Coyle's "Outdoorsman's" Boots

indiana lurch · Post by **indiana lurch** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:23 pm

Hey, has anyone ordered and recieved a size 13 yet...or did I just miss that on this thread??

TheExit148, nice to see a fellow Niagara person on the site...sorry that it had to be Welland

though the Falls aren't much better

IL

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 5:29 pm

indiana lurch wrote:Hey, has anyone ordered and recieved a size 13 yet

Yup, me.

IndianaBogart · Post by **IndianaBogart** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:28 pm

alphared6 wrote:
IndianaJack91 wrote:I have had mine for months now and they are still solid and strong. Thats weird.
"For months" ya say? No doubt you got the first run of boots. Perhaps they were better made than this second run, eh?

IndianaJack91 wrote:Thats what I was thinking, that maybe the first run were stronger

Maybe the first run was stronger.....

I was under the impression that the 2nd run would be better, since the leather is heavier. Now I think I'm glad that I got a pair from the first batch.

Alphared, I would be VERY SURPRISED if you didn't get a response from Todd. He has excelent customer service in my experience and I would be shocked if he didn't respond to an email like that.

Best of luck with your boot,
-Bogart

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:45 pm

Whoa. You paid around $85 with shipping for a pair of boots and after a few days a hook breaks and a heel falls off and you don't contact the seller for either a replacement or refund? Why? Before bringing them to get fixed, I'd at least want to see about the seller making this right with me. In fact, I'd be quite po'd if they were mine.

That said, I got a pair from the new run last week and they seem even nicer than the first ones: great color, excellent leather, and even more of a regular "new leather shoes" smell. While I cann't say the leather is thicker - didn't get out a micrometer - it does seem stiffer and more in line with any store-bought boots. As far as sizing I'm glad I went with 11 instead of 12 as mine fit superbly and certainly don't need to be stretched this time. If buying a pair these run big and average to slightly above average width.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:21 pm

Hey, has anyone ordered and recieved a size 13 yet...or did I just miss that on this thread??

TheExit148, nice to see a fellow Niagara person on the site...sorry that it had to be Welland though the Falls aren't much better

IL

Haha, I didn't know of any of Niagarians on here. Nice to know! Yeah Welland is... well you know...

I think a few people have order 13's, alphared6 is one of them, but he's had some problems. Maybe its the larger sizes that are having issues.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:28 pm

Raider S wrote:Whoa. You paid around $85 with shipping for a pair of boots and after a few days a hook breaks and a heel falls off and you don't contact the seller for either a replacement or refund? Why? Before bringing them to get fixed, I'd at least want to see about the seller making this right with me. In fact, I'd be quite po'd if they were mine.

Well first it's not that much money. And second I have a little too much experience with these vendors who cater to a small clientele, like movie and SCi Fi buffs. I have never received an apology, cash back, nor even a discount on another purchase from one of them. And I'm not ready to get into another Pee'n contest with a vendor. I'll just learn from the experience and try to salvage what I can.

By the way ... My cobbler is an old family friend. I asked him to give the boots the once over and provide me his opinion of the quality and materials. I pick them up on Thursday.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:36 pm

Well heres mine, they showed up Friday night and I wore them all weekend.

So...I ordered a 13, and Im glad I did because Im a 14 and they fit.
If these are leather tho...my left one had stains on it, and they broke in very quickly, and dont smell like leather. Im wondering if the 13s are vinyl and all the other sizes are leather. I know someone that bought a pair of 11s that had the heel split after he wore them for a week. I guess Im not much help. Im just glad I have a pair of shoes that look right. Whatever happens.

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:47 pm

No it's not that much money, but then again I like to get what I pay for no matter the price; for $85 I expect to get better than you describe. But I just saw a thread where a pair of Aldens worn for a couple months at most had the side split open. Ugly.

As for Todd's service I can only speak to my experience with an item I recieved that was damaged/defective. Todd told me to simply keep what I had and sent me a replacement, even after I offered to return the original. There was no arguing, bickering or even questioning and the people I spoke with were curteous and understanding.

As for the repair work, I'm sure a lot of us would be interested to hear what your friend says about the boots overall. That would be a great report.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:56 pm

Raider S wrote:No it's not that much money, but then again I like to get what I pay for no matter the price; for $85 I expect to get better than you describe. But I just saw a thread where a pair of Aldens worn for a couple months at most had the side split open. Ugly.

