Are the Alden boots worth it?

Glurrk · Post by **Glurrk** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 11:22 pm

Hi Gang!

With the weather turning lousy here, I was wondering if the Alden boots are good for snow. I know they're expensive, but my last pair of non-Aldens cost almost as much and I made them last a decade.

Really... I'm itching for an excuse to get a pair, and some positive recommendations will get me going. Tell me anything good or bad. How long do they last, etc.

Thanks!

Glurrk

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 11:57 pm

From what I've read in a previous thread, they are very slick on snow and ice. I wouldn't want them as a snow boot.

Cooler King · Post by **Cooler King** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 12:33 am

Only reason I didn't get them is cause my feet are still growing!

As soon as I get the dough, I'm getting me a pair of 405's, for sure! But I do have a problem with the soles being slick, so I would probably have rubber soles but on with a little tread. These needs to be able to go in the feild without worries of slipping and falling off a cliff!

I wonder if Ford ever had a problem with it. In Raiders, just as he's jumping for the vine in the beginning, he seems to slip a little, but it was a steep embackment. And again in ToD just as he lashes onto the Elephant statue with is whip. Hrmm... Another mystery has been sparked maybe?

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 5:31 am

I can wholly recommend the 405's to you.

They are the best boots I have ever had the pleasure of wearing.

Comfortable, good-looking and tough as nails, these boots will last you a looooong time if cared for properly.

As another plus point, I have never had so many admiring comments about a pair of boots.

Don't fret too much about the 'slick sole' issue, in my experience the boots actually have a good grip on most surfaces ,possibly because they are so balanced, however as with ANY boots snow and ice will make you slip so tread carefully.

If you are really worried about the grip, pop some 'segs' (do you guys have segs? They are a flat metal pin which attatches into your soles, providing duarability and grip)) into the front and back of the heel and bob's your uncle.

Alternatively, your local cobbler will be able to fix up the soles with a rubber tread fairly easily and cheaply, I think.

Cheers

Al

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 6:17 am

NO, NO, NO.

Chicago? These boots are no good in the snow and you will probably wind up with frostbitten feet as a result. I do not think I am the only one here. The soles are extremely slippery - they are flat and pack the snow into a slippery sheet of ice. They have no grips. They are not warm at all.

Now for the good news. There are three other seasons where these boots are excellent. If you are not sure what to do yet, think of how you will be using them. They are great to own and very comfortable.

Other situations where I find them slippery are when hiking and I have slipped on wet rocks, pine needles, etc. while wearing them. I have to use a good quality hiking boot while on the trails. There is nothing like being three hours from your car and slipping and smashing your knee on a rock. Been there, done that. Think safety, first so you can live to wear your Aldens another day.

Sorry if this sounds like an angry post, but I do not want to see anybody get hurt just because they wanted to wear a particular pair of shoes...

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 6:37 am

rick5150 - Just to confirm, I wasn't suggesting wearing the boots for a hike in the snow. You are quite correct, they were not designed for that purpose at all, and should not be used for it.

As a sidenote, I had my cobbler install some thermal inserts into my boots and they are a lot more toasty now that the winter is here in Britain!

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 6:58 am

rick5150 - Just to confirm, I wasn't suggesting wearing the boots for a hike in the snow. You are quite correct, they were not designed for that purpose at all, and should not be used for it.

Yes I realize that - but neither was I stating that I was "hiking in the snow." There are two different scenarios in my response that I was trying to relate to Glurrk. The first was that they are lousy in the cold and snow. Maybe for short walks to the car and the office, they are fine, but I hesitate to say that as well. They are not a warm boot as sold by Alden and they were not made as winter boots. They can be modified, but most everything can.

The second scenario was that they can be downright dangerous while hiking in certain terrains. I am by no means a clumsy person, and have logged many hours in the wilderness without sustaining any injuries.

I just thought it may be appropriate to warn others that may not have experienced these situations first-hand of what may occur. Since the post as initially

I was wondering if the Alden boots are good for snow

, I stand by my answer. No. There are certainly better alternatives.

By the way ob1al, my initail tirade was not directed at your response, it just came out looking like that

I also may seem like I do not like Aldens. In fact I do. There are some situations that require safety first and then fashion. Not many, but they exist...

No malice intended.

JAN · Post by **JAN** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 7:56 am

As an owner of a pair of Alden´s I´d say that they are heavily overpriced

They are a fine pair of shoes/boots, but a little stiff when walking due to the very stiff sole.
As stated above the "weather-range" is limited, they tend to get to cold when the tempeture drops to about 0 - 10 celsius.
Futhermore they do have that "tounge-problem" it simply wont stay in the middle...

