All of the "Close Enough" Boots?

Geeto Tiger · Post by **Geeto Tiger** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:02 pm

Hi all!
I was wondering if there is a comprehensive list of all of the boots that are Alden 405 look alikes? So far I have come up with:
-Alden 403's -$460
-Wolverine 1000 mile boots (original) -$340
-Red Wing Beckman (9030) -$320
-Rockport Farnum- about $100
-Hawthorne Dress Boot (L.L. Bean) -$195
-Aldo Jeremyah, Diangelo, Rodreguez- $???
-Giant by Georgia Boot Hopper Moc Toe Boot 6- $100
-Crosby Moc Toe Lace-Up Boot- $150
-Coyle's Outdoorsman Shoe- $75 for now

Are there any that I am missing that can be added here?

Oildale Jones · Post by **Oildale Jones** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:06 pm

Obviously "look-alikeness" is in the eye (and wallet) of the beholder, but I'll add my personal favorite:

Land's End Crosby moc toe, $69.99: http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=54131" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think the problem with a list of boots is that there's so much turnover in styles, it's already out of date.

Geeto Tiger · Post by **Geeto Tiger** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:12 pm

Yeah, I've been trying to find all of those boots for a while, ever since Todd ran out of coyle's in size 10, but they all had a very quick turn around and most have been relegated to eBay. By having a list though, maybe people can just ebay it easier or at least ask the companies to do another run of the boots.

theman · Post by **theman** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 2:46 pm

Might want to add these...

http://www.thefryecompany.com/products/ ... 7936900979

http://www.thisshoesshows.com/black-roo ... p-345.html

theman · Post by **theman** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:29 am

Well got the Red Wing Beckman 9030 in, and I am thoroughly impressed so far, just hope my feet make an impression in the boot rather quickly because this is some tough leather to break in.
Amazing quality, real mock toe, 95% of all the correct Indy details... all while having a nice subtle lug sole as opposed to the thick noticeable lug of the Alden 404.
Quiet to walk in for sneaking up on the wife.

Not a single slip on any surface so far. Would still like to have the correct four speed laces at the top, hopefully at some point. Even the heavy waxed laces are awesome, pretty much sculpt them into a bow rather than just tie them.

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:42 pm

I have been watching those since they came out. I have never seen a pair in person though. I looked everywhere redwings are sold here in UT but nobody had even heard of them.
Those are real nice! They look like they would take some serious use.

Adirondack Jones · Post by **Adirondack Jones** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 4:04 pm

I"ve always been a big fan of Red Wings and, honestly, I'd rather have a p[air of these than a pair of Aldens. Not in the budget right now, but it's nice to know they're out there for when finances allow.

Post by **Indy Magnoli** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 4:41 pm

Wow, those Red Wings look fantastic! I've been wearing the Land's End Crosby boots for a few weeks and have been really impressed with them for the price. They took a while to break in, but they feel fine now. Great bang for your buck!

You might also want to add these to your list:

http://www.magnoliclothiers.com/adventu ... -p-54.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.magnoliclothiers.com/adventu ... p-307.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

theman · Post by **theman** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:03 pm

For now here are my Todd's 1st Gen boots that I just sold off... they were the best "close enough"s for the money, looked the part exactly inside and out. Just wish they were made with real shoe leather instead of the softer stuff, but it does make them easy to wear right outta the box. I am sure the 2nd gen will be tough to beat. Much of the distressing on these is actually superficially done by me in the first week I had them to look the Indy part for jacket pictures. Darkened them a tad with a Kiwi leather treatment and beat/scuffed them around by hand. As they required no real break in time, hand distressing was the quickest way for them to look the part.

I have yet to try Mag's boots... and I'm sorry to say that being only a few $$ off the made in the US original Aldens I doubt I would ever take the plunge to try them over the Aldens. But I would love to see folks examples and feedback on them listed in this alternates thread since they are definitely in the "close enough" catagory... especially from those that have compared them against the Aldens directly. Sometimes the original maker can be outdone, as we have seen a few times around this joint.

