Ode to my Todds boots. I'm impressed!

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Wed Feb 03, 2010 11:18 pm

Perhaps one day I will invest in a pair of authentic Aldens - though my line of thinking at this time is this:
You really NEVER see any 'money shots' of Indy's boots in any of the movies - except for a brief shot in Last Crusade when he takes the leap of faith, and even then, the boots are distressed and dusty - an effect that can be duplicated with Todd's boots and still look SA.
There is a difference between "Screen Accurate" (looking just like it does on-screen) and a prop or costume that 'is' what was used on screen - like an authentic pair of Aldens. We all know how props and costumes tend to look different in person than on screen. My intent here is to get the look for less, which thanks to Todd's products, I am able to do.
I believe Todd's boots look like the boots on-screen (with a little weathering and wear of course!) and I could not be happer with them.
Sometimes I wish I was not in the hobby of prop and costume collecting. My interests lie in a variety of movies: Back to the Future, Rocketeer, Star Trek and Star Wars, Willy Wonka, Superman, X-Men....with all those interests, by budget for the hobby is spread thin enough that I cannot warrent buying a $500 whip (which will be on display 99.9% of the time) or a pair of $600 boots which I would only want to achieve a SA Indy look (which I can do with a pair of Todd's boots for a fraction of the cost.)
Once I get the rest of my gear together, and it is properly distressed, I will be having some professional photographs taken outdoors which will illustrate how well these items look 'in camera'. Sure, Tony's jackets are top of the line, with quality and construction that is virtually unmatched, but I dare to say that Todd's and Wested's jackets will photograph just as well and will look like what we see on screen - with only a few tiny details that are not perfect.

rover smith · Post by **rover smith** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 6:35 am

generalFROSTY wrote:You really NEVER see any 'money shots' of Indy's boots in any of the movies

But you do! Temple of Doom, he uses them as brake shoes on the mine car! Thats how good Aldens are

Long John Tinfoil · Post by **Long John Tinfoil** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 8:23 am

I thought I'd never shell out the kind of money needed for a new pair of Aldens, but I did purchase a lightly used pair from another member. Until you've worn them it's hard to understand just how good they are. I wear them daily in maintenance shops, on farms and construction sites, hot, cold, wet, dry - they're like nothing else I've ever had. When necessary I'll have them re-heeled, re-soled and rebuilt. If I outlive them I'll get another pair - new if I can afford to. There are other good boots out there, but I've gotta say that the Aldens seem to be in a class by themselves (with, of course, the caveat that I haven't worn all, or even many, of the others).

LJ

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 1:08 pm

generalFROSTY wrote:....with all those interests, by budget for the hobby is spread thin enough that I cannot warrent buying a $500 whip (which will be on display 99.9% of the time) or a pair of $600 boots which I would only want to achieve a SA Indy look (which I can do with a pair of Todd's boots for a fraction of the cost.)

Only the AB Aldens cost that much. Regular Alden 405's are nearly half of that cost.

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 4:51 pm

Well at this point for me quality all seems relative. My aldens sole split the first week I got them.

I am not impressed. For the amounts paid for these things they should NOT be falling apart that soon. And so it seems that I have to take my new boots to the cobbler to fix the soles.

Sean

BaptisteTheFool · Post by **BaptisteTheFool** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 7:36 pm

IndianaSean wrote:Well at this point for me quality all seems relative. My aldens sole split the first week I got them. I am not impressed. For the amounts paid for these things they should NOT be falling apart that soon. And so it seems that I have to take my new boots to the cobbler to fix the soles.

Sean

Really? Pics? I'll snap some pics of what my Todd's just did, not even 2 months in. Sounds like the same thing.

Doesn't Alden have a warranty?

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 7:39 pm

IndianaSean wrote:Well at this point for me quality all seems relative. My aldens sole split the first week I got them. I am not impressed. For the amounts paid for these things they should NOT be falling apart that soon. And so it seems that I have to take my new boots to the cobbler to fix the soles.

Sean

With that short of a life span I think you could take them back - that's too bizarre for that to happen.

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Thu Feb 04, 2010 7:41 pm

generalFROSTY wrote:Perhaps one day I will invest in a pair of authentic Aldens - though my line of thinking at this time is this:
You really NEVER see any 'money shots' of Indy's boots in any of the movies - except for a brief shot in Last Crusade when he takes the leap of faith, and even then, the boots are distressed and dusty - an effect that can be duplicated with Todd's boots and still look SA.

What about the temple scene in the Raiders opening?