Their durability I dont doubt, but I only had mine for about 3 mounths, so its to early so say.

But if it was "just" a pair of boots You where are after You´ll get Goretex, Thinsulate and much more for under the $250 as Alden charge.

So, to cut a long story short. If Alden 405 was not a part of the Indy-universe - with the "Indy-magic" attached to them, I would have left them on the shelf...

I like ´em, but they are overpriced - no doubt!

Best regards

JAN

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 8:05 am

rick5150 - No problem my friend, you are quite right with your advice in this matter - safety first IS the way

Indiana Janice · Post by **Indiana Janice** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 8:10 am

Well, they definately aren't for the snow.

As for price,,,,,,,,,,,well I pay about 100.00 for runners, and 300.00 for Aldens. The Aldens are WAY more comfortable than any other shoe, and will last 10 times as long. They are worth every cent in my opinion.

Janice

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 9:11 am

I believe that if Indy was on adventures in our time, he would be smart enough to get boots with traction soles. It's a modern world, and those are vintage design shoes.
On the other hand, I DO want a pair, but to wear when appropriate.

Peacock's Eye · Post by **Peacock's Eye** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 9:40 am

As with other pieces of gear, decide on the basis of what you want, the purposes for which you will need them, the conditions under which you will use them, and how much you are willing to pay. As comfortable as they are, Aldens are not all-terrain, all-weather boots. For my outdoor adventures, I can find a number of suitable alternatives.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:29 am

Another Chicagoan. Good. I'm from the south-side. Welcome aboard. You DO NOT want to wear Aldens in weather like we have this morning. You will probably end up in the hospital. They are worth it for every other season though. I'd get a pair if you are serious about all the gear.

What part of the city you in? Loop, suburbs?

Got Maul · Post by **Got Maul** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:35 am

I don't know...the chicagoans I have met are cooooky ...lol.

skbellis · Post by **skbellis** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:35 am

Hey Chicago Guys!

I am right across the border in NW Indiana. Another bright sunny day right? LOL. Yes...today is defintely a rocky boots day. Need all the traction we can get.

--Scott

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:58 am

Glurrk wrote: Tell me anything good or bad. How long do they last, etc.

Glurrk

These shoes are great. As far as winter is concerned, they are slick for the snow and ice. I wouldn't wear them if you were going hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, etc. But, I if you are going to be walking to the mall for shopping or doing stuff inside and the rest of the year, they are well worth the investment.

RonC and I were talking about the price and I'll paraphrase what he said.

"If you are out in the field and rip your shirt, you can make it through. If you tear your pants, you can still get home. If your shoes fall apart, however, your chances of a safe return diminish greatly."

As far as how long they last, you will have to ask Indiana Ken. I think he has the oldest pair of Aldens in this community. He bought them from Lee Keppler at the Queen Mary Summit. They have to be the most worn shoe around. And they can still be resoled and repaired.

My Aldens are at the shop and I feel like I don't have anything to wear. I am having the second pair of heels put on them. I wore the sole out on the tip of the shoes but everywhere else is in good shape. So, they are going to put a new tip on the shoe until I wear out the rest of the sole.

Along with buying good shoes, find a food shoe clinic that will service these shoes. Bring them your business time after time and they will keep your wheels running. I am absolutely amazed at what this one shop did with a pair of shoes I bought when I was on a limited budget. When I got them back, I had pratically a new pair of shoes already broken in.

Sorry for all the rambling. Buying a pair of Aldens showed me all the wrong choices I was making when purchasing footware.

Don't cheat your feet,
Pyroxene

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 11:46 am

SK,
You guys get all that lake effect snow and get dumped on quite a bit. I feel for you. Shoveling is a pet peeve. You'll have to make it out for a summit soon.

What's up, Maul? How was L.A.? Get my pic?

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 3:57 pm

I've told this before, but will repeat it in brief form...I wore mine to my father-in-laws funeral. I was lead pallbearer....the cemetery was at the top of a steep hill...it snowed the night before and the day of the funeral and the road was completely snow and ice covered...we started up the hill with his casket....got almost to the top, and my Aldens completely lost traction...we almost went BACK down the hill, and MUCH faster than we went UP...It finally took 10 men to get him BACK up that dang hill. I'm sure he'd have been highly amused, but it wasn't to amusing at the time.

Moral of story? Never wear your Aldens on a snowy cemetery hill while toting a body....just a word to all wannabe body snatchers. They're just to slick...8-[

Regards. Michaelson

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 4:01 pm

Moral of story? Never wear your Aldens on a snowy cemetery hill while toting a body

Rats! There goes my weekend

Glurrk · Post by **Glurrk** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 1:00 am

Hello Again, Guys!

