Thinking about some Aldens

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 6:13 am

I think I am going to spring for a pair of Aldens. Unfortunately, I cannot see them in person before buying. We have a few dealers around here, but it seems that no one close by has them in stock. I can get measured and have a pair ordered for me, but I cannot see them.

Buying any type of footwear without trying them on is a bit of a stretch. Buying $450 boots before trying them is a bit scary. Do any of you Alden owners have some tips to get the right size? Can I trust an Alden dealer (not an Alden store) to measure me up properly?

It's too bad I can't actually see the boots in person before buying, as I would like to see the 403 and 405 side by side before choosing. Are the 403's generally considered to be more SA nowadays because of the color? I know a few here have tried to darken the 405's, but that is probably too labor intensive of a task for me. I plan to wear these boots everyday at work, so they need to be comfortable and durable.

Any info would be helpful

Thanks

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 6:34 am

For my taste the 403's look the best. I went to the Alden store and had mine measured. The size was perfect. I'd trust them to do you right as far as sizing is concerned.

-TS

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 8:30 am

Wish you lived closer than East Tennessee, cwv...I'd show you my 405's so you could determine which way to go.

Agreed with the above, but you at least invest in a good cedar shoe tree to install in your boots that will help them keep their shape and absorb perspiration (and odor). It's HIGHLY recommended, and will keep them going for years.

Regards! Michaelson

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Fri Nov 25, 2011 7:33 am

Michaelson wrote:Wish you lived closer than East Tennessee, cwv...I'd show you my 405's so you could determine which way to go.

Agreed with the above, but you at least invest in a good cedar shoe tree to install in your boots that will help them keep their shape and absorb perspiration (and odor). It's HIGHLY recommended, and will keep them going for years.

Regards! Michaelson

I used to go to school right there at UTK.. too bad I was too broke then even to consider them

. I will definitely get a shoe tree, as I have no desire to drop 900 on shoes right now. I think I will go with the 403's.

With the info above (buy the correct size), do you think it is worth my time, especially during this season, to drive 30 miles to the nearest dealer to get measured/ordered? If they had them in stock it would be a no brainer, but since they would have to order them anyhow, could I just cut out the middle man? What happens if I order the wrong size from a dealer/myself?

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Fri Nov 25, 2011 8:05 am

Drive the 30 miles. That is a no brainer.

Gailen

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 3:24 pm

I went to a shop in Atlanta to get the boots ordered. They didn't even have a way to measure my foot in the store. They gave me an Alden shoe to try and the 9 fit ok. I told them I was concerned about the size because of the widths and whatnot. They said 90% of people are the normal width.

I asked what would happen if they didnt fit. They told me they would have to keep the deposit. I'm sitting here going "now why am I in your shop?". It seems I'm better off online. Crazy!

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:30 pm

What kind of boot store doesn't have a way to measure your foot? that's weird. Atleast they had one for you to try on. I wouldn't even know where to find the nearest pair of Aldens near me, lol.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:01 am

FYI, according to the directory, there's a store in Knoxville that might be of help. :

http://www.360knoxville.com/ClothingApp ... Shoes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regard! Michaelson

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:57 am

backstagejack wrote:What kind of boot store doesn't have a way to measure your foot? that's weird. Atleast they had one for you to try on. I wouldn't even know where to find the nearest pair of Aldens near me, lol.

I actually went to some sort of fashion store. You know, the type of shop where if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. I ended up going to Red Wing boots after and getting measured at 9 b-d. I called Alden of San Francisco to have them look into a 9c for me. I had the clothing shop doing the checking, but I think I will call them off, as they mislead me. I will probably order from the Alden shop.

Michaelson wrote:FYI, according to the directory, there's a store in Knoxville that might be of help. :

http://www.360knoxville.com/ClothingApp ... Shoes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regard! Michaelson

Thanks, but I'm now in the Atlanta area

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:59 am

Hummm. You need to change your 'location' under your avatar.

Regard! Michaelson

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:25 pm

I bought mine on line through Shoemart and got excellent service.

Gailen

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:32 pm

I just looked at their site, Gailen. Looks like a pretty good business to deal with.

Regards! Michaelson

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:48 pm

trdaggers wrote:I bought mine on line through Shoemart and got excellent service.