I have had the Rockport Farnums briefly to try out, but sent them back... as with their seam down the middle front mock along with some other details were just a bit too inaccurate to justify keeping them for me. They felt like they would be a decent office shoe stand-in though.

I have to say if I had started with these Red Wings I would have never stepped into these other prior "close enough"s, but I guess for this thread I am glad to have some experience with the others.

theman · Post by **theman** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 9:38 pm

Here are the Land's End Crosby's, they've been broken in with some alcohol rubs and some regular wear.
The heels look like almost real deal stuff, but they're just molded to look that way and they are not real deal stuff.

I do not highly recommend these compared to many of the other alternatives out here. They have a very good look, but that's about it. The leather is tough(not in a good way) and plasticy out of the box and doesn't transform much away from that as it distresses. By the time the leather distresses to something resembling comfortable I am afraid the soles will start coming apart, heels first. I had high hopes for them with their slightly higher(better) ankle support, but these imports just weren't up to my standards, and that was only for office wear without even getting any heavy outdoor adventure yet.

Gater · Post by **Gater** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:03 am

my first pair of Alden's close-enuffs was the JCrew Deckers. Really nice Italian leather boots. The cognac colour was too light but were on clearance and were a lot cheaper than the chocolate brown ones.

I used to get a lot of compliments on my Deckers and believe that they earn a spot on any Alden alternative list

theman · Post by **theman** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:05 pm

Yeah, I missed out on those quite a ways back, would've loved to give them a shot as they were very reasonable at that time.

Another good J Crew from way back is the Duxbury Rugged

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:51 am

theman wrote:Would still like to have the correct four speed laces at the top, hopefully at some point.

I got a pair of Magnoli boots precisely because I could order them without the speed laces. I had a cousin take a nasty spill down a flight of stairs when the lace from one boot got caught on the speed lace of his opposite boot effectively tying his shoes together. I swore off of them at that point. These Red Wings coming without them standard has really caught my eye.

In terms of the Magnoli boots in general, I've had mine for almost 3 years. I wear them as a office/street shoes rather than work/hiking boots. I got them in the cordovan color and I did find that the color isn't dyed into the leather very deeply. A slight scratch shows very readily. That being said, overall I've been happy with them.

I would like a pair of close enoughs with the lug sole so I think I've found them!

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

theman · Post by **theman** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:13 pm

Guess we can add pics of Todd's Costumes newest boot offering now...

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 12:51 pm

theman wrote:Guess we can add pics of Todd's Costumes newest boot offering now...

wish someone would get these and totally abuse them..hard yard work, construction,ect..Would like to know how they hold up as an everyday boot..

borntorun97 · Post by **borntorun97** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:33 pm

theman wrote:Here are the Land's End Crosby's, they've been broken in with some alcohol rubs and some regular wear.
The heels look like almost real deal stuff, but they're just molded to look that way and they are not real deal stuff.

I do not highly recommend these compared to many of the other alternatives out here. They have a very good look, but that's about it. The leather is tough(not in a good way) and plasticy out of the box and doesn't transform much away from that as it distresses. By the time the leather distresses to something resembling comfortable I am afraid the soles will start coming apart, heels first. I had high hopes for them with their slightly higher(better) ankle support, but these imports just weren't up to my standards, and that was only for office wear without even getting any heavy outdoor adventure yet.

I ordered a pair of these last week and proceeded to return them the day I got them. The felt stiff, plasticky, and not at all comfortable. I'll just stick with my old broken-in Aldo Diangelo's. When the soles finally wear through on them, I'll go have a complete resole. At first they looked too dressy, but after spilling acetone, solvent, and lubricating oils on them while working, they are broken in nicely. Those are currently my everyday work boots...it's a shame they're discontinued.

HandsomeDynamite · Post by **HandsomeDynamite** » Sun Jul 22, 2012 2:33 am

Those Red Wings are something wonderful. If I'd known those existed a few weeks ago I would have ordered a pair from the Red Wing store I was in. Instead I got a pair of Red Wing 953, but they're not very Indy-ish, but now I know what to get next! Gave me hope for the future.