As for Todd's service I can only speak to my experience with an item I received that was damaged/defective. Todd told me to simply keep what I had and sent me a replacement, even after I offered to return the original. There was no arguing, bickering or even questioning and the people I spoke with were courteous and understanding.

As for the repair work, I'm sure a lot of us would be interested to hear what your friend says about the boots overall. That would be a great report.

You are of course right. A costumer should get a product worth the money. I don't feel I got that. An $85.00 boot should last longer than 4 days before it starts falling apart.
I am happy to hear you were well treated when you contacted Todd's. Was the item as expensive as these boots? That gesture on their part was hugely magnanimous, and the right thing to do. That sort of response builds credibility and assures a return customer!
I have never had that kind of good fortune!
Well ... they have my Email. We'll see.

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:08 pm

It was a $30 item. I'm sure the people at Todd's get lots of crazy requests from people who wear something once as part of a costume or whatever, then demand money back trying to pull a fast one. The way they treated me I'd have no reason to believe they wouldn't be pretty concerned with a shoe dying like that.

As I've posted before, the boots I had from the first run are fine and I think most people have felt the same with theirs. I'm hoping yours are just an aberration!

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:15 pm

Raider S wrote:It was a $30 item.

Ah ... that might explain it.

Raider S wrote: ... the boots I had from the first run are fine and I think most people have felt the same with theirs. I'm hoping yours are just an aberration!

With my proclivity towards chaos it would come as no surprise if the one in a thousand aberration came to me. But the fake McKay stitch was troubling. Who was trying to fool whom?

joeyofarimathea · Post by **joeyofarimathea** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:10 am

i got a first run pair and they were much too small. but now i got the new batch and they are too big. however i will say they appear to be of higher quality and better color. plus the leather does seem to be thicker and more stiff. I usually wear a 12 and i ordered a 12 (as suggested) but they are about an inch too long. so after 2 pairs i still have not been able to wear these. so i guess i will send these back for a size 11 and see if i have better luck. unless anyone here wants to trade me their size 11 for my 12??????

regards, joey

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 7:43 pm

I recieved my new boots this evening and I have contacted Todd about exchanging them. The boots have a minor QC issue and they do run much larger than Todd's original shipment. The overall color, leather, and workmanship appears to far exceed the original pair that I currently own and wear frequently. Here is a picture of the boots I recieved tonight with my pair from the first run. It shouldn't be hard to tell the difference.

If these boots actually fit I would keep them regardless of the qc problem but the new boots are much larger than the first run and I need to move down a size with the new boots.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 8:57 pm

Wow, those look like they would fit me!

I wonder how many people have had problems with this batch...maybe batch number 3 will be of the same quality as batch number one.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:49 pm

I got my response from Todd's this evening. I was pleasantly surprised. Here is the complete text:

Dear Mike,

Wow! That's a first! Those are obviously defective. We have not another pair of boots with a problem like that. Of course, we'll be glad to replace them for you. Now that you've taken them to a cobbler, you may not want to send them back - it's your call. If you had told us first, you'd have a replacement pair of boots by now.

As for the lace hooks, these, like the Aldens, are very small hooks. If you need tougher hooks, we'll be glad to replace them for you with thicker ones. I'm afraid the only color I have is antiqued brass if that is okay with you.

Best Regards,

Todd Coyle
Todd's Costumes

So Mr. Coyle is interested in costumer satisfaction. A very good thing to know.
I pick up my boots tomorrow and will have my cobblers report.

Mike

IndianaJack91 · Post by **IndianaJack91** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:51 pm

3 is a charm

IndianaJack91 · Post by **IndianaJack91** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:52 pm

alphared6 wrote:I got my response from Todd's this evening. I was pleasantly surprised. Here is the complete text:

Dear Mike,

Wow! That's a first! Those are obviously defective. We have not another pair of boots with a problem like that. Of course, we'll be glad to replace them for you. Now that you've taken them to a cobbler, you may not want to send them back - it's your call. If you had told us first, you'd have a replacement pair of boots by now.

As for the lace hooks, these, like the Aldens, are very small hooks. If you need tougher hooks, we'll be glad to replace them for you with thicker ones. I'm afraid the only color I have is antiqued brass if that is okay with you.

