My very first 405's, with pics

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 6:52 am

So my last thread where i was trying to get a pair, ended up with over 43 responses, so I thought it would be better to start fresh.

I got my Alden's from Schmidty yesterday, and wore them for 5 hours. I think they fit. I didn't feel any pain, they are snug, but I am also used to wearing boots with no support.

Now, we have flourescent lighting at work, and it tricks your eye! My khaki shirt looks greenish, and these boots look very brick red but they photographed, well, see for yourself. They look like 403's in the photos.

They have the cotton duck lining, so I'm guessing they are from the 08-09 run. It could even be they are from the last run with that lining before they switched over. I'm still pretty excited. I can't wait to break these in, and look back ten years from now and remember when I got them.

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 10:57 am

Congrats! I got my first pair in '07 and they had the same lining.

Kyle

donovan · Post by **donovan** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 12:59 pm

you never forget your first pair of aldens- congrats . i've had mine a couple of years and they just keep getting better !

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 1:06 pm

God, I wish I could justify spending that amount of money for a pair of boots, but I just can't. I don't deny how amazing they are, but that price tag is just ridiculous. You could buy any number of things more useful with that money.

In saying that, if I had the money, I would definitely get them. In a heartbeat. But having that amount of money to spend on a pair of boots would require me to win a nice amount on the lottery. LOL.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 1:30 pm

Lol size reference. These are 13ds. Put a dollar next to yours to see how enormous these gunboats are.

And, if you're a size 8 thru 11, keep an eye on ebay and the bazaar. I've seen these go for 150. You don't have to spend a lot to look good. Unless you're insane like me.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 2:26 pm

irishjones wrote:God, I wish I could justify spending that amount of money for a pair of boots, but I just can't. I don't deny how amazing they are, but that price tag is just ridiculous. You could buy any number of things more useful with that money.

No doubt Aldens are expensive, but for a cost comparison, I got my Aldens over six years ago (granted they were less expensive then than now). Apart from the occasional heel or half-sole from the cobbler, they have lasted me all this time and are still the most comfortable shoes I own. Before that, I was accustomed to paying give or take $100 for a single pair of shoes every year. In the long run, I have come out far ahead in my footwear purchases because of that one investment. Granted, I like them because they're orthopedic shoes, but I did have to save up for them. My black cap toe Alden 502's are my favorite. I like them better than the Indy boot, but I've always preferred a cap toe to a moc toe.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 5:01 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:No doubt Aldens are expensive, but for a cost comparison, I got my Aldens over six years ago (granted they were less expensive then than now). Apart from the occasional heel or half-sole from the cobbler, they have lasted me all this time and are still the most comfortable shoes I own. Before that, I was accustomed to paying give or take $100 for a single pair of shoes every year. In the long run, I have come out far ahead in my footwear purchases because of that one investment. Granted, I like them because they're orthopedic shoes, but I did have to save up for them. My black cap toe Alden 502's are my favorite. I like them better than the Indy boot, but I've always preferred a cap toe to a moc toe.

I understand all that you're saying, but it's just far too much money for a normal working class joe such as myself to be able to afford in one go. If I were really serious about getting a pair, I'd have to save up. Plus, there's other things to consider as well. Such as, I live in Northern Ireland, so there's nowhere in the UK that sells Aldens. That means I'd have to buy them from the USA, pay for the shipping and also the VAT customs charges which is 30% of the cost of the item. I'd be paying around half the cost of the boots just to get them home. No thanks!

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 6:09 pm

irishjones wrote:
I understand all that you're saying, but it's just far too much money for a normal working class joe such as myself to be able to afford in one go. If I were really serious about getting a pair, I'd have to save up. Plus, there's other things to consider as well. Such as, I live in Northern Ireland, so there's nowhere in the UK that sells Aldens. That means I'd have to buy them from the USA, pay for the shipping and also the VAT customs charges which is 30% of the cost of the item. I'd be paying around half the cost of the boots just to get them home. No thanks!

From one working class joe to another, and from a guy with Irish blood to a true Irishman,if you find a cheap pair of these on here or ebay, I'll pay the shipping if it helps you get a pair. You have my word.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 6:13 pm

Hey Joyce congrats on the purchse. Now, if they are a bit too snug just take them down to your local shoe repair store and they can stretch them for you, for little to nothing. The pair I got were a little tight around the outer edges of my toe area (the sides) and they fixed them right up for $5. Now, they feel like they were form fitted to my feet.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 6:27 pm

irishjones wrote: I understand all that you're saying, but it's just far too much money for a normal working class joe such as myself to be able to afford in one go. If I were really serious about getting a pair, I'd have to save up.

