If I buy a new pair of Alden's.....

[Shawn]

I MAY be getting a new pair of Alden's direct from the San Francisco shop where I am an hour away. So the question I have if I choose that route is do I go for the 403 or 405?

405 is the true model but lighter color
403 seems to be a closer color, but I have heard a mix of reviews on how it ages and the softness of the leather.

Any opinions? If I buy new, I have been waiting over 10 years, so I don't want to have regret for choosing the "wrong one".

[Castor Dioscuri]

Go with 405; that way, you're 10 year wait will be for the original. Why settle for a close-enough with the same brand? And anyway, lighter colors can and will darken with time (and maybe a little encouragement). Leather, on the other hand, will pretty much remain constant.

[ThatManFromRio]

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Tundrarider's thread should help you.

[trdaggers]

405's!

[Shawn]

Also let me ask this. Are there activities that you do not use your Alden's for? Like camping or landscaping? Or do you just adventurise them with anything you do? What I have found in expensive purchases like my Wested jacket I have had for over 10 years is I baby them and choose not to wear them if they will get beatup. Will the Alden's hold up to abuse?

[trdaggers]

Aldens appear to be built to last forever. On another note. Along time ago I heard that there were a few things no one should buy used and one of them are shoes.

Gailen

[Ronski]

I vote 405s. They will last you a good long time and they do darken with age. If you get the 40s, after a while you might end up with a black boot!