Traveling with Aldens. Steel shank and airport security?

[darkhelmet]

Going home to Hawaii in September. I hate flying and have only flown once since 9/11. Not looking forward to the experience at all...

But planning on wearing some Indy gear for my flight (Modern field shirt, Indy slacks, and my Aldens) but since Aldens have the Steel Shank, I don't want to open a can of worms going through the security line.

Any tips (aside from not wearing them)?

[Illinois James]

Do they not still make you remove your shoes at security anyway?

[Texan Scott]

They make you take off your shoes, belts, wallet, watch, change and anything that is metal at (TSA) security check points. With the laces, etc. slip on's are much more travel friendly these days.

[jlhampton]

I have traveled with my Aldens. They will make you take off your shoes and place them in a plastic tub with your other belongings to be x-rayed. Even if you're not wearing the Aldens, you will still have to take off your shoes no matter what. It should not be a big deal if you are cooperative. Just keep an eye on that tub.

jlhampton

[McFly]

I travel somewhat more frequently than other people, and I would suggest that since you do have to take your shoes off anyway, if you really want to wear your Aldens, just tie them up without using the speed hooks (like normal shoes would be laced) before security. Afterwards, you can retie them up all the way. They might be a little strange feeling before you get to security, but it's a little faster to get them off while you're in line.

Shane

[darkhelmet]

Yes, I am expecting to take them off, but I didn't know how they would react to them setting off the metal detector.

Well, good to know it really isn't an issue beyond the usual checks.

[whipwarrior]

They won't set off the metal detectors. I flew twice last year, wore my 405's both times, and had no trouble with security. When you take them off and put them in the plastic tub on the scanner conveyor belt, just mention to the X-ray tech that they are orthopedic shoes with steel shanks, so they will know what they're looking at. Piece of cake.

[binkmeisterRick]

I love traveling with my Aldens, though I always pack them and wear something more sensible in the airport. As stated multiple times already, you will have to remove your shoes and put them through the X-Ray machine like everyone else. I just find it a pain in the backside to have to untie and re-lace them in that environment. One of the few times I have gone through security in them, the size of the steel shanks caught the scanner agent of guard and his eyes got big. "Man, that's a big shank!" But there was no trouble or problem sending them through. He just chuckled and went on with his work.

On a different note, since your feet will naturally swell on the plane at howevermanythousand feet in the air, I find Aldens start to feel constrictive on me after a bit. hats the biggest reason I wear something more flexible on the plane.

[McFly]

I wear something more flexible on the plane.

Not everybody can afford to strap chicken breasts to their feet though. I find that it starts to smell after a while, too. Especially on those long, transatlantic flights.

Shane

[Michaelson]

Shane, it's become quite clear to me that your idea of something 'flexible' to wear and mine are on two COMPLETELY different planes of reference.

Remind me to never let you pack for me.

"Shane, I'd like something light to wear on a warm day. Not too heavy, if you don't mind."

"Yes sir. How about a nice sheet of aluminum?"





My practice when traveling by plane with my Aldens have been exactly the same as bink's. I just pack mine in my bags and wear comfortable easy to pull on/off type shoes for the trip.

Regards! Michaelson

[Gater]

I just flew a few weeks ago - I wore desert boots and didn't know that they had the shank. They set off the metal detectors so I had to go through a thourough 'wand down'. They checked the shoes and let me pass. For the flight home, I took them off, and put them in "the tub" and watched them go through the machine (along with my Omega, so - hawk like!) and saw the metal shank in the sole. Kind of neat to watch, actually.

So - to echo everyone else, just take 'em off, put'm in the tub and pick'm up on the other side. You'll be fine.

[Indiana Neri]

Stupid question of the day:

Do Todd's boots contain a metal shank as well? Just out of curiosity...I always take my shoes off at the airport anyways, however I don't have the heart to wear sweaty black socks with holes in them, just for a goof

[binkmeisterRick]

I'm sure there's a shank of some sort, but nothing like Aldens. Keep in mind that Aldens are orthopedic shoes, which is why such a large shank is in there to begin with. Todd's are not orthopedic, so they don't require the same support system.

[Indiana Dymond]

Last time I flew(London Gatwick 2008) I had to remove my CAT boots as they set off the metal detector,and that as just the brass eyelets and speed hooks!!!

Typical British security they watched me pull my boots back on knowing full well I'd have to take them off for a shoe inspection just 5 yards around the next corner .

[Michaelson]

Job security.