No argument, there! I had to save up for mine, too! And I understand where you're coming from regarding overseas shipping and customs charges. It's one of the reasons I rarely buy anything from overseas, too!

darkhelmet · Post by **darkhelmet** » Tue Aug 23, 2011 8:35 pm

Love my Aldens. I too could never justify the price, but eventually said "what the heck", saved my money and splurged on myself. Will never regret it.

I wear a 13D and my initial order from Aldens was a 13D, but they were HUGE on me so I returned them for a 12.5D. Fits a lot better.

Congrats!

kwh · Post by **kwh** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 10:15 am

Indiana Joyce wrote:
irishjones wrote:
I understand all that you're saying, but it's just far too much money for a normal working class joe such as myself to be able to afford in one go. If I were really serious about getting a pair, I'd have to save up. Plus, there's other things to consider as well. Such as, I live in Northern Ireland, so there's nowhere in the UK that sells Aldens. That means I'd have to buy them from the USA, pay for the shipping and also the VAT customs charges which is 30% of the cost of the item. I'd be paying around half the cost of the boots just to get them home. No thanks!
From one working class joe to another, and from a guy with Irish blood to a true Irishman,if you find a cheap pair of these on here or ebay, I'll pay the shipping if it helps you get a pair. You have my word.

that's cool

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 1:32 pm

Indiana Joyce wrote:
irishjones wrote:
I understand all that you're saying, but it's just far too much money for a normal working class joe such as myself to be able to afford in one go. If I were really serious about getting a pair, I'd have to save up. Plus, there's other things to consider as well. Such as, I live in Northern Ireland, so there's nowhere in the UK that sells Aldens. That means I'd have to buy them from the USA, pay for the shipping and also the VAT customs charges which is 30% of the cost of the item. I'd be paying around half the cost of the boots just to get them home. No thanks!
From one working class joe to another, and from a guy with Irish blood to a true Irishman,if you find a cheap pair of these on here or ebay, I'll pay the shipping if it helps you get a pair. You have my word.

That's very gracious of you, my man! Looks like I'll have to start looking for a cheap pair of Aldens! LMAO!

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:26 am

Sat up last night with Mink oil and a heat gun. Pics to follow. They are darker but not browner. That red tone is still coming thru. I had some success mixing brown shoe polish and Mink oil on other leather using a heat gun, I may try that during this weekends hurricane.

I noticed the heat gun made the shoes feel much tighter this morning but im finding as the day goes by they are getting more comfortable. I do think they need a stretching however.

Luke Warmwater · Post by **Luke Warmwater** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 4:15 pm

Irish Jones: I live in DC where there is an Aldens store. If you want them, I'll go get them for you and ship them to you. All you have to do is pay the cost of the shoes.

I'm 100% serious. You paypal me $425 and your shoe size and I swear I'll go get them for you and I'll even pay to ship them to you. Aldens are that good. I own four pairs. I'm a working stiff too, a firefighter. I wear Aldens as my duty boots.

There are many, many folks on this board who know me and will back up my word.

You let me know.

best,

Clark

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 4:43 pm

Luke Warmwater wrote:Irish Jones: I live in DC where there is an Aldens store. If you want them, I'll go get them for you and ship them to you. All you have to do is pay the cost of the shoes.

I'm 100% serious. You paypal me $425 and your shoe size and I swear I'll go get them for you and I'll even pay to ship them to you. Aldens are that good. I own four pairs. I'm a working stiff too, a firefighter. I wear Aldens as my duty boots.

There are many, many folks on this board who know me and will back up my word.

You let me know.

best,

Clark

I cannot believe the generosity of the people on this site! Thank you so much for the offer, Clark! I will not be able to afford it this month, but at the end of September, I will be able to get them. I appreciate it so much, you cannot believe! One thing that may be tricky is that shoe sizes here in the UK are different to the USA, e.g. here in the UK, I am a size 9.5, but in the USA it's a 10.5. And I know about the stringent shoe measurements that Aldens ask for. Is it difficult to measure them as such? I was thinking of going to a specialist shoe store and asking them to measure my feet exactly so the guys at Aldens can get the most accurate measurement.

Once again Clark, I cannot thank you enough. You're a great guy!