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Sun Jul 29, 2012 10:41 pm

Saw this one while browsing through Amazon...

http://www.amazon.com/Red-Wing-Classic- ... s=red+wing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's way cheaper than the other Red Wing model. But it does look too modern for an Indy boot.

Indiana Bugs · Post by **Indiana Bugs** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:48 am

Yeah, that's just a brown work boot.

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:06 pm

Indiana Bugs wrote:Yeah, that's just a brown work boot.

but then again.."not that i want them"..slip some new shoe laces on..scuff them up and they look pretty close..lots of people like the rugged soul indy boots too..

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 11:58 am

I kinda like the Red Wing boots I posted as I'm not really into leather soled shoes... I feel they're a little too slippery. I used to be into Cole Haan shoes, and it can get pretty slippery when walking on marble tiled floors.

Also, I don't think the actual Indy boot suits me... Dunno, that's just me. I'm really not looking for SA gear - close enough is good enough for me.

I don't like the laces, though.

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 11:37 pm

Those red wings are amazing! I don't mind leather soles for dress shoes, but for ANY kind of boots, good tread is a must. If you don't need good tread, you don't need a boot.

pdraycott · Post by **pdraycott** » Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:25 pm

I'm trying to find some alternatives in the uk so shipping , vat and customs charges don't kill me. I don't suppose any one knows where I can source any in the uk, other than keep looking on eBay.

Thanks

Maxadur · Post by **Maxadur** » Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:05 pm

Those Redwing Beckmans look solid. I haven't seen that model anywhere.

Gerry

Ranging Robert · Post by **Ranging Robert** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:03 pm

I just got a pair of Heritage Redwings (not the Indy lookalike) and I am VERY impressed--I've only had their cowboy boots in the past and those last FOREVER!!! They are more of a marching boots and the salesman told me they would be really hard to break in; I wear Florsheim gunboats when I wear a suit and was really impressed how nice the new boots felt walking to the courthouse on the second day. So...I'll pick up a pair of the Beckman's in a couple months. The store in San Antonio (on San Pedro if anyone is local) gives a 20% discount on the Heritage Collection.

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:33 am

I saw this one and it's available here locally. I don't think they have this store in the US, though.

http://www.massimodutti.com/webapp/wcs/ ... TED%2BBOOT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Problem is, when I converted it to US currency, it's almost the same price as the Aldens.

erikgunnlugson · Post by **erikgunnlugson** » Thu Nov 22, 2012 11:26 am

Saw these close enough boots while browsing for a new pair of dress boot

Mark Nason Lounge High Hill

http://www.shoes.com/en-US/Product/EC12 ... +Hill.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Andymac84 · Post by **Andymac84** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:26 am

theman wrote:

those looks great to me! If they had an other sole they would be a nice Indy boot. I would be all over a pair

Andymac84 · Post by **Andymac84** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:27 am

very nice compilation of boots here. I'll follow this topic

parsa · Post by **parsa** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 9:08 pm

Anyone have wide feet? I have flat Fred Flintstone feet, and doubt if I could fit into some of the boots, as their toes are too narrow. I usually where Vasque hiking boots as my normal shoe, because they have wide toes and good ankle support.

Which boots would be a good choice for wider feet?

Dr. Korso · Post by **Dr. Korso** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:31 pm

does anyone have a pic of the sole of the todds costume boot?

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 8:37 am

Bringing this one back up for the depths rather than start yet another 'close enough boots' thread.

Just saw these from Woolrich. Nice sole for the coming winter months.

http://www.woolrich.com/woolrich/detail ... /_/R-23032" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 2:50 pm

Edited

bfett81 · Post by **bfett81** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 6:24 pm

I recently obtained a pair of the Land's End canvas boots. They are not sold in retail anymore as far as I can tell, but Ebay will have them sometimes. I got mine for $30 + shipping.

They weathered up really nice with some steel wool, alcohol, acetone and fuller's earth.

Before:

After:

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 7:06 pm

Where did you get yours at? And are they good everyday boots? And can you use them anywhere and in the rain?

