Just wanted to throw in my endorsement of Schmidty's Aldens service. I only owned one pair up until recently. My original pair was purchased from Fritz himself in California in 2001. Given their sentimental value and the fact that Aldens were brick red back then, I figured I'd go in for another pair. I spoke with Schmidty at length over the phone - Class act guy - very genuine to speak with - seems to want to give IndyGearers the best deal possible. This brand-spanking new pair of Aldens was $278 shipped! And arrived before I could blink!
I've been in this game a long time and never was the price so good and the wait so short! I know I sound like an advertisement - I apologize - I don't mean to. The pics below speak for themselves.
New ones on left, 2001 pair on right (had one application of Angelus Brown shoe dye to surface in 2001. Only Pecards since then, but they were the brickish red variety originally)
Interesting, but may be hard to notice in this next pic is that the speed lacing hooks on the new Aldens are marginally larger than on my 2001 pair...
Yeah Aeris, I was wondering when I got the new ones if they'd changed the shape of the boot slightly - but then I said to myself, there's no way that's the case b/c they use the same 100-year old machines. You're right - it must be time, wear and the shape of my foot - I hope my new ones eventually take on the shape of the old ones.
You can just PM schmidty. He's working on a pair for me, too at the moment.
Hello Risu, I am thinking of ordering a pair myself from Schmidty... Gosh, those look sooooooo beautiful!! I am thinking of going for either Redwing 1908 or this... I am an avid hiker and it sounds like a lot of other members aren't quite impressed with the durability of the Aldens... Should I go with more sturdy boots I wonder...
There is nothing to be worried about with the durability of Aldens. The only thing is you may want more tread on the sole. The flat sole has never bothered me but some don't like it.
Aldens will outlast Redwings any day. Speaking from experience.
You can just PM schmidty. He's working on a pair for me, too at the moment. I'll let him go into that when and if he feels like posting it. Have to agree with what Kittlemeier said. I've only seen one person who spurns the durability of Aldens. Everyone else says that they're tough as nails and I agree with them. Mine from Schmidty are only a week or so old, but I've seen too many examples of well-worn Aldens that have been through #### in a handbasket for me to doubt them. :junior: -M
I believe he runs a shoe store that has a contract with Alden, but I'm not sure exactly. He's currently awaiting a shipment in my size, so my guess is that he has a low stock, but it can be refilled quickly.
I think I was the first on the COW forum to buy from schmidty. His store is Giesche Shoes in Geneva, Illinois. Call him at 630-232-2317 and ask for Brian.
Picker
You won't regret it. Schmidty has top notch service even after the shoes are bought, and my Aldens are the most comfortable pair of shoes I've worn in a long time.
I bought mine a few weeks ago from Schmidty. I love these boots. They are starting to take on some character after wearing them to work almost everyday. They definetly get better with age.
Thank You guys from the bottom of my heart. It has been my pleasure getting to know all of you and I look forward to speaking with all of you again. (Not necessarily for boots either) And as I ALWAYS SAY AND MEAN If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or need help moving a body, I am always here for you!! OK maybe not that last thing so much...
Hi everyone, this is my first post after lurking for a while! I took the plunge last week and contacted Schmidty and like everyone has said, he's a great guy to work with and helped me with my size. Then, to top that, the Aldens arrived today priority mail. They were at my desk when I got back to the office this afternoon. I immediately opened the box, took off my work boots, then put on the 405s...THE most comfortable boots I have ever put on my feet! Please Alden, make a steeltoe 405 so I can be comfortable at work! Thanks Bryan and all Indy fans!
