I just got my first pair of Aldens. Just want to share some pics:
Now I got a question: Do I have to use insoles? I've heard that before. To distress the boots, what do I have to do? Just go for a trekking tour to age them on the natural way or maybe using sandpaper? Although I want to distress the shoes, do I have to use Pecards or shoe polish though?
Any help for a "Alden newbie" would be appreciated...
For starters, I recommend lacing them up all the way. I can't imagine you are getting a proper fit not lacing the ankle. If your strings are too short, get some longer ones.
Insoles - I'd say no here. Really, you need to do what is right for your feet as you feel or as a podiatrist has told you if you see one. I tried insoles in mine as I had worn them in previous boots and shoes. Even while it may (or may not) feel like there is a lot of room inside that boot, the insole tightened it up dramatically on me, and actually made my feet hurt. Remedy - took out the insoles and all was well once again. I wear these every day and I've not once regretted the purchase, or taking the insoles back out. My other shoes feel funny now after the fit of the Aldens.
Distressing - If you have your boots for strictly a costume, then distress away. Otherwise, let them be. Think about how quickly your other shoes in years passed have gotten scuffed and worn. These are great looking boots and always should be, whether new or old in appearance. Just let them age and grow in character with you.
You'll get some differing thoughts, I am sure. Just do what is right for you. Only you can decide for you how that boot feels or looks.
The design and materials used for the interior of the boots conform and eventually mold to the shape of YOUR feet, so wear them, and they'll just become more and more comfortable. I'd also suggest you give them a good treatment of standard Pecards, and after it's soaked in, buff them with an old tee shirt (cotton rag), then a buffing with an old pair of panty hose. This will remove the tacky feel of the Pecards, and give them a slight glow. As to 'distressing', I never go there. Regards. Michaelson
Last edited by Michaelson on Mon Nov 17, 2003 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
My Aldens are about 1 month old and are distressing beautifully on their own. I do nothing to protect them, and wer them everywhere. I will put some pecards on them for the snow. I don't recommend any artificial distressing on ANY gear, but it is all personal preference.
I, also, have done nothing to my boots regarding coloring, conditioning, or weatherproofing. I have worn them since around the first part of July, I think.
Thats a beautiful pair of Aldens you have, those are a pair of the older ones right? Very nice, I've had my Aldens before school started, and I love them!! I wear my sneakers for gym then put on the Aldens and they are much more comfortable. I love them, and hoping to get another pair soon. Friends think I'm crazy for spending that much on shoes, but arent people spending alot more for the "Gucci" or whatever?? Can't go wrong by these.
For starters, I recommend lacing them up all the way.
Actually, I seem to remember a topic that provided photos that proved that Indy wore his boots not completely laced up. Great boots there Tom! As they say on the Fedora forum; "wear them in good health"! :junior: -IJ
For starters, I recommend lacing them up all the way.
Actually, I seem to remember a topic that provided photos that proved that Indy wore his boots not completely laced up. Great boots there Tom! As they say on the Fedora forum; "wear them in good health"! :junior: -IJ
We're not talking about Harrison Ford's or Indy's feet, we're talking about Tom's. If he feels they fit great without lacing them up, then wonderful. For me, I believe Alden makes their footwear deliberately, and I would bet that the whole shoe/boot works together, not as individual parts. And, I think everyone could benefit from the additional support, be it this boot or any other. Depending on one's use, it can make a big difference.
But, again, Tom knows what's right for Tom.
Be blessed this day and always, and let us look forward to the day when we don't need shoes.
Last edited by Cabinetman on Tue Nov 18, 2003 9:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Regards. Michaelson
:junior: -IJ