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:04 pm

I will snap some photos when I get back into town. I have the receipt. Does Aldens have a warranty? However I have already applied leather conditioner and polish. Don't know if they will take them back after that.

Sean

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:08 pm

I thought Alden's have a LIFETIME warranty...

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:09 pm

IndianaSean wrote:I will snap some photos when I get back into town. I have the receipt. Does Aldens have a warranty? However I have already applied leather conditioner and polish. Don't know if they will take them back after that.

Sean

I'm pretty sure Alden's have a warrenty. Give their customer service a call, see what they can do. I know when I was in Washington's store, that the manager told me they are warrantied against defects.

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:20 pm

TheExit148 wrote:
IndianaSean wrote:I will snap some photos when I get back into town. I have the receipt. Does Aldens have a warranty? However I have already applied leather conditioner and polish. Don't know if they will take them back after that.

Sean
I'm pretty sure Alden's have a warrenty. Give their customer service a call, see what they can do. I know when I was in Washington's store, that the manager told me they are warrantied against defects.

Washington has an Alden's store??!! Where??!! I had to get mine from SF.

Sean

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:51 pm

921 F St NW, Washington DC right by the International Spy Museum.

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 2:10 pm

Wrong Washington methinks!

And I just did a quick search- there are 4 places in Seattle that are Alden retailers.

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:06 pm

jnicktem wrote:Wrong Washington methinks!

And I just did a quick search- there are 4 places in Seattle that are Alden retailers.

Yep! Wrong Washington!! 4 retailers huh? Did you just do a google? I will try that. Thanks for the info! I am taking mine back.

Sean

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:12 pm

IndianaSean wrote:
jnicktem wrote:Wrong Washington methinks!

And I just did a quick search- there are 4 places in Seattle that are Alden retailers.
Yep! Wrong Washington!! 4 retailers huh? Did you just do a google? I will try that. Thanks for the info! I am taking mine back.

Sean

Sorry my fault, probably should have clarified. BUT if you are ever in DC now you know where the Alden store is

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:15 pm

I found it off the Alden website.

http://www.aldenshoe.com/store.asp

Find Washington under the North America tab.

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:31 pm

TheExit148 wrote:
IndianaSean wrote:
jnicktem wrote:Wrong Washington methinks!

And I just did a quick search- there are 4 places in Seattle that are Alden retailers.
Yep! Wrong Washington!! 4 retailers huh? Did you just do a google? I will try that. Thanks for the info! I am taking mine back.

Sean
Sorry my fault, probably should have clarified. BUT if you are ever in DC now you know where the Alden store is

No worries!! Thank you for info regardless!! I know exactly where some of those retailers are. Just didn't know they supplied Alden's!

They will be hearing from me.

Sean

BaptisteTheFool · Post by **BaptisteTheFool** » Fri Feb 05, 2010 6:43 pm

WOW!

WOW!!!!

I emailed Todd to complain about the boots yesterday. I got back a standard form letter about heels and $15 reimbursement. I replied that that wasn't my complaint and I supplied pictures of my cracked soles. I just got an email that simply apologized and said a new pair were on the way.

Incredible. My jacket will wait-- I'll be ordering a hat from him instead next week.

Redinight · Post by **Redinight** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 10:50 pm

These shoes are amazing. I don't know where Todd had these made, but it's really impressive if you think about it. Todd doesn't own a shoe company, he doesn't design shoes and yet we get these awesome indy shoes. The price is a crazy good deal. Sure these aren't the best soles, but the leather is quite nice for $75 dollars. They are comfortable, besides the steel shank, and work well for everyday use. Also, these things are very, very accurate: only the stitching around the heel is in-accurate.

I spent over $120 on Dr. Martens, and I threw them out after 6 months, they broke apart and the leather smelled disgusting after 3 months. I have had these for at least a year and they are still in great shape.

I love them!!! Thank you Todd.

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 10:56 pm

is it the steel shank you're having issues with, or the metal heel staple? If it's under your heel, that's a staple that holds the heel together. if you go to your cobbler, for like $5 they'll pull those staples and actually nail the heel. I did that to mine and couldn't BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELIEVE how good they felt then.

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Mon Feb 08, 2010 11:54 pm

I haven't had any issues yet, but since I do plan on doing a lot of walking in these for my Florida trip, I may take them to get 'fixed' prior to my trip.
Also - the other night I used some cotton balls dipped in olive oil and gave the boots a good wipe down. The color change was not much, but enough to notice a difference - I left the tongue untouched so I could notice the difference in color. I may do another coat soon - any input on how long it takes for oil to darken leather; does it take several coats and a few days to set in?
I also hit the boots with an ample amount of Fullers Earth when they were still a smidgen damp with the oil. The FE stays on them pretty good and the boots really have that 'adventure' look to them.
I really love to artificially distress - it's fun to do and I think I'm pretty good at it, but I will also look forward to seeing how they naturally distress over time.