Gailen

I've seen that one come up a few times during my search. If I hadnt called Alden of SF, I probably would use them. As it is, I would hate to waste the guys time over there. They were very nice.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:02 pm

Alden of D.C. is also a possiblity. I visited there back in October and they told me a lot of their business is done through the mail and they were wonderful people to talk to.

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 4:35 pm

9c's are an 8-10 week wait. Ordered some 8.5c's, should be here in two days. They told me to send them back if they don't fit

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 5:31 pm

Got the 403s. They seem to be a little tight on the top just before the laces, is this normal?

Edit: it's really only the right foot. They seem fine length/width

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 5:40 pm

I don't know about everyone elses experience with the Aldens. When I purchased mine they fit perfectly from day one. Infact they felt like I had been wearing them for a year. My advice is when you spend that kind of money and it dosen't feel right or hurts you then send them back. I have worn mine every day since I bought them and they are more comfortable to me then my bedroom slippers.

Gailen

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 5:58 pm

cokewithvanilla wrote:Got the 403s. They seem to be a little tight on the too just before the laces, is this normal?

Edit: it's really only the right foot. They seem fine length/width

Mine were a bit snug on my right foot by the pinky toe. I took them to the local cobbler and they stretched them for me and they've been a perfect fit ever since. They didn't charge me a thing, you probably won't get that type of service

Just remember that just because they are $400 shoes, not every foot is alike so some shoes of this caliber will need some tweaking. I mean they are not Nikes where the leather and cushioning will give an instant perfect fit depending on how tight you tie the laces. That said, they are $400 shoes and getting them "stretched" might not seem well suited to you. I do recommend finding a local cobbler though, one night in a stretcher can do wonders.

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:55 am

Well, I couldn't wait. I wore them to work this morning. They feel great now. It took a few minutes to get the stiffness out, now they feel fine. Robert at Alden of SF treated me real well. I went ahead and ordered some shoe trees and extra laces. I got compliments at the gas station this monring and at work.

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:20 am

That's great! I'm glad it all worked out. I never have regretted for a minute spending the money on these Alldens. Who would have thought you could fall in love with a pair of boots?

Gailen

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:55 am

Getting shoe trees for them is absolutely dead on target.

They'll last a LOT LOT longer with regular usage.

Well done!

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:55 am

Man, those are some good looking boots!!!

Trust me, they become your favorite pair here shortly.

-TS

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 11:49 am

Because of everyones advice I ordered and received a set of Alden shoe horns. I put them in every night right before I tell them a bedtime story.

Gailen

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 2:17 pm

I love my Alden's too, but not THAT much!

Regards! Michaelson

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:48 pm

They especially like when I read them "Puss in Boots."

cokewithvanilla · Post by **cokewithvanilla** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:15 pm

These are definitely some good boots. Every time I stomp on the accelerator, I feel like I am runnin over some Nazi pos... well, almost.

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:20 pm

I just put in an order for some Vintage Indys at LeatherSoul in HI. I should be wearing them this time next year. After 3 years of waiting for my AB CS that seems like nothing.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Picker · Post by **Picker** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:22 pm

I am extremely picky about my feet. I have given away several pairs of shoes after wearing them a few days, weeks, and sometimes months and finding they hurt my feet. The 1/2 size down or regular size is quite a controversy regarding the Aldens. A few years ago I ordered some 405's in size 11 after having my feet professionally measured. I normally wear a 12, but I trusted the measurement. Big mistake. The 11's hurt my feet. I tried and tried, but couldn't hack it, so I sold them for only a slight loss.
In late September of this year I ordered a pair of 403's from Shoemart, this time in size 12. It made all the difference in the world. Now, my feet, back and calves don't hurt.

In late October I ordered a second pair of 403's and two sets of shoe trees, and I alternate wearing them. I also bought a pair of Alden shoes and shoe trees to go with them and discovered that the Shoemart website will designate the last and specify if you should order down a half size, as I did with the shoes, built on the Barrie last. All 3 pairs of Aldens fit well, rest with their trees every night, and they all get a day or more off after wearing.

This endeavor has been quite an investment, but my feet are happy, I've cleared some junky footwear out of my closet, and the compliments keep pouring in.

I just hope the 403's will look good next summer with shorts!