, they have the dark tan, and they have my size. The dark brown seems really dark, but the tan seem really light- although lighter can always be fixed with shoe polish and Pecards.
So there's my dilema - do I go with the cheaper dark brown and roll the dice on the size, or do I spend the extra $22 dollars for my actual size in dark tan which can be manipulated color wise?

DoubleOhSeven · Post by **DoubleOhSeven** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:11 pm

I sorta faced the same dilemna, but quickly decided on going ahead with the dark tan in my size.

Haven't ordered them yet, but I did find them for $116.00 on Zappo's.

http://www.zappos.com/gs/rockport-farnu ... oots.shtml

I have another pair of Rockport boots very similar to these, and they do run about 1/2 size big. I'm guessing the Farnums prolly do, too.

Oh, yeah Zappos has free shipping.

afrayedknot · Post by **afrayedknot** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:27 am

I bought a pair of Farnums in my size and wound up returning them for a pair a half size smaller. They fit great!

Bullitt · Post by **Bullitt** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:46 am

Colorwise I can only suggest Dark Chocolate. They're not so dark in real life and they will become lighter. I've never seen pics of anyone having Dark Tan ones, but they seem to yellow/orange in my eyes. The Dark Chocolates will go better with the rest of your gear.

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:40 am

I guess the unique issue I face is that I want the boot to clean up well - I'm kinda leaning the dark brown way, because although the tan color has a more worn look out of the box, I think it would always look worn. The dark brown, with one of those neutral colored Kiwi shoe sponges, would clean up and look presentable when I need them to. Agreed?
Oh yeah, and I can get the dark brown in a 10.5 (1/2 size smaller than my actual 11 size) for $94 and change shipped...

Update - I pulled the trigger on the dark brown farnums - I figured if they fit and I like the color, they're a good deal at $94.00. If the fit is poor and/or the color isn't to my likeing then I can send them back for free and get another pair from Zappos...

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 11:20 pm

I also got a 10.5 b/c I normally wear a 11 but heard they were big.

I should be getting these tomorrow.

http://www.bargainoutfitters.com/cb/cb.asp?a=312734

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:14 am

WOW – better deal than I found! Actually, Onlineshoes.com where I bought mine has a deal where I can submit the cheaper price from your bargainoutfitters.com site and they’ll meet or beat it. Thanks! You just saved me 35 bucks!

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:21 am

Okay, I gotta share this as I do a little happy dance… $\:D/$
I heard back from Onlineshoes.com and they are refunding me $38 as part of their 110% price guarantee. This takes the Farnums I ordered down to around $56.50!
Now here’s the kicker that’s got me grinning – I get a $45.00 shoe allowance at work! That means I’ll be paying only $11.50 out of pocket for a really nice pair of close enoughs!! WOOT!!! $\:D/$

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 12:47 am

That's a pretty good deal! I missed giving you my own advice by about an hour. I went with the dark tan Rockports. They're not so light in real life, and will only get darker.

A coat of mink oil (I know, don't use mink oil) and brown Kiwi shoe polish gave them a nice worn look before I even had a chance to really wear them around. I took a picture of them with my hat an jacket for a color comparison.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:41 pm

Mark Brody, is that the hat you made yourself?.. and the boots look really good. Are they comfortable?

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:59 pm

That is my own hat (it's actually the only Indy hat I have). The boots took about 2 hard weeks to break it. I soaked them and wore them out all evening with 2 thick pairs of boots socks. The next day, I had to go barefoot because my feet hurt so much. Now that they're broken in, however, they're very comfortable.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 8:58 pm

Mark Brody wrote:That is my own hat (it's actually the only Indy hat I have). The boots took about 2 hard weeks to break it. I soaked them and wore them out all evening with 2 thick pairs of boots socks. The next day, I had to go barefoot because my feet hurt so much. Now that they're broken in, however, they're very comfortable.

Cool, 2 pairs at once? I need to look into the Rockports.. good close enoughs till I can get a pair of Magnoli's. The hat still looks good. I really must try doing it myself soon! Heck, even your chair looks like something Indy would own. I love it.

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 11:11 pm

That was actually a conscious choice to take the photo on that chair. It's just some old courthouse chair my dad picked up decades ago. It's the most comfortable wooden chair I've ever sat it.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 11:38 pm

Just dawned on me that there's a Rockport outlet store just a few minutes from my house.. I should look there for boots.

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:03 pm

Got my Rockports in today - they are definitely dark brown. They do look like the shots inside the temple, but otherwise if you want something that looks closer to actual Aldens I'd get the dark Tan and use either brown or cordovan shoe polish to darken them ala Brody. Considering the price I got them for and how well they blend with other elements of my wardrobe, I'll stick with them. They are a 1/2 size smaller than my usual size, but the fit is good, albiet a little stiff initially - no need for thick socks or extra insoles for a better fit.
Here's an outside shot and a pick with my other gear for color comparison (the other boots on the right are my Carolina steel toes I wear to work...)

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:19 am

theinterchange wrote:Just dawned on me that there's a Rockport outlet store just a few minutes from my house.. I should look there for boots.

