Todd's costumes boots?!

IndianaBogart · Post by **IndianaBogart** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:45 pm

The price will be between $50 and $100 per pair.

$185!!!!

Did you guys not read this thread?

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:51 am

haha, I never expected that high of price, just stating I would be all over a $100- price.

I do wonder about some folks though

Randy

IndianaJack91 · Post by **IndianaJack91** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:28 pm

i am buying a pair

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 8:27 am

I'm happy with Real Alden's. VERY happy in fact- I just used them all weekend in Virginia; throught the dust, mud and water and they are supremely comfortable. It is clear why Ford wanted to wear nothing else.

In fact, I wouldn't be at all suprised to find that he wears Aldens for all his dress shoes. To lok at them you'd never think them to be so comfortable...

So, I'll probably just keep wearing these until they are within an inch of their life, and then replace them with a new pair. The 'dead' ones (Naturally distressed?) will be for the costume, and the new ones will be kept nice.

I could easily see myself adopting these as my every-day shoe, just as Schmidty has done...

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:23 am

And how many times will you post about the Aldens you already have in this thread about Todd's new offering?

Shoes like this should not be too hard to get a very good copy of, I'm hoping Todd's are of a quality you can wear daily or at least in the real world - I don't costume but like the jacket and boots and to some extent similar shirts.

Magno · Post by **Magno** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:16 pm

J!m wrote:I'm happy with Real Alden's. VERY happy in fact- I just used them all weekend in Virginia; throught the dust, mud and water and they are supremely comfortable. It is clear why Ford wanted to wear nothing else.

In fact, I wouldn't be at all suprised to find that he wears Aldens for all his dress shoes. To lok at them you'd never think them to be so comfortable...

So, I'll probably just keep wearing these until they are within an inch of their life, and then replace them with a new pair. The 'dead' ones (Naturally distressed?) will be for the costume, and the new ones will be kept nice.

I could easily see myself adopting these as my every-day shoe, just as Schmidty has done...

Not all of us can afford real Alden's. That's sort of the point.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:33 pm

I can afford the real deal seeing that I've got the money saved for them.. BUT my head is turned by the possibility of getting something less expensive and having money left over for a Federation!

Randy

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:04 am

That is my argument. I would love a pair of Aldens, but I cannot justify the spending. This is something that I would be interested in for the very reason that I can get something that is very close if not dead on SA for a fraction of the price. I'm no purist when it comes to these things.

Dave

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:01 am

OK. we are getting a bit off track here but this is what I am saying:

I started out trying to find a similar shoe as MY adventure shoe. One that had an Indy influence, but was more real world friendly.

Well, guess what? I have narrow feet. So, the wonderful Gentleman Travelers I found at Redwing will never fit me properly. They also had nothing else that appealed to me, so I went with Aldens.

They were more than I wanted to spend on a pair of shoes, but I do not regret the purchase.

If you have normal width feet, you have the luxury or purchasing what ever third-world produced sweat-shop forced-labor 35 cent shoe you want.

I do not have that luxury and am forced to support the American economy. Sorry.

Now I'm stuck with a very comfortable shoe that has served me well on my adventures. And, for the record, they are not that slippery, even in dirt and rocks. Only complaint: laces. I have broken them both already...

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:41 am

You have no idea what the width of Todd's boots will be.

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:06 am

That is true I have no idea how wide they will be; however he would be foolish to make them any way other than medium width, as that is the most popular seller around the world. wouldn't you agree if this was your business venture? (I know I'd do that and I need the narrow shoe myself... Money is money!) I imagine he will not support sizes beyond 12 either, if that big. The volume of sales is simply not there! 10-1/2 medium is (I think so at least) the most popular size. I can confirm this with my friend who is head of design at Reebok if you like, but I'm reasonably certain this is the case.

He doesn't even have a long version of his jacket, why would he go narrow and/or wide and/or extra-big on the shoes?

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they will be fine as costume boots, as intended. His jacket is perfect as a costume jacket; it just doesn't fit me. I really wish it did! If the boots fit, I'd probably get a pair, or realistically I'd probably have a pair of Gentleman Traveler's on right now and this conversation wouldn't be happening.

But if you compare Todd's jacket to other offerings out there, you can see how Todd's is costume gear and others might be a bit more durable (and this is reflected in the price, as many have pointed out). If that holds true, you may not get a lot of wear from the shoes, or they won't be as comfortable, or not offer proper support for your foot or whatever compromises have to be made to meet the price point. Again, I could be wrong as this is all speculation at this point. If they are only worn with the costume, say a dozen times a year at most, for a few hours at a time, they should be fine I'm quite certain. Todd does not sell "junk". However he does sell costumes, and that should be kept in mind. If this is what you want, this is certainly a welcome adition to the hobby, and I support that!