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:50 pm

So Im guessing that these Lands End boots are not being made anymore?

bfett81 · Post by **bfett81** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:26 am

I got mine on Ebay. I don't think they're being made anymore. FYI the leather has a cheapish feel to it, but they are fine for a costume. Look for Lands End Canvas 1963.

They also run a size small so get bigger unless you know how to stretch a boot out.

Several methods to do this - I actually had to stretch mine out. Filling a ziploc bag with water and placing it inside the boot, and then freezing it overnight, worked wonders.

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:33 am

So they are not an everyday boot?

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 1:26 am

At there any other really close boots like above that are good quality, look almost identical, and are decently priced and still being made? Please forgive my post over post posts (say that five times fast

).

bfett81 · Post by **bfett81** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 2:07 am

baddates1 wrote:So they are not an everyday boot?

I dunno. I haven't tried them in this manner.

Thrall · Post by **Thrall** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:12 am

My size 12 shoe size constrains me to one pair of shoes while I travel. One pair, the pair that I wear, must do it all. I can fill up a backpack or small suitcase with an extra pair of shoes. I chose these lace boot shoes for my recent activities in Sweden, Denmark, Norway. Excellent for all occasions, outstanding walkers.

Rockport Rocksport under $100. Tann Brittann V75329. Lighter than basketball shoes.

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:59 am

Thanks! But what I meant was you know, boots that looked like the Aldens. Like the Wolvering 9030, and the Land's End canvas boots.

Thrall · Post by **Thrall** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 5:36 pm

baddates1 wrote:Thanks! But what I meant was you know, boots that looked like the Aldens. Like the Wolvering 9030, and the Land's End canvas boots.

IMO, "close enough", more affordable, and much more comfortable. YMMD.

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 6:01 pm

Thrall wrote:
baddates1 wrote:Thanks! But what I meant was you know, boots that looked like the Aldens. Like the Wolvering 9030, and the Land's End canvas boots.
IMO, "close enough", more affordable, and much more comfortable. YMMD.

yea "close enough" to me means under 150$ and looks close to the part. It might have moctoe it might not..might have a flat sole,might have a hiking rugged sole.but they will look the part "close enough"..

car96 · Post by **car96** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 3:08 pm

Won a pair of Lands End Canvass 1963 off Ebay for 40 + 10 shipping. I'll replay back after they come in with my thoughts.

car96 · Post by **car96** » Sat Sep 27, 2014 2:23 pm

So my Land's End Canvass 1963 came in, no need to post pics as they look like the ones above.

bfett : My question to you is did you use the steel brush, wire, first then acetone.....etc. How did you go about distressing with the articles listed above.

bfett81 · Post by **bfett81** » Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:23 pm

car96 wrote:So my Land's End Canvass 1963 came in, no need to post pics as they look like the ones above.

bfett : My question to you is did you use the steel brush, wire, first then acetone.....etc. How did you go about distressing with the articles listed above.

First thing I did was use alcohol on them to take off the shine. Then I went at them with some sandpaper. Then the acetone to lighten them up a bit. Finally I applied the fuller's earth.

car96 · Post by **car96** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 3:02 pm

So I followed your advice and they scuffed up fairly decently. I don't care how scuffed up these get; I have my Alden's that will distress over time.

For a low price shoe, $30-$50, they are a nice shoe to comlete the 'look' of Indy. I have my doubts how well they will hold up to normal wear and tear. I don't suspect to go on a lot of excursions in them.

bfett81 · Post by **bfett81** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:26 pm

car96 wrote:So I followed your advice and they scuffed up fairly decently. I don't care how scuffed up these get; I have my Alden's that will distress over time.

For a low price shoe, $30-$50, they are a nice shoe to comlete the 'look' of Indy. I have my doubts how well they will hold up to normal wear and tear. I don't suspect to go on a lot of excursions in them.

Awesome!

Pics?

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 1:35 am

Has anyone considered the Danner 5" Jack boots?

The catch though is that on the Danner branding is on the outside ankles. Maybe after breaking them in and distressing them, you could sand out the branding or something.