I went to the Rockport Outlet store by me and they never even heard of Farnums. They said they don't get all the shoes/boots you see online. Good luck!

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:23 am

Panama Tom Jr. wrote:Okay, I gotta share this as I do a little happy dance… $\:D/$
I heard back from Onlineshoes.com and they are refunding me $38 as part of their 110% price guarantee. This takes the Farnums I ordered down to around $56.50!
Now here’s the kicker that’s got me grinning – I get a $45.00 shoe allowance at work! That means I’ll be paying only $11.50 out of pocket for a really nice pair of close enoughs!! WOOT!!! $\:D/$

Hey, glad to help. Glad you like them. Mine feel pretty stiff especially in the ankle. I wonder if a shoe stretcher would work or if I got a 10.5EE would do; I don't have a wide foot.

Bullitt · Post by **Bullitt** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 5:18 am

JC1972 wrote:Hey, glad to help. Glad you like them. Mine feel pretty stiff especially in the ankle. I wonder if a shoe stretcher would work or if I got a 10.5EE would do; I don't have a wide foot.

I had the same problem, just wear thick socks or two pairs. It will go away however. The leather just needs some breaking in.

Panama Tom Jr. wrote:Got my Rockports in today - they are definitely dark brown. They do look like the shots inside the temple, but otherwise if you want something that looks closer to actual Aldens I'd get the dark Tan and use either brown or cordovan shoe polish to darken them ala Brody.

Yeah, they look very dark initially, but they will become lighter overall just like the top of your boots are already. I also like Mark Brody's idea with the Dark Tans. I'll have to try that next time.

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:09 am

I'm awaiting my own pair of these with baited breath. I ordered my regular size knowing they would be a little roomy---So I could wear hiking socks with them. I'll definitely be wearing them for the next two months to taks some of the 'shine' off....But they look great!

I'll post when I get them...

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:56 am

When they break in they will hopefully develop into the color of the tounge and upper portion of the boot - the shine is probably from the waterproofing. I think the trick will be to treat them with products that do not increase the darkness - kind of the opposite that you would do with the dark tan version...

Wraith1031 · Post by **Wraith1031** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 11:31 pm

Pulled the trigger myself! I think Im gonna like them!

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:13 pm

Mine are arriving tomorrow....Dark brown. If I like them, I may pull the trigger on a set in Tan....If i can still get them in my size.....

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:37 pm

The boots look great Panama Tom. You just sold me on the Rockports.

Dave

Honolulu Jones · Post by **Honolulu Jones** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:36 am

I'm having a heck of a time finding them in my size in dark tan... anyone found a good source?

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:15 am

I was darned lucky to find my own pair. That was through Amazon. Try searching Google for "Rockport Farnum".

These are (recently) no longer made, and are drying up quick!!!!!

BTW, the blue Maoi is awesome......

Honolulu Jones · Post by **Honolulu Jones** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:40 pm

Hey, thanks PyramidBlaster. And yeah, I'm just finding that out -- arriving late to the party, I am. I'll check out Amazon.... Thanks.

Wraith1031 · Post by **Wraith1031** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:07 pm

GOt em in yesterday along with my shipment from Pecards and my deluxe gunbelt and holster from Todds! I'm gonna be a leather conditioning-waterproofing-elbow grease using fool come this weekend! Lol!

Vaderbreath · Post by **Vaderbreath** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:11 pm

Just got my Dark Chocolates today and they're great. The size was perfect and they look fantastic. Thanks, guys, for alerting us to such a good deal!

-Corey

Treadwell · Post by **Treadwell** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:49 pm

$5 off: coupon code BF182

IndyWannaBee · Post by **IndyWannaBee** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 12:43 am

Well! To **** with Amazon.com.....Bargain Outfitters had my size so I went with them and just ordered my Rockports! I still don't like the seam in the toes but I really do like the shoes in general and not just as Indy.

$56.00 right now plus the $5.00 off coupon so I went with 2nd day air delivery! I should have them by Tuesday next week!

Anticipation!!!!

OK I am spending far too much money on Indy stuff that I plan on wearing everyday!!!

Wraith1031 · Post by **Wraith1031** » Sun Apr 06, 2008 4:27 pm

Have spent the last two days walking around a home show with my wife and decided, what better time to break in my new Farnums......
I cannot believe how comfortable these freakin things are! I was really worried that I was going to regret wearing them, but it was just the oppisite! GREAT BOOTS!

DOHERTYJAX · Post by **DOHERTYJAX** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:32 pm

JC1972

Thanks for that link. That was the best price I have seen so far. I just ordered a pair.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:28 pm

JC1972 wrote:
theinterchange wrote:Just dawned on me that there's a Rockport outlet store just a few minutes from my house.. I should look there for boots.
I went to the Rockport Outlet store by me and they never even heard of Farnums. They said they don't get all the shoes/boots you see online. Good luck!

No dice.. I forgot to post earlier. I still need to get some, though.

elstevo · Post by **elstevo** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:32 pm

For all those who have a pair of the Farnums, is it still the general consensus to get a half size down? My only option is a half size down as the place I want to get them from is out of my regular size...