Best Regards,

Todd Coyle
Todd's Costumes

So Mr. Coyle is interested in costumer satisfaction. A very good thing to know.
I pick up my boots tomorrow and will have my cobblers report.

Mike

See Todd is a good businessman and a good person

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:02 pm

IndianaJack91 wrote:See Todd is a good businessman and a good person

So it seems. I'm just tarnished from too many businessmen who were not.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:32 pm

Good to hear that Todd was willing to help out, and even install better loops. Hope it all works out for you!

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:34 pm

Todd runs a good business with excellent service AND has good stuff. (And if he get's some pants it will be a one stop shop for a complete Indy outfit, it that's what someone is into.)

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:39 pm

I *personally* have never run into any vendors around here that haven't been willing to "help" if there was a QC issue with their product. I admit I've only used a handful of the vendors here, but still....I've always found Todd to be a stand up guy and very willing to help if there's any kind of problem. On top of that he usually corrects the problem as quickly as possible too.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:59 am

alphared6 wrote:I got my response from Todd's this evening. I was pleasantly surprised.

So Mr. Coyle is interested in costumer satisfaction. A very good thing to know.
I pick up my boots tomorrow and will have my cobblers report.

Mike

Todd is one of the better ones with customer service. He took back a custom jacket back in the early days for me. No fuss, quick and easy. The man works hard to keep his customers!

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 2:11 am

You've also got to give the guy some credit when it comes to his business. He's gone out of his way over the years to give us SA looking gear at affordable prices. For someone who's not swimming in cash I certainly appreciate that.

Marv · Post by **Marv** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 6:07 am

I currently have a pair sat in UK customs awaiting clearance - as with UK sizes we are a size down from the US eg. UK size 10 = US size 11 so hopefully with me ordering a size 11 they should fit, however with the previous posts mentioning that the new batch sizes now seem to be a size bigger I am slightly concerned that there may be a size issue......just have to wait and see I guess.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:22 pm

Hey, all!

Since I've been innundated with size questions like "I wear a size 10 in Sketchers but a size 11 in Reeboks, so which size should I order?" I've developed a set of shoe/foot templates you can download and print on 8 1/8" x 14" legal size paper and step on to find your best size. I hope this will answer most of your questions and put many minds at ease. These templates are of the actual foot bed - if the sides of your feet overlap a little, it's no biggie as the sides of the shoe will form around your foot a small amount. Here are the links:

Size 6
Size 7
Size 8
Size 9
Size 10
Size 11
Size 12
Size 13

Also, the links are on my "Indy Shoe" page:

http://www.toddscostumes.com/indy/india ... _boots.htm

Scoll down near the bottom and you will see the links.

I got another report of a heel coming loose today - it looks like a small number of boots (2) are affected. If you get a defective one like that, please send a picture so I can send it to the factory. This still leaves the problem of what to do about the defective shoes, should more surface.

As you can imagine, at $74.95 there is not a great mark-up to start with, and sea freight isn't cheap on a pallet loaded with 6 pound boxes of boots. Add customs duty, warehouse fees, brokerage fees, Border Security inspections, and transportation and I end up with even less. However, I don't want to raise the price, since keeping them affordable was my whole goal. Return shipping, a new pair of boots, and re-shipping will not only wipe out my income, it will put me in the negative about $20. Nevertheless, that's what I will do if you if that's what you want. However, here's another idea.

Something like a detached heel can be repaired for less than $20 (I would imagine - probably while you wait). If you'd like to get the boot repaired, I'll be glad to cover the repair bill in the form of a refund or merchandise. I hope this will sound like a win/win for you. (well, maybe not a win/win, more like a slight annoyance for you, and a less-than-catastrophe for me). What do you think?

The problem has only occurred on 2 boots - a small percentage of the boots that have been sent out. Let's hope that there are no more.

Also, another little point about these boots as well as the Aldens. I think the term "boot" is slightly misleading. They're really shoes with an ankle, not "boots" as in the work boot/hiking boot sense. Perhaps you could say they are "work shoes". I don't think anyone would seriously compare their durability with a pair of steel toe Redwings, Caterpillar, Wolverine, Georgia, etc. I know there are a lot of hard-core Alden fans out there, but come on, let's get real. Anyway, I've decided to call them "shoes" on my website. Give me a while to edit all the pages.