I wait patiently for the first buyers to report their findings after a month or two of continual wear. That's all I'm saying...

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:24 pm

Yes! Get the head of design at Reebok on this at once! And if I'm not back in 15 minutes, call the president!

The thread is about Todd's, not why you choose Aldens or the third-world. I can afford to buy any boots I choose but that's not the point. The point is it would be nice to have choices as not everyone cares to spend over $300 on what are simple boots.

If Todd comes out with a nice item below $100, I feel they'll be better than a simple costume piece as you're implying. I can buy $50 - $75 walking shoes and get years of use out of them. I just had new heels put on a pair of Bass shoes because they still looked great after a couple years of abuse.

If you feel a need to justify your purchase, there are plenty of Alden threads.

By the way, I have a wide foot so the Todd's might not even fit me. No big deal because I don't care that much about owning boots that look like movie boots. If, however, these turn out to be good quality, fair priced, and fit me, I could use them - use them when I'm in the third-world, actually.

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:56 pm

Exactly.

I'm glad we see eye to eye on this.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 1:17 pm

J!m,

I've got to step in here and gently, carefully, and tactfully suggest a possible reply submitted humbly and with the greatest respect for you all, as I know you all to be the best of the best, the bravest and finest Indy fans in all the galaxy.

I've been wearing my "costume" jacket for a full year now. I've intentionally been rough on it to test it. It's only gotten better and more comfortable with age. Not one thing has failed on it. Is that a costume jacket? Have I been wearing a "costume" all this time? It looks like a "real" jacket, it smells like a "real" jacket, it wears like a "real" jacket... It is a lightweight jacket, but I believe it to be similar in weight to the film jackets. In fact, I've had this confirmed.

In summary, I humbly submit that calling it a "costume" jacket gives members (especially new members) the impression that they can't wear it as an everyday garment, when in fact, most of my customers DO wear them as everyday garments.

Over the year, we have made improvements in materials and details with the manufacturer, and now I am quite proud of it. We've found a leather that I think is absolutely perfect - in fact, I've asked the factory to NEVER change it. I think it is dead-on to the screen jacket, it's brown all the way through, and has a glossier finish, perfect for distressing. We also changed the pocket lining to flannel, which is perfect and will be more durable.

On to the boots. Yes, the width is medium. Yes, the are "real" boots, made by a "real" boot manufacturer using "real" leather and "real" soles. The company making these manufactures shoes for major brands all over the world.

I think many on this board are far too quick to label garments that don't meet their very high (and sometimes unrealistic) expectations as "costume" garments (or leather gear). I'm not the only recipient of this label, either, many other good vendors get this label placed on their products as well, and I think possibly a smidgen, just a smidgen, unfairly.

Of course, feel free to call anything you want, anything you want. We are all free to our opinions, you know, one man's trash is another man's treasure and all...

Just my humble, respectfully submitted opinion, with no disrepect meant to anyone living or dead, past present or future, I love you all - each and every one - don't ever forget that - I mean it. What's mine is yours, come stay with me for as long as you want. I'll be your alibi, no questions asked. Hugs and kisses. Don't mind me...

Todd

IndianaBogart · Post by **IndianaBogart** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:03 pm

In summary, I humbly submit that calling it a "costume" jacket gives members (especially new members) the impression that they can't wear it as an everyday garment, when in fact, most of my customers DO wear them as everyday garments.

That'd be me. ;-)

I love the jacket Todd.

Regards,
IB

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:39 pm

Wow.. this is getting out of hand here.. some people need to take a chill pill and report back to the doctor in a few days.

Keep it clean and civil guys!

Thanks for chiming in Todd, I was hoping you'd do that soon. From my shirt and what I've heard/seen of your Jackets, your products aren't "costume".

For that, Wal*Mart is just down the street, they have a broad selection of costumes this time of year, including the feltboard felt Indy jacket!

I for one am looking forward to this option for footwear. AND will use them almost daily when I get them.

Randy

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:09 pm

Tood:

Let me offer a formal apology to you if I offended you.

I meant no disrespect to you, or what you do or stand for.

I love the jacket- it doesn't fit. Plain and simple. The cost of a custom puts me in a position to get a more durable horse hide from Wested. So, that is what (I am trying at least) to do. I love the shirt too! And the bag strap! Would I keep coming back if you offered inferior products? No, of course I wouldn't.

Would I rely on any light weight leather to protect me in the event of a motorcycle crash? No. This is not it's intended purpose. I have another jacket for that, and I am happy with that. I wanted the low cost Todd's jacket for my Indy outfit, and a more durable leather option for every day wear. I cannot speak first hand about the durability of your products, as I only had them for a few days each to determine the fit was incorrect for me. Maybe "costume" is a bad choice of words, as it implys 'cheapness'. Perhaps "fashion" jacket is better?