Thanks for the feedback- I'll be looking at some other boots for bad weather. I tend to lean towards practical footwear, anyway. My old pair gave good traction & kept my feet warm.

Thanks again for the honest feedback. You all probably saved me from some nasty scrapes!

By the way, someone asked which part of Chicago - I'm over in the 'burbs; about a 25 min. drive from the city.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 10:56 am

Which direction from the city? N, S, E or W? I'm 25 minutes away from the city too, south side.

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 11:18 am

I would take a look at some Doc. Martens boots. They have some nice comfortable boots, classic look, and they are great in the snow. I'm looking at a pair now that matches my Wested pretty nicely.

VP · Post by VP » Sat Dec 06, 2003 12:23 pm

I suggest Finnish Army Combat boots. I have worn them for two years now, and they're great in any kind of weather. Plus, they look cool

.

Maybe other army boots are like those too.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 1:12 pm

You could probably make Aldens better for winter by adding thermal warmers (as obal1 said) and having the sole replaced by a look-alike that grips the snow better. As for the tongue problem, I know many people here have gotten that fixed at a cobbler. :junior: -IJ

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 2:27 pm

Thats a GREAT idea! Buy $255.00 shoes, replace the brand new sole with a sole made for traction, and add thermal warmers.

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 7:05 pm

Thats a GREAT idea! Buy $255.00 shoes, replace the brand new sole with a sole made for traction, and add thermal warmers.

Sorry to single out this particular post, and nothing personal, but I feel that I need to point out that everyone has a choice here - buy 405's or don't buy 405's, make a judgement about when and when not to wear them and 'customise' them if you wan't to do so. It's your money, your boots and your choice.

It's whatever works for you, the individual, and it doesn't have to conform with the 'crowd' neccessarily.

My point of view for what it's worth? Aldens are a GREAT boot and things like thermal inserts (around $8 ) will enable you to wear the boots for at least part of the winter, IF YOU WAN'T TO DO SO! You don't have to, buy some wellingtons if it bothers you and that's fine too!

Army boots are good for snow, I should know as I wore them for a good few years myself, but it's tough to wear those hot, heavy things all through the Summer.

There is no such thing as ALL WEATHER, ALL SEASON, ALL SITUATION boots/shoes if one bears in mind optimum comfort and protection. That's why most folks own more than 1 pair of shoes.

All I know is that if any boot comes even close to my ideal, it's the 405's. Not just because they are Indy boots, but because they are generally great boots. But if you are into hiking, you should really own some hiking boots, if you are in construction, get some steel-toe cap boots, if you ice-skate, get some ice-skating boots.........

They are not perfect, but then not much in life is. If you choose to buy a pair, buy them and make them as perfect as they can be for YOU and wear them whenever you judge it is wise to do so.

Al

.

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 7:15 pm

Go Al!

Regards, Daryl.

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 7:25 pm

Howdy Daryl, how's tricks?

I'm limbering up for a guest spot on Ricky Lake......

Regards,

Al

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 7:43 pm

OUCH! Sorry, I guess I shouldn't post common sense, because I guess common sense is in the head of the beholder.

#

Buy 'em, don't buy 'em. No big whup

English Adventurer · Post by **English Adventurer** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 8:02 pm

Army boots are good for snow, I should know as I wore them for a good few years myself, but it's tough to wear those hot heavy things all through the summer

True, but someone's gotta do it!

Do I take it from that quote that you're an ex squaddie?? Do you mind me asking which regiment if you are?? Sorry for asking if you do mind though.

Alden's are great, very comfy, sturdy go with just about anything and go just about anywhere, if you don't wanna get any mods done for whatever reason to make them more useable in the snow, no problem. I don't think they're great in the snow, in the wet I find they are ok if you walk properly. In the snow, me personnally I wear US Matterhorn boots, mmm comfy.
Ian

Neolithic · Post by **Neolithic** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 8:16 pm

Just buy a pair, get a plane ticket and move to Australia.
No snow (except in far away mountains) so you can wear your Aldens all year round!

(sorry, I couldn't resist)

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 9:06 am

OK, I apologise if anyone was offended in any way by my earlier post, that was not my intention at all.

IndyBlues, this particularly goes for you - believe me, I wasn't having a go at you, just offering my personal point of view on this subject. I respect your opinion and can certainly see the logic in your argument. Again, I apologise if I caused any offense.

I agree, it doesn't seem like common sense to 'customise' an expensive pair of boots just so they can be worn in the winter, but as this is an Indy gear forum, maybe some of the crowd would like to get as much wear from their aldens as they can - they are NOT made for snow, 100% true, but there are a couple of little things we can do to make them more snug during the colder times of the year if we so desire. That's all I (perhaps clumsily) intended to say.