So, let me know what you think about my proposal. You will be compensated, you'll have boots with well attached soles/heels, and it won't cost me a fortune to make it right with you, and I won't have to raise the price to cover the cost of returns/exchanges. Let me know.

Todd

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:47 pm

I see Todd is following this thread, how nice.
I want you all to read his latest Email to me concerning the problems I've had with the "shoes:"

Mike,

I'm sure your cobbler can replace the speed lace hooks for you very easily. If
you'd like him to do it, I'll be glad to cover the bill. Then we won't have to
go through the back-forth ordeal. Let me know.

Best Regards,

Todd Coyle

This is not only a common sence decission but great costumer service!
Bravo Todd!

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:36 pm

Thank you Todd. Here's my question regarding your offer regarding a defective pair: How long will you plan on keeping this in effect?

What I mean is, I bought a second pair from the new run but really don't plan to wear them till at least the spring. So if there is a problem I won't know (unless you suggest pulling on the heel or something) for a while. I like the idea of a merchandise exchange, but will you give so many months from the time of purchase, etc.? Someone could really beat a pair of shoes then after they kill them hand you a repair bill.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:46 pm

I hope this plan is not abused, but if it works out well, I'll probably keep it as a standard policy option for defects. If the rest of the shoe looks new, but the heel comes off, that's an obvious defect. If it's beat to smithereens and there are holes in the toes (sorry, I can't help thinking of old cartoon hobos), it will be an obvious abuse issue, not a defect. In summary, if you have the boots for a year before you wear them, and the heel comes off, no problem. A defect is a defect.

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 2:47 pm

I think it is a very generous offer. I for one am grateful that we have such a great group of business men associated with our hobby/obession.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 2:54 pm

Wow, Todd has stepped it up! Those feet PDF's are an awesome idea when ordering online. And his new defective policy sounds really good. Seems most Indy vendors really are all about customer service in general.
My boots are still going strong, and I've been wearing them everyday.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:09 pm

I have a pair from the first batch and wear them 4-5 days a week with no signs of dying. I echo everyone in saying that Todd, and most of the vendors in general, are very much customer satisfaction oriented. A refreshing thing in todays blame shifting customer service policies.

Randy

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:30 pm

Well I had the shoes sent back to Todd's this afternoon and using the templates, fantastic idea Todd, I actually have requested the replacement boots be a size 9.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:10 pm

OK, with the printable footbed templates. Is the goal for my foot to fit the foot outline (lengthwise), or the shoe outline???

Forgive me. I know nothing about shoes except that few feel good on my feet.

HJoe · Post by **HJoe** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:26 pm

I have been waring my first run shoes since Jan 2 on a daily basis and they have been great!

The only problem has been that the bottom layer separated at the tip of the sole and a small piece came off.the The stitching on the bottom stopped it from continuing and it doesn't show.

This has happened with other shoes in the past, I tend to stub my toes on the right foot a lot.

These shoes fit great, I hope they can be resoled when the time comes.

HJoe

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:34 pm

Mine came today, and they look just great and fit perfectly. Will give them their first test drive tomorrow for 10 hours of commuting and work. They feel good & solid, much moreso than the rockports I've been wearing the past few months.. at least double the weight..

RaiderZee · Post by **RaiderZee** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:47 pm

Well

I ordered a 10 from Todd's second run. I like them but I think they are a bit too big. So I ordered a pair of 9s; figured I'd send back the pair that fits worse. The 9s came in today and, lo and behold, they are from the first run! They are a wee bit smaller than the 10s from the second run. Here's my take:

Color: 1st run is darker, like slightly better than the 2nd run
Leather: 2nd run is better quality, stiffer & better finish
Soles: 1st run is thicker with much higher heel; think I like the 2nd run better
Workmanship (soles falling off notwithstanding): 2nd run is definately better

So, now what? I really wanted the 2nd run in 9s. Do I order ANOTHER pair of 9s specifying the new run? Then I've got to pay postage and restock for 2 pairs to go back. And what about the sole issue with the 2nd run? Should I just keep the 1st run since it fits a bit better? But I prefer most everything else about the 2nd run. Arrrrrrgh!

If you own pairs from both runs, which do you prefer and why (fit notwithstanding)?