I'll be in touch. Just look out for any PMs that I may send.

Thanks again,

Ciaran.

P.S. It's funny that your name is Clark, as my favourite hero is Superman! LMFAO!!

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 4:54 pm

Michael, it was that thread that inspired me to get these shoes originally:)

Ciaran, getting properly measured would be a great start. There's a lot of sites that will show a US to UK size conversion chart, if that helps.

Im digging the generosity being displayed:)

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 5:04 pm

Yes, the generosity displayed is just astounding! I tip my hat to you, sirs!

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 11:56 pm

Joyce, I'm just going to say the following, and then you do what ever you want to do with your new boots.

Never, ever use a heat gun on leather unless you want to shrink it. That's all a heat gun is ever used for on leather. Do a google search using 'heat gun on leather', and you'll find out why.

Second, Aldens is waxed leather. Waxed. I'm amazed your boots aren't mottled from trying to drive mink oil into waxed leather with a heat gun.

There are TONS of posts in the gear care section about how to darken your boots using either Pecards, standard boot oil (not recommended by me, as it's non-reversable, but that's your call), etc.

The trick to pushing standard Pecards into leather is to use a hair dryer on low heat. It will liquify the Pecards and you can then hand rub it into the leather. Just keep applying, liquifying, then hand rub into the leather until it reaches the color level you want. The low heat of the hair dryer also softens the waxed surface and allows the Pecards to penetrate easier.

Use the search function and do a little reading and research before you ruin your brand new credit card purchased expensive boots.

Ok, that off my chest, proceed at your own pace with what ever you're going to do with your boots.

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 5:33 am

Believe me sir, I've done many hours of research using the search function here. First I should clarify that my heat gun is a low power one made for crafts, not a hardware store paint stripping kind. I applied the Mink oil evenly in swirls, and used the heat gun at enough of a distance to melt in the oil. Many things can go wrong in this process if you aren't patient.

I did this for one application, but not the second time. I applied more oil and let it sit for about eight hours, then buffed it dry. The result is just a much darker shade of brick. In a little while I plan to use brown shoe polish.

I am grateful we have an archive and a search function, however; many threads end in missing photos and dead links. Its a shame because we're talking about the pioneers of this stuff, and their knowledgee is disappearing. Kinda feel like an archeologist trying to piece things together

But thank you for your concern Michaelson, your words have merit.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:06 am

Indiana Joyce wrote: Many things can go wrong in this process if you aren't patient.

...like the boots getting tighter and possibly needing stretching?

This was a good discussion about the topic, if you didn't see it:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=27368&hilit=darken+aldens" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards! Michaelson

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:36 am

Michaelson wrote:
Indiana Joyce wrote: Many things can go wrong in this process if you aren't patient.

...like the boots getting tighter and possibly needing stretching?

This was a good discussion about the topic, if you didn't see it:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=27368&hilit=darken+aldens" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think you're shooting nerf darts at a brick wall. They won't get through. Anyone who buys $400 boots and then puts mink oil on them probably doesn't care about your advice. All I can say is

.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:26 am

Michaelson wrote:
Indiana Joyce wrote: Many things can go wrong in this process if you aren't patient.

...like the boots getting tighter and possibly needing stretching?

This was a good discussion about the topic, if you didn't see it:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=27368&hilit=darken+aldens" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards! Michaelson

I read that too. Its cool, they are breaking in. Im still not satisfied with the color but it is what it is. No more experimenting. Ill post pics later. These are still the most comfortable workboots I've ever had.
Im supposed to go to a costume themed wedding this weekend in my gear unless Irene blows us away lol.

Wasn't Irene Indy's secretary in LC?

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:41 am

Trust me, if you think they're comfortable now, wait until they mold to your foot like a good leather shoe does. You'll be amazed.

Regards! Michaelson

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:45 am

Michaelson wrote:Trust me, if you think they're comfortable now, wait until they mold to your foot like a good leather shoe does. You'll be amazed.

Regards! Michaelson

Agreed. It'll get to the point where you'll wear them all day, then get home and won't even feel the need to take them off. They're probably the best shoes you'll ever own. Enjoy!!!!

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 12:29 pm

Starting to feel like slippers lol. Todays the real test, have to be in them for twelve to fifteeen hours today...

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:23 pm

Okay guys, I'm gonna get the Aldens. It's a done deal. Clark, I'm taking you up on your very generous offer. All I need to do is go into town tomorrow and get my feet measured correctly.

