Alden Restoration Takes Away Waterproofing?

[Castor Dioscuri]

Just was hoping to see if anyone else had a similar experience. I had not-so-recently sent my Aldens back to get restored on account of rubber heel wear. When They were returned to me, I slowly have come to the realization that not only does one foot fit a little differently (the sole seems oddly small...), but also that the waterproof qualities seem to be gone?

I seem to recall walking in deep slush with these boots on and never getting wet, but after getting them back, a light drizzle seems to have gotten my socks damp!

Is this normal with 'restored' boots? Did I maybe get a botched repair? Or is this just my imagination? Thoughts?

I considered contacting Alden, but I didn't get a chance to wear them until a month after I got them back, so I'm not sure if I'd still be within my complaint-period... And anyway, after a four month wait to get these boots repaired, I am pretty hesitant to ship them off again!

[Bogie1943]

I don't think they use any sort of leather conditioner or waterproofed during restoration. Let me ask you about the sizing issue. I have heard others talk about similar problems. In terms of the sole are you saying that it feels smaller or looks smaller? With my experience I feel that Alden's tend to come back feeling smaller than what you are used to. My theory has always been that over the years your boots stretch and sort of mold to your feet. Now when they go through the restoration process the shoes are somewhat readjusted as the new welt and soles are put on. This is just a working theory.

[Bogie1943]

Also what's with the four month wait? My repair didn't take nearly that long.

[Castor Dioscuri]

Hey Bogie! Thanks for the reply! Well, to begin with, smaller is one thing, but it's not that the boots are tighter... That would have been fine. It's more like the insole is smaller than it used to be (or maybe misaligned?), and I can feel my the sides of my feet slipping/spilling off the insole.

As for the waterproofing, I'm not asking for them to waterproof it... I never waterproofed them myself, but they were fairly water resistant up to this point, and now are quite water absorbent instead!

As for the wait, I guess it must just be a matter of luck. I probably sent mine during a busy season?

[Bogie1943]

Hmmmm very interesting about the insoles. Could you possibly take some photos of the inside and share them here?

[Indiana Strones]

And, is it possible to see some before/after restoration pics? I'm very curious.

[Ronski]

I just received my freshly restored Aldens and I can't say that i've experienced either of those issues. They seem to come back just as i sent them out with the exception of a new heel pad, new sole and freshly polished.

[littledragon88]

Hm, a small question. I am wondering, do one just send in the Aldens to the company if they need restoration? Are there any requirements?

[Bogie1943]

Simply contact Alden and request a restoration package. They will mail you everything you need to send in your shoes.

[Michaelson]

http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index.cf ... repair.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's the information on the Aldens of Carmel website.

Regards !Michaelson

[Castor Dioscuri]

Just to follow up, the issue kinda has been resolved after some awkward shoe tree nudging. My guess is that the shoes were flattened at an odd angle during shipping. However, the waterproofing issue is still there, but I'll see if Pecards on the stitching will help some.

[Michaelson]

It will.

My regular practice when working on my Aldens is to use Meletonian shoe creme to re-color and shine, then Pecards on the flex points and seams. I have never had a water issue when this is done.

Regards! Michaelson