Technique to Dyeing Alden's?

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:34 pm

Hey guys, did perform the search, so I don't think this post will be totally unwarranted. I found that some of you have tried with success to die the orange-ish Alden's with quite good-looking results. I'd love a pair of the AB Alden's, but at $600 w/ shipping etc., it's a little pricey atm. Anyways, I've read that some dark brown dyes like Fiebing's? I think it was, do a pretty good job bringing the boots back into shades of Raider's. I was just going to ask any of you guys who've been able to successfully dye them if you have any specific pointers, because I'm fairly certain that's what I'll be doing...to a new pair of Alden's. Specifically, I was going to ask about applying the dye (what tools to use) and the white stitching. I don't remember off the top of my head whether the ultra-SA AB Alden's have white stitching or not, but if they do, I think I'd like to try to keep them white. I guess I'm trying to recreate the AB affect on my own. Anyways, any tips would be more than appreciated.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:27 pm

Honestly, I'd highly recommend you try taking them to a professional cobbler or shoe repair shop to do this for you. The new Aldens are made with wax covered surfaces, and unless you successfully remove that surface, you're going to end up with a REAL mottled looking pair of boots.

Regards! Michaelson

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:31 pm

Wow, didn't know that, thanks for the tip.

Nebraska Brad · Post by **Nebraska Brad** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:12 pm

I have had good luck with just polishing them with kiwi brown polish. As the boots get more scuffed the polish seems to stick better. I have even used black polish in between brown treatments and it looks pretty cool especially after some wear.

-Nebraska

Post by **Dalexs** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:04 pm

If you search the forum, you will find that folks here have done it.
A bunch have paid upwards of a whopping $25 to have a shoe repair store do.

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 6:13 am

Dalexs, that Russet Brown Fiebing's dye that you had used....was that the same as the "Dark Brown"? Couldn't find the "Russet."

Post by **Dalexs** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 12:56 pm

No. It was specifically labeld "Russet."

The difference being that Russet uses green for its base color.
Walnut uses red.
Dark Brown, I think uses red as its base, but you would have to ask.

I already had pumpkin orange shoes and figured the green base would help cancel the color better.