So, I have to ask, isn't the correct SA Indy boot the 405? And which colour of most SA for the ROTLA look?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 1:55 pm

Tundrarider wrote:What's the dollar in the pic for? Is that what you have left after your purchase?

....'cause 424 more of them greenbacks will get you a new pair!

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:00 pm

irishjones wrote:Okay guys, I'm gonna get the Aldens. It's a done deal. Clark, I'm taking you up on your very generous offer. All I need to do is go into town tomorrow and get my feet measured correctly.

So, I have to ask, isn't the correct SA Indy boot the 405? And which colour of most SA for the ROTLA look?

The correct boot is the 405. However the cool brown seen in raiders has been replaced with a warm brown with red undertones. Luckily, the 403 seems to be that lovely shade of brown and is practically the same boot and the same price. If schmidty had the 403 in stock I would have gotten that one first:)

Check out the 403 comparison threads.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:17 pm

Okay, so which boot should i get? The 403 or 405? Is there really much difference?

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:32 pm

Up to you really. Look at tundrarider's post further up in this thread. He compares both boots, but he darkened his 405s to try to get that brown color we've been trying to achieve, seen best in the flying wing scene. In my opinion the 403s do that beautifully.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:39 pm

Once you begin to give them some hard wear, and they have been through water, mud, dirt, etc., the color mellows to somewhat of an earthy brown color, much like the movie. There is a break in period, but it is worth it.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:40 pm

But is there any difference in shape between the two boots? I really can't tell.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:45 pm

irishjones wrote:But is there any difference in shape between the two boots? I really can't tell.

The big difference between the 403 and 405 is color. The original 405 is now an orange-cordovan color and the 403 is a tobacco brown-cordovan color. That's about it. I got the 403's and have never regretted it.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:54 pm

Okay, so bottom line is, if you were to buy a pair of Aldens to the most screen accurate colour available, which one would you go for? 405 or 403?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:57 pm

Personal opinion, 403's. BUT, it is possible to achieve the look with some brown shoe polish, regardless. So if someone wanted the look and had 405's, the situation is not hopeless for them either, just apply the brown. Just depends on what starting point you want.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 4:42 pm

So there's no real difference in shape with them?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 4:48 pm

Externally no, just color. Check out this thread:

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=47437" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 4:52 pm

Nope. The 405 has a waxed aniline hide in reddish brown, and the 403 has chromexcel hide in brown. The 405's used to come with a cotton duck lining, like my new pair from old stock, but like the 403 they now have a leather interior.

Other then the color, the stitching and construction are the same.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 6:54 pm

Right well, I know that the 405's are what Harrison wore during the first one, so I'm just going to go with them.

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 2:19 pm

irishjones wrote:Right well, I know that the 405's are what Harrison wore during the first one, so I'm just going to go with them.

Well they're also what he wore for II, III and IV

Kyle

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 2:24 pm

knibs7 wrote:
irishjones wrote:Right well, I know that the 405's are what Harrison wore during the first one, so I'm just going to go with them.
Well they're also what he wore for II, III and IV

Kyle

Well, it's settled then. LOL.

BTW, Clark, I sent you a PM with my shoe sizes (in USA sizes) and my email address.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 7:13 pm

After one coating of mink oil with a heat gun, then a second coating left to sit unaided overnight, finished with brown shoe polish, here is how they looked Friday.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:56 pm

I don't think any oil or heatgun of that kind will be going on around my 405's whenever I get them! LOL.

CLARK! LUKE! I'M WAITING ON YOUR ANSWER TO MY PM! LOL.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:52 am

The east coast of the states is dealing with a big hurricane this weekend, so it might be a day or two until he gets back to you. It would have hit him last night or early this morning, it's going to hit us in Massachusetts in a few more hours.

And let me tell you, you don't want to get hit in Massachusetts

I still got a bruise!

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Sun Aug 28, 2011 10:07 am

Indiana Joyce wrote:The east coast of the states is dealing with a big hurricane this weekend, so it might be a day or two until he gets back to you. It would have hit him last night or early this morning, it's going to hit us in Massachusetts in a few more hours.

And let me tell you, you don't want to get hit in Massachusetts I still got a bruise!

Oh yeah, I forgot about that! And unfortunately, I wrote that post last night when I was quite drunk and wasn't thinking! I hope everybody in COW who lives on the east coast stays safe!

Luke Warmwater · Post by **Luke Warmwater** » Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:08 pm

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=52940" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;