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 3:03 am

yeah frosty...it really depends on the leather, how well it's sealed, etc, etc. but it will change the color permanently (my holster in the other thread being probably the best example. i've darkened plenty of things with the olive oil. it does take repeated applications...a little at a time being better for control sake. i would say it's a little like neatsfoot oil in how it darkens, although neatsfoot does darken faster, and too often has a petrol base and almost seems to dry out leather...i've done enough conditioning on saddles and other tack to say i'm not a fan of how neatsfoot oil works. olive oil does a good job and is inexpensive, but darkens tack. Of course of all the leather care products i have other premium stuff i use, but still use olive oil all the time for different applications, like darkening a light oil headstall to a med. or dark oil to match other tack...

or indy gear!

and with the olive oil you could darken the boots enough, i would wager, where they could look like the temple tile scene in raiders if you wanted...

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 4:20 pm

Thanks for the input.
I don't think I am going for any specific scene to emulate, but I do notice that the boots in the movie look much darker in color than what comes standard with Todd's boots - though this could be a lighting issue. A lot of the look will come not just from darkening, but adding ample amounts of FE. As I said, applying the FE to the just-oiled boots makes the FE 'stick' a little better, which is good because that means I don't have to keep them looking dirty as often.
It's funny...never thought I would WANT any pair of shoes or boots in my wardrobe to look dirty...

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:18 pm

i keep mine fairly clean because i wear them with everything. but Daren had a line in his "look-alike" gig where he said he'd rather look like Indy about to go into the jungle, not Indy 2 weeks in. and that's how i feel...

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 3:05 pm

Todd's boots are inexpensive enought that if I decide to buy a second pair just for keeping new looking, it really won't be a monitary problem.
I wanted my boots to look distressed and worn as to match what I have done to distress my jacket and the FE added to my fedora.
The boots really match my gear now and look just the way I want them...but I do kinda miss the new look to them. Looks like Todd will have my business again in the future!
Pictured here are my Todd's boots after some light sanding, several applications of olive oil to darken and a generous application of Fullers Earth brushed on:

TenuredProfessor · Post by **TenuredProfessor** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 5:23 pm

Lookin' great, Frosty! I just got my second pair from Todd. These will remain unsanded and age naturally. The color of my new ones is more brown, sorta chestnut, than my first pair...with more of a deep reddish hue. I recall RaidersBash saying that when he talked to Todd, the boots may not be around in the future. Just a head's up...P.S. Your jacket came out nicely too!

David

Geek29 · Post by **Geek29** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:48 pm

I just bought a pair of Todds Boots, and they fit very well, and the price is not too expensive.

By the way has anyone hear more about Todd's Indy Pants?

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:57 pm

Geek29 wrote:I just bought a pair of Todds Boots, and they fit very well, and the price is not too expensive.

By the way has anyone hear more about Todd's Indy Pants?

Until Todd posts something about them, all the talk is non-official basically. I know Todd is working hard to providing a superb, SA option for these pants - and like the rest of his products, will be at a great price point!

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:58 pm

One problem I had was the laces coming untied alot. I solved that by telling Alden I broke a lace, and they sent me a free pair. I dont understand the difference in fabric, but they don't come untied anymore:)

I too would like another pair. 2 actually, because I'd like to dye a pair black for everyday wear and my Shadow costume.

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 11:10 pm

Indiana Joyce wrote:One problem I had was the laces coming untied alot. I solved that by telling Alden I broke a lace, and they sent me a free pair. I dont understand the difference in fabric, but they don't come untied anymore:)

I too would like another pair. 2 actually, because I'd like to dye a pair black for everyday wear and my Shadow costume.

The Shadow is such a great costume! I would love to see it when you can get pics!
If Todd won't be selling the boots in the future, I may have to pony up and get another pair before they are all gone. Sometimes, the good things don't last long. Who the heck am I kidding, ALL the time the good things don't last long! Raiders could have been AT LEAST another thirty minutes...

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Sat Feb 13, 2010 10:56 am

Is he discontinuing the boots? Am I going to have to take out a loan and buy his leftover 13's from him?

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:31 pm

Indiana Joyce wrote:Is he discontinuing the boots? Am I going to have to take out a loan and buy his leftover 13's from him?