Basically, it's no different to putting a jacket liner into your wested, turning your Fedora with the '90 degree theory', cutting the original cloth strap off a MKVII and replacing it with a leather strap - all variations on the same theme I think, making a piece of kit better suited to the owners needs and wishes.

English Adventurer, hello to you sir. I don't mind you asking , but no, I am not an ex-squaddie. I was RAF a.t.c. and later worked (voluntarily) with my brother in the Mountain rescue team, as well as extensive hill walking and gorge walking in the lake district. My brother and I, along with a few RAF lads, still hold the world record for the fastest wheelchair pull up Helvelan! How's that for a claim to fame?

I wore an old pair of standard issue army boots for years- nowadays, I find a quality hiking boot much more comfortable and practical when 'adventuring'.

Regards,

Alan

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 9:15 am

No harm,no foul. Very good points, ob1al. I guess it is the same as buying a new Wested, and beating it up to look old.
Touche'

ZeusCow · Post by **ZeusCow** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 12:32 pm

I did find a pair of warm looking boots that were made in the same style of the Indy boots at Dillards... But I was "Shopping" with the lady so I had no more than glimbst them before being dragged away to give my opinion on some sort of garment that I couldnt even figure out the function of...

RedburnIV · Post by **RedburnIV** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 2:08 pm

I find the Alden 405's to be very worth it, even with the snow, I love everything about them, the look, the feel, and how they change the way you walk. Plus its Indy's shoes its a win win situation when thinking about Aldens.

Regards, Dan

IndyK · Post by **IndyK** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 4:37 pm

Buy them. The Alden 405's is by far the best boots I've ever worn. They are no good for snow and very cold weather, but not meant to be either.
I bought my pair last year and even though I expect them to last forever I've allready started worrying about the time after that. They are the most comfortable pair of boots I've ever had and I wear them daily here in Denmark - except for snowy days.
Timberlands for snow and Aldens for go.

best regards from IndyK

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 4:51 pm

NeosMatrix003 wrote:...and how they change the way you walk.

Dan is exactly right.

ZeusCow · Post by **ZeusCow** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 5:50 pm

Do those Finnish Army boots come in brown? :c) and where do you gettem?

Farnham54 · Post by **Farnham54** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 8:41 pm

I tend to buy a pair of cheap work boots, like 40 or 50 dollars from SAAN store. They never lasted me in my line of work (I worked at a fishing camp, but it was a heck of a lot of firewood hauling, hiking through wet bush, cutting portage trails, and other such high-movement work in not good terrain). The way I saw it, if they shoes weren't going to last more then about a year, then why invest big bucks in 'em?

That being said, your Aldens can potentially last a lifetime if cared for with polish and pecards and the like. If you are in a major city, then I should think that for MOST of the winter, the roads are fairly well cleared and salted, so you are basically walking on cold, wet, cement from one indoors place to another. Ergo, Aldens would work just fine. Then the only issue is warmth, but as long as your feet are not buried in a few inches of snow then they should be warm enough for the house to car to office to mall type runs.

The other thing to look into is getting these things wet; I know of several people who have had a sole problem where the wood in the heel warps. That happened after a good dousing of rain on a field in the incident that is in my mind right now, but I would imagine slush would have a similar effect. The salt too, might mess with the leather.

Regards,
Farn

SurfinGorilla · Post by **SurfinGorilla** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 3:32 pm

Ya Know,
All this would be a hack of a lot easier if Indy had just worn a pair of cheap flip flops (thongs for you non-american folk). Then it would be a matter of which discount store had the best $1 pair of brown flops. Maybe, Indy should have just gone Barefoot kinda like Cain in Kung Fu. Then we could discuss different pedicure techinques

Thankfully, I live in Florida so the whole ice and snow thing is not an issue. But I do spend $25-$45 on a good pair of flip flops.

Later guys, its 72 degrees outside and sunny, I'm going to put my flops on and take the dogs for a walk.

Happy Christmas,

Reggie the Snake (aka Jon)

ZeusCow · Post by **ZeusCow** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 12:17 am

The weather here is skitzophrentic... ehh cant spell that...

its like 30, 50, 20, 60... But I did find a nice pair of winter boots at SRI Shoe Warehouse...

just thought y'all'd like to know :c)

VP · Post by VP » Sun Dec 14, 2003 3:25 am

ZeusCow wrote:Do those Finnish Army boots come in brown? :c) and where do you gettem?