Thanks!

elstevo · Post by **elstevo** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:17 pm

Well, I bit the bullet and went for the half size down. I got them for $69 at www.6pm.com, which is the cheapest online right now, and they had no size 10.5's in dark brown (nor dark tan), and they only had three pairs left in size 10s. I called around to a few Rockport stores in the area and no one's carrying them in the store right now--so no trying them on in person!

Anyway, I'm excited and can't wait to put them on, break them in, and wear them around enough to get a nice worn look!

ichnob · Post by **ichnob** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 3:36 am

I normally wear a 10.5 for dress shoes and non sports shoes (for basketball/training shoes, i normally wear 11) and they fit me pretty well. If they are loose, they don't feel that loose on me.

Soup · Post by **Soup** » Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:00 pm

I just did the same Elstevo, bought one of the last two pair of 9D from 6pm. Same price $69.00. My foot measures a 9D so hopefully the fit will be good. They only had Dark Chocolate (my choice) and Black in this size left. 4-5 day shipping. Someday a pair of Aldens.

Regards,

Mark

floyd1977 · Post by **floyd1977** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:01 am

Well I went ahead and ordered myself a pair of the dark ones from 6pm. They didn't have ones a 1/2 size smaller than my normal size so I got a 1/2 size smaller in wide, hopefully they will fit OK...

elstevo · Post by **elstevo** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:22 pm

Just got my Rockport Farnums yesterday, and let me tell you---I love 'em! I ordered a half size down----10 instead of my normal 10.5----and am glad that I did. I feel like I would've been swimming in 10.5s, but the 10s are a perfect fit. They're super-comfortable, even on day one. My left knee chronically hurts (remnants of too many careless soccer injuries), and is typically made worse after a long day on my feet at work. Wore the boots to work today, and not a hint of pain. Moreover, the boots are lighter than my dress shoes, which is impressive. I'm wearing them with the laces strapped up to the next-to-last hooks, leaving the top ones open.

I got the dark browns, and am also happy with that choice. They're already a hint distressed right out of the box (though certainly nice enough for work), and I think they'll look even better in time. Still, though...if I weren't also planning to buy new running shoes soon, I'd probably get a pair of the light browns just to have.

So, my Day #2 review is a wholehearted "BUY!" And, as I hear that this model of boot is discontinued (or at least not going to be available until winter, if at all), I'd say "BUY SOON!"

Indiana Rich · Post by **Indiana Rich** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:02 pm

Hi,

I just bought a pair. I normally wear a 10m and they had one in stock. I hope its not too big.

I'm really impressed. I got the dark brown color. With some distressing, it'll look more SA than the current Aldens....

IR

RobocopIndy · Post by **RobocopIndy** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:00 am

That vertical stitch in the toe just ruins it for me though...

Cairo Jones · Post by **Cairo Jones** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:31 pm

I'm glad I saw this thread! I was looking for a good pair of boots at a sensible price for general use. The fact that these are close enoughs is a bonus

Just managed to grab a chocolate brown pair in my size off ebay for $53 plus shipping!

Even with shipping to the UK it's still cheaper than most prices for these boots AND most of the US online stores won't ship to the UK so it's their loss and my gain...

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 10:43 am

Well, I ordered mine from 6pm.com on Thursday and they arrived yesterday. I'm currently wearing them with two pairs of thick socks after soaking them in water ala Brody Method. I love these boots, and I ordered half a size down also (they are oversized), they fit great!!!

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:56 pm

I just got a tan pair and they feel very comfortable right away.. I'm soooo tempted to get the dark brown while the 6pm sale is still on, and be done with shoes for the next few years

RobbyT43 · Post by **RobbyT43** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:19 pm

I just ordered a pair of dark tan leather Farnums from 6pm.com...seems like they have been getting a lot of business from COW members lately

Hopefully they will fit. I ordered a 13 wide pair. I figure it will be easier to stretch my feet than shrink them

-Robby

Soup · Post by **Soup** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:17 am

I received my dark choclolate from 6pm and are wearing them today for the first time. I ordered a 9D and my foot measures a 9D and the fit is good though a little stiff still. The lower part of the shoe has a shinier, darker finish but the upper part is more of a matted finish and looks lighter in color, almost a hint of some reddish tone to it. Maybe the flourescent lighting in my office because I didn't notice the color before.

The vertical seam in the toe (sewn from the inside) is not as noticeable to me as the lighter colors are. Probably some flat shoe laces will make them look better too. Anyway, a good choice of boot for me.

Regards,

Soup

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 1:20 pm

Looking down at my shoes, I can barely notice the split front at all.. there are a couple of marks on them already, and they're more noticeable than the toe

RobbyT43 · Post by **RobbyT43** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:57 pm

Wow. That was some quick shipping! I ordered these boots Sunday and they came via UPS today!

I love them and they are really good lookin shoes and great Alden look-a-likes.

-Robby

Rockport boots - update w/pics

Rockport boots - update w/pics

I got Rockport Farnums for $60