I thought I had read someone post that they may not be around in the future - not sure what exactly that means, but hopefully Todd would give us some forwarning if and when the boots are being planned to be discontinued.
I like the way they look distressed as it compliments the taste I am going for with the rest of my gear, but would also like to have another pair to keep looking nice and new for nicer outfits - the weatherd boots could still be worn with jeans and a t-shirt as the rugged look would compliment the outfit well.
Most of the distressing is really the Fullers Earth, which is sticking on pretty well because I brushed it on while the boots were still slightly damp from my oil treatment. I'm not sure what they will look like yet if I give them a good cleaning, but we will see when that time comes - and I will be sure to post some pictures.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 6:04 pm

I e-mailed Todd and just got a reply. It's just a rumor that they are being discontinued. So keep buying them, I know I plan to:).

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:30 am

deleted.

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 2:44 pm

I was just out in mine the other day riding mini dirt bikes. I showed up wearing them, and we ended up riding, so what could i do? I rode and rode and rode, breaking and shifting and planting my foot for hard turns, crashed a couple times and the boots held up great (so did my Todd's standard jacket because twice when i hit the ground i landed and my left side and the jacket was fine....thank goodness).

BaptisteTheFool · Post by **BaptisteTheFool** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 4:23 pm

theinterchange wrote:Todd's boots are even getting a bad rap over at the Fedora Lounge. There's an active thread about a member whose sole is splitting, BUT several Alden owners are chiming in with their horror stories, too.

Me, I still like mine.

Randy

Well my new ones finally arrived today (they were held up forever because of that blizzard). Hopefully these'll hold up better than the last ones... It's a shame because I really do like these boots. They're comfortable and they look great.

generalFROSTY · Post by **generalFROSTY** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 3:16 pm

I believe a lot of the bad rep Todd's boots get are coming from customers who obtained a pair from an inconsistant or 'bad' batch.
You will notice that by the price point, these are extremeley low-priced boots - which may indicate that whatever factory is making them may not be closely monitoring the overall consistancy of quality from batch to batch - with a higher priced boot, like Aldens, there would be more strict monitoring of the quality of output.
Remember what was said about the Henry? According to John and the boys from AB, there was a specific order to make these hats as high end as possible, which of course drove the price up past what is typically seen in a factory hat.
I believe Todd wanted to offer a cost-effective product, but unfortunately, sometimes the quality is not going to hold up.
For me, my boots are still going strong - very nicely put together, just like a pair you would find in a department store. Nothing about these say 'costume' or low-end to me at all.
It is unfortunate that some customers' boots have fallen appart, it's those stories that have contributed to the mixed emotions regarding Todd's boots - and that is why this thread is so important because I believe there are many MORE happy customers than dissapointed and this thread is a great place to show that.
Everything I have purchased from Todd has met - and exceeded my expectations and his offerings are a true asset to the Indy Gear community.
Will mine fall appart eventually? Maybe...maybe not. All footwear eventually breaks down at some point. As it looks now, my boots will be 'kicking' for quite some time...

indyclone · Post by **indyclone** » Sat Feb 20, 2010 11:53 am

well i just ordered my pair of boots from TODDS just now and can't wait to get them , that will be the last of my gear i need to be done , since i have bought both the uptowner and downtowner hats , the shirt and the jacket , the satchel with strap. then eventually the pants when they are made . now i have read that other have added another sole to the boots when the recieved them to make them last a bit longer , should i do that also? or just wear them til the need the mending? any help would be heplful , thanks

Mark

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Sat Feb 20, 2010 12:08 pm

indyclone wrote:well i just ordered my pair of boots from TODDS just now and can't wait to get them , that will be the last of my gear i need to be done , since i have bought both the uptowner and downtowner hats , the shirt and the jacket , the satchel with strap. then eventually the pants when they are made . now i have read that other have added another sole to the boots when the recieved them to make them last a bit longer , should i do that also? or just wear them til the need the mending? any help would be heplful , thanks

Mark

That depends man. Alden's have a smooth sole as well, so there isn't much traction. I like it that way. Others have had the entire sole replaced with higher end materials to make them last longer, some have had the entire sole replaced and had traction added. All the options are fine, and your choice. Why not just wear them when they come in and see what works best for you? You'll be able to get some info here on getting the soles replaced if that's what you choose.