I only have personal experience with your Indy jacket (also a custom cow hide you made for a breif time), and the other very high end (non Indy) jacket I own, plus a few from years past. There is a LOT of room for stuff in between there, with several companies here and abroad, filling that gap. What really scares me is those who would sell me a jacket proported to offer protection in the event of a crash, that are nearly as thin as a typical Indy jacket (for "the drape" we all want)- and I have seen this first hand! (you likely have too- just go to any Harley Davidson dealership and look at that @#$% they sell!) You offer what you offer and I think we all know that offering is one of the best raider Replica jackets you can buy REGARDLESS OF COST thanks to the efforts you put forth. And, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

As IB said: he loves his. I have orderd two from you myself, as you know, and beside the fit, I was quite happy with it for what it is/was. You have nothing to apologise for Todd- you provide exactly what we want, even when we don't know what it is we want.

You have always been professional and curteous with me on the phone or via e-mail, and there were never problems when I sent those jackets back for refunds. Professional- plain and simple.

I cannot comment on the quality of the boots, as I do not have a pair. No one does yet (except you I suspect) so I did and do reserve judgement until those are available. I meerely suggested it would not be financially viable for you to carry several widths and/or huge sizes. I hit the mark there, as you confirmed. I'm a businessman too, and understand that if you were to cover all the sizes offered by Alden, you would be pretty darn near the same cost, due to your lower volume. Simple economics, nothing more.

As to the value they represent, I think I hit the mark there as well. Again, I may be proven wrong, and for those who fit a normal width this will be your lucky day! Unfortunately, I will not be able to test the durability myself. I will add that recently there have been problems with the durability of the Aldens reported by two (that I know of) owners. I did not suffer this problem, but it is not beyond the realm of posibility. We are all human, and as such prone to mistakes. it happens. I don't know if these replicas will be the orthopedic design of the 'real deal'. If so, that is fantastic, and I will be the first to ask for a narrow width!

So Todd, in conclusion I think you are doing a great thing for the community, and that is appreciated. It always seems that bad press comes back much easier than praise. Again, I offer apologies if I offended you- this was not an attack on you, just pointing out that you are providing a service and everything needs to be kept in perspective.

Sincerely,

Jim Leach

IndianaBogart · Post by **IndianaBogart** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:10 pm

I'm very excited about your boots Todd. Can't wait to see 'em!

BTW, any updates that you can share with us?

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:37 pm

IndianaBogart wrote:I'm very excited about your boots Todd. Can't wait to see 'em! BTW, any updates that you can share with us?

There will be two: One for each foot. ;-)

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:12 pm

Guys, I wrote those comments above with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek. I'm not offended in the least and never was. Sometimes dry humor gets lost in print...

I once had a job with a non-profit drug rehab/education organization where I was actually BANNED from communicating with anyone outside the organization or inside, except my supervisor. She had to filter everything I said or wrote to soften it before it was unleashed. I guess I cheesed a few people off completely unintentionally.

Anyway, I intended my point to be made with the lightest tone possible because I really don't want to put anyone on the spot.

I'd better quit before I find room in my mouth for my other foot.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:24 pm

Oh, yes, about the boots. No news. They are still sitting in a warehouse at LAX waiting for an "Interim Footwear Invoice" document from the manufacturer before the customs clearance process can begin. Meanwhile, my warehouse storage fee accrues on a daily basis.

A story: When I got the shirts, Customs and Border Security decided that the shirts needed a closer inspection - a really, really good inspection. So good, in fact, that they had to truck the shirts to another warehouse for inspection (at my expense, of course) and then truck them back. I think that shipment was missing the "Certificate of Origin" document, so there was a further delay while that was sent over. Meanwhile, the warehouse was charging me storage on a daily basis. I had to pay for the inspection, too.

Anyway, the clearance process to import things into the states is completely unpredictable, so I don't even try. "They'll get here when they get here" is the best I can do.

IndianaBogart · Post by **IndianaBogart** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:02 pm

That's completely understandable. Thank you Todd.

serenade · Post by **serenade** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 9:17 pm

THanks for the update Todd! I'm really looking forward for your boots!

I really love your jacket an wear it daily, and I have had a lot of compliments from people to the jacket, regardless if the knew it was an Indiana Jones jacket or not, they simply loved it!