RaiderZee

IndianaJack91 · Post by **IndianaJack91** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:09 pm

I would ask Todd if he would be willing to exchange the new 9's you got with 2nd run 9's

Marv · Post by **Marv** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:35 am

After reading various posts regarding the colour difference between the first run and the second run, can anyone confirm which run has the darker brown leather.

RaiderZee · Post by **RaiderZee** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 8:30 am

First run is definately darker brown. I have brand new, never worn pairs of both runs to compare.

RZ

Marv · Post by **Marv** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 11:35 am

Question directed to UK chaps regarding delivery from TODD's via USPS to the UK.....I have checked my tracking number on the USPS website and it says that an attempted delivery was made today (Friday) but nothing has turned up.
The wife was in at the time stated but not even a calling/pick up card was left by the delivery chap she said that no delivery was made.
Had a look on the USPS website for help or a UK contact number but nothing so I don't know what to do - the website says that unclaimed packages are sent back to the sender.

Any helps guys if the above has happened to you.....

IndianaBogart · Post by **IndianaBogart** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 4:28 pm

RaiderZee wrote:First run is definately darker brown. I have brand new, never worn pairs of both runs to compare.

RZ

Can we see some comparison pics RZ?

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 5:31 pm

I forgot to add the leather uppers on my new boots were a bit higher (taller) than the first run.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 5:37 pm

Ok folks, I got my boots back from the cobbler today with my soles re-glued and new, heavy duty lace hooks. My cost? $8.00 American. I'm not even gonna bother Todd with this pittance. His willing attitude to assist was worth that!

As for the report on the construction. I had informed my cobbler that I'd paid $85.00 for these and asked him if they were worth it? His answer? Yes. He said that the leather uppers are well made. He was at a loss to understand why an otherwise well made boot was finished out with cheap lace hooks and cheep heals and soles. He suggest that I go a head and wear out the heal and soles on these then bring them to him and he'd do em up right. He did say that he could not see exactly how the leather is attached to the sole but that time will out.
I have learned that as far as my cobbler goes there is very little he cannot repair.

Mike

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:40 pm

OK, with the printable footbed templates. Is the goal for my foot to fit the foot outline (lengthwise), or the shoe outline??? Forgive me. I know nothing about shoes except that few feel good on my feet.

Compare the foot outline for length.

Mike, I'm glad that things worked out well for you. Let's see how long it takes to wear the soles out. If you ever need anything else from me, we'll make it up to you.

Color: There are variations in color in both batches. Overall, they are the same. Some are darker, some are lighter. The hides are dyed with only a clear finish, so there will be variations from hide to hide as the natural leather shows through. The colors range from caramel to chocolate, but no pumpkin! The vast majority (that I've seen, that is - I haven't looked in every box by any means!) are right in the middle. Remember, they will darken with age, too.

Todd

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:26 pm

Puppetboy wrote:Mike, I'm glad that things worked out well for you. Let's see how long it takes to wear the soles out. If you ever need anything else from me, we'll make it up to you.

You sir are a gentleman and a scholar.

Mike

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:52 pm

Awww... No, YOU are much more of a gentleman and a scholar!

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 8:05 pm

Puppetboy wrote:Awww... No, YOU are much more of a gentleman and a scholar!

And you sir are a fine judge of character.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 8:18 pm

There might be a little something from Harry and David's showing up at your door this Christmas.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:23 pm

Sorry to be out of the net, but who are Harry

and David :Fisk: and why would I be on their Christmas list?

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:46 am

Marv wrote:Question directed to UK chaps regarding delivery from TODD's via USPS to the UK.....I have checked my tracking number on the USPS website and it says that an attempted delivery was made today (Friday) but nothing has turned up.
The wife was in at the time stated but not even a calling/pick up card was left by the delivery chap she said that no delivery was made.
Had a look on the USPS website for help or a UK contact number but nothing so I don't know what to do - the website says that unclaimed packages are sent back to the sender.

Any helps guys if the above has happened to you.....

Is there a way you can call your Postal Carrier? It is also possible that they left a calling card, and it blew away...Ive had that happen before. If they tried to deliver it and couldnt, then it would go back to your local delivery center and they would try to redeliver it, they shouldnt be sending it back already. Your letter carrier might just be lazy as well, in my neighborhood sometimes we dont get mail because they dont want to walk up the hill.