What came first, the chicken or the egg? This question could be asked of these two fabled boot makers, as well. It has been stated that the Wolverine 1,000 mile boot was first intoduced some 125 years ago, are still produced in the same town as the originals were, and are priced in the $325-$725 range, depending on the boot model and retailer. Considered one of the best close enough boots on the market today, I put them to the test, against possibly its most formitable competitor, the Alden 403's. The results may surprise you.
The Wolverines as received:
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Side by side:
Plain toe vs. Moc toe:
Interior construction:
Four eyelets vs. three:
Alden's leather/cork/leather/rubber heel construction vs. Wolverine's leather/rubber heel.
Alden's cork sole & rubber heel vs. the all leather sole and thick rubber heel.
At different times in the hobby, and open to other possibilities, I have purposed to find a boot that would compete favorably with the Alden "Indy" boots, in terms of overall appearance, price and quality of construction. I found the Wolverine 1,000 mile boot's outter leather shell to be comparable, in terms of thickness of the leather and color. However, the 1,000 mile boots could not compete with the Alden 403's superior heel width, length and thickness of the heel and soles, nor its smooth leather interior. Overall, and most importantly, the Alden 403 outpaced its competitior in the area of fit and comfort. The 403's are simply more comfortable, and feature a more contoured heel support structure, fitting the heel snugly against the back of the boot. The 1,000 mile boots also have thinner and solid leather soles, causing slippage on smooth surfaces, as opposed to the more stable, cork sole of the Alden boot that grips better. The bulbus, plain toe of the Wolverine did not leave a favorable impression. Clearly, the Aldens outclassed its competitor.
In summary, if you are considering a quality Indy boot or otherwise, save money and buy the best. You will not be disappointed, provided that you and your salesperson find that just right fit!
), and that's the fact that just because the shoe LOOKS like an Alden, that's not what makes an Alden an 'Alden'. It's the design, 'function over form', so to speak. That's where other shoe vendors miss the boat.