Many thanks for offering such great products to us, at such great and affordable price!

twilekjedi · Post by **twilekjedi** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 9:33 pm

Todd, when you finally do have the boots ready for offer on your website, could you give info for conversion to women's sizes? Should we order 1.5 down? Thanks so much, and we all hope customs gives you clearance soon!

indyclone · Post by **indyclone** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:10 am

very cool --- i will be happy to get a pair of these boots --- i still have to order a todds jacket tho

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:27 am

When did Todd change the pocket linings in the jackets to flannel? Does this apply only to Custom or also to Standard? (The Standard I got in August has the patch pockets).

ichnob · Post by **ichnob** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:27 am

So when you say they're even size boots only, what does that mean? Just whole number sizes (no ½ sizes) or literally even number sizes (like size 8, 10, and 12)? Please explain to a greenhorn like myself.

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:32 am

ichnob wrote:So when you say they're even size boots only, what does that mean? Just whole number sizes (no ½ sizes) or literally even number sizes (like size 8, 10, and 12)? Please explain to a greenhorn like myself.

I'm pretty sure he means no half sizes, at least I hope so.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:44 am

It wouldn't make any sense to only make even sizes in the literl sense (i.e. 8, 10, 12). That would really irk me as I am a 9.

Dave

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 10:29 am

I mean no half-sizes. We have 9 - 12 coming.

As to the flannel, I'm referring to the standard jacket and the flannel is in the patch pocket. This was done on the last run that I got this summer.

Todd

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 10:33 am

That is a relief, though the 8, 10, 12 size theory didn't really make much sense to be beleive anyway.

Dave

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 10:40 am

Great... I'm a size 13.

WinstonWolf359 · Post by **WinstonWolf359** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:40 pm

Yep, once again, I'm one size too big for any of Todd's off-the-rack clothing. Jacket, then shirt, and now shoes...

Oh well. I can keep losing weight to try to fit into the shirt and jacket, but I'm not cutting off my big toe the get a pair of boots. I guess I'll have to keep waiting to see if the sizes expand into bigger and taller territory.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:56 am

I love Todd. All his products and customer service are excellent.

TruckWhatTruck · Post by **TruckWhatTruck** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:51 pm

Puppetboy wrote:
I think many on this board are far too quick to label garments that don't meet their very high (and sometimes unrealistic) expectations as "costume" garments (or leather gear). I'm not the only recipient of this label, either, many other good vendors get this label placed on their products as well, and I think possibly a smidgen, just a smidgen, unfairly.

spot on. Todd's gear is good, solid gear, without question. the jacket is lightweight, but frankly that's nothing but a plus for anyone (like myself) who wishes to wear their jacket outside of cold weather months. maybe the standard's lambskin won't "stop a bullet" in terms of action-wearability, but the thing is perfect for day to day wear, not to mention the fact that it looks great no matter what you do to it.

personally, i'm extremely grateful to Todd for providing all the gear that he does at such reasonable prices, thus making it possible for gearheads who don't have particularly deep pockets to also enjoy owning a good looking, accurate, and lasting set of gear.

good work, Todd. keep doing what you do.

Indiana MarkVII · Post by **Indiana MarkVII** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:57 pm

Someone said:

I hope he offers them in EEEE

The nice thing about real Alden Indy boots, is that you can get half sizes and a wide range of widths, like my 9.5 AA with AAAA heel. I do not think that Todd will have an Indy boot to fit me, if it only comes in whole sizes, despite the attractive price.

GoldenHistorian · Post by **GoldenHistorian** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:00 pm

not a bad price if your right.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:23 am

No size 13?

That stinks.

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:33 am

Pitfall Harry wrote:No size 13? That stinks.

Cut out the toe cap area of a size 12 and make them your Indy adventure sandals

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:48 pm

Yeah, that could work.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 11:42 am

I'm curious about color, will they be like the current Alden color or the darker Raidersish?

Randy

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 11:49 am

theinterchange wrote:I'm curious about color, will they be like the current Alden color or the darker Raidersish?

Randy

I think earlier in the thread it says a darker brown.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 12:38 pm

Must have missed that, sounds good!

R

Yep, Todd himself said it in his original post about them.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:25 pm

The boots are here. I'm going to post this in the vendor announcement section.

The price is $74.95.

Todd

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:28 pm

Wow!!! What a bargain. I bet they sell out before the end of the day.

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:31 pm

I tried to add these to my shopping cart and it said there is a problem with the sellers website.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:34 pm

Too much traffic. Try again or call us 661-242-2089

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:40 pm

Puppetboy wrote:Too much traffic. Try again or call us 661-242-2089

Will do. Are these comparable to Alden's in size?

Erri · Post by **Erri** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:40 pm

Puppet boy, can we have more picture of the product? Also, can we know how's the sizing? I have Aldens 11.5 but on your website I can only see 11 and 12, hence the question, would you say they are roomy, normal or snug fit?

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 3:43 pm

Also, any chance of ever getting these in, shall we say, a size 13?

Todd's costumes boots?!

Todd's Indy boot