No, they don't. I bought mine from a local shop, that sells army clothes. You can order them from http://www.milpro.fi.

ZeusCow · Post by **ZeusCow** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 5:05 pm

Cool, thanks... too bad I don't speak finese.... :c)

Kevjh · Post by **Kevjh** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:33 pm

I live in Wis. your feet would be falling off in 10 min

Alden boots have no thermal lining. Wait for spring.

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Tue Feb 03, 2004 2:35 pm

For a cold weather Indy I would go for a Filson boot, they look like some of the styles I see in the outdoor section of 30's and 40's catalogs.

My diatribe on Alden.

My take on the Alden boots is that the quality could be much better for what you pay for them. They are supposed to be a work boot though the leather is too soft to protect your feet from the little things, I have really ripped up the leather on one pair. I wear them more like dress boots, because even on a hot day if you go hiking in them you can end up with soggy cold feet when back at camp.

for the price you get a 1920's workboot with 1920's technology.

The tongue problem is one of my pet peaves and I have sent a pair back because the toe on one shoe was was coming out of the seam. Their quality control in my opinion is lackadaisical, not just for their boots, also for their shoes... I have owned 2 pairs of shoes from Alden and on both pairs the heels were different sizes, even Florsheim doesn't have that problem (and I hate Florsheims), Alden just does not pay attention to details.

The price in my opinion is not for craftsmanship. I wear them because they look cool and are a vintage style. if you want to wear a boot on an adventure I suggest you wear something that can take a beating.

JPdesign · Post by **JPdesign** » Tue Feb 03, 2004 4:44 pm

I have to comment on the remark about buying a a 40 to 50 dollar pair of boots because of the abuse they are put through. We get the same thing a lot because of hats. People will want to buy a cheap hat to work in. Rodeo cowboys are the worst in terms of wear on a hat. They will rarely wear anything less than a 20x hat because the higher qualities will take the abuse and last longer doing it.

I had a pair of Red Wing boots that I wore for 5 years. In that time I worked on construction sites, in metal shops around sheet metal and welders, on theater sets, even in a butcher shop around the blood. I only had them resoled twicce in all that time. They were still hold up extremely weel when I retired them because my work changed. You get what you pay for, and good craftmanship lasts longer under heavy wear, period. It all has to do with things being made more cheaply, I can go out to a junk yard and find an old refrigerator from the forties, do about fifty bucks worth of work to it, and it will work great for years and years. If you buy a new one it will go out in about 3 to 5.

It cost more today to get the kind of workmanship that last because it is hard to mass produce, but I for one will glady pay the extra.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Feb 03, 2004 4:55 pm

Matt, The 405 was NEVER created as a work boot. It was, and is, in the Alden orthopedic catalog for their Trubalance system for individuals with foot problems. They have been USED as work boots, and Harrison Ford is responsible for bringing them to the set of Indiana Jones, as he used them himself while he was a carpenter prior to his successful acting career. They are high topped to help those with weak ankles, have the Trubalance heel and platform design to help those of us (I'm in this group) with neuroma of the feet, and the leather is soft for those who can't take the long hard break in period that a heavy leather boot usually requires. Sure, they're no pushovers in the breakin, but they're a lot easier than some steel toed Hy-tops I used to wear in my industrial video years. Regards. Michaelson

Mattdeckard · Post by **Mattdeckard** » Tue Feb 03, 2004 5:02 pm

Their catalog lists it as a workboot
http://www.aldenshoe.com/cat_ortho_trub_405.htm

I know it would never wear like one, that is how they list it.
their company only sells it in orthopedic lasts, though it is not strictly an orthopedic design, I have seen vintage ankle boots like those with a fitted ankle style going back to 1900.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Feb 03, 2004 5:41 pm

Marketing changed that description a few years back, when we started to remove every pair they had off the shelf due to the IJ movies. Prior to that, it was only listed as a 'high topped boot', and was only through their orthopedic section of the factory. If you asked anyone in a different part of the factory about them, they had no idea what the heck you were talking about. It's interesting what just a few years change due to market demand. I'm sure some one in their marketing department said 'Sure, if they want to call it a workboot, why should we argue!?'

All you have to do is watch old silent movies and talkies up through the 30's to prove what you just said about this design being the norm in the 1900's. Heck, I'm more surprised when I see a regular pair of shoes on a mans feet in old stock footage.

Regards. Michaelson

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:07 pm

I have started to notice ankle boots in other more recent movies.

Please do not get off topic, but in The Matrix: Reloaded, the agents all wear an ankle boot that looks similar to the Alden 86.

Are the Alden boots worth it?

Are the Alden boots worth it?

Re: Are the Alden boots worth it?

Snow no way