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Sat Feb 20, 2010 12:17 pm

I echo the same thoughts as General Frosty. Todd did not set out to make a "tough as nails" Alden clone. If that was the case, he would have a make an Alden! And the price would reflect that. What Todd has provided is an excellent Alden alternative at a wonderful price. In general a good boot at a wonderful price. So I also believe that the boots are getting a misinterpreted bad rap. I intentionally put mine through the ringer just to see how they would hold up. I beat the snot out 'em and they are still together. Now granted the heels show the abuse and some of the stitching is coming loose but they have held up. I have gone back to them since I sent my ALDENS back to the factory with FAR LESS mileage. Anyway sorry for the rant. But is should be held in perspective that these are not Alden's but a good boot at a good price for whats if meant to be used for. And the beauty of them as well is that they don't have to be used for Indy gear alone. Todd's gear, now while I don't have all of it. Is excellent quality. Now there are more top notch makers out there and they are great craftsmen. Artists in my opinion. And you will eventually obtain that level. Should you want it. But if your a gear head with limited means starting out, you cannot go wrong with Todd. And I'm not saying his gear is cheap junk either. GREAT GEAR AT GREAT PRICES. Nuff Said.

Cheers to you Todd

Sean

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Sat Feb 20, 2010 12:20 pm

Indiana Joyce wrote:
indyclone wrote:well i just ordered my pair of boots from TODDS just now and can't wait to get them , that will be the last of my gear i need to be done , since i have bought both the uptowner and downtowner hats , the shirt and the jacket , the satchel with strap. then eventually the pants when they are made . now i have read that other have added another sole to the boots when the recieved them to make them last a bit longer , should i do that also? or just wear them til the need the mending? any help would be heplful , thanks

Mark
That depends man. Alden's have a smooth sole as well, so there isn't much traction. I like it that way. Others have had the entire sole replaced with higher end materials to make them last longer, some have had the entire sole replaced and had traction added. All the options are fine, and your choice. Why not just wear them when they come in and see what works best for you? You'll be able to get some info here on getting the soles replaced if that's what you choose.

I concur with Indiana Joyce. However, the choice is yours. I personally would just wear them until they need replacing. Because more than likely by the time you need to replace the soles, the heels will probably need it to. Then you can just upgrade the sole and heel components together.

regards!
Sean

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:00 am

Well no ones comments have put me off, I've just ordered my first pair of Indy boots courtesy of Todd's

Real MKVII
Wested Raiders Jacket
Wested Pants
Todd's boots
AB shirt (in the pipeline)

Not bad spending for my first week on COW!

Cheers
ZOLTAR

IndianaSean · Post by **IndianaSean** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 11:05 am

Zoltar wrote:Well no ones comments have put me off, I've just ordered my first pair of Indy boots courtesy of Todd's

Real MKVII
Wested Raiders Jacket
Wested Pants
Todd's boots
AB shirt (in the pipeline)

Not bad spending for my first week on COW!

Cheers
ZOLTAR

Welcome!! You have chosen wisely.. in starting your kit!

Sean

indyclone · Post by **indyclone** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 7:47 am

well i have taken my boots in to have a sole guard put on the boots , i figure that should save the wear and tear on the sole for a bit , should have them back today .

indyclone · Post by **indyclone** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 7:24 am

i have gotten my boots back and now have them ready to be worn daily, i had got them for just my indy gear and planned on just wearing them when i wore my gear to special events or comic cons , but they feel so good i have to wear them just about everyday.

DOHERTYJAX · Post by **DOHERTYJAX** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:46 pm

How are Todd's in size compared to Aldens? Bigger, smaller, the same? I am thinking about purchasing a pair, but I want to make sure I pick the correct size. I had the Aldens in the past in a size 10.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:11 pm

deleted.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:13 pm

DOHERTYJAX wrote:How are Todd's in size compared to Aldens? Bigger, smaller, the same? I am thinking about purchasing a pair, but I want to make sure I pick the correct size. I had the Aldens in the past in a size 10.

I'm thinking the sizing's the same since Todd fixed things after the initial run size labeling being jacked with, but am not entirely sure.

Randy

indyclone · Post by **indyclone** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:39 am

DOHERTYJAX wrote:How are Todd's in size compared to Aldens? Bigger, smaller, the same? I am thinking about purchasing a pair, but I want to make sure I pick the correct size. I had the Aldens in the past in a size 10.

really not sure of the size comparision between the two i wear a 10 1/2 in normal shoes so i ordered a 11 and it was a bit large , so im guessing they are made to the same size as most shoes. i figured i would feel my toes close to the end of the tip of the boot but i had room , they feel good tho and like i said i had asome sole guards put on the bottom of the boots ,