Vintage boots or close enoughs

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Mon Mar 10, 2014 11:16 pm

So, not directly indy related but close.

Looking for some shoes or boots that would be common for the 1950s. Specifically for someone that would be traveling or hitch hiking back in the day. I was leaning towards worker boots or something like the Redwing 1905's. (of course, if I had a pair of Aldens...... )

I wanted to steer away from anything like engineer boots and the like.

Doing some 1950 Kerouac-esque "Road" pics and needed some hints. I am wearing a classic pair of Levi 501's, white shirt (or an A-shirt), alternating with a plaid shirt with the Indy German rucksack.

Just looking for the right shoes to make the pic. Might go for just a pair of converse and/or some WWII boots which would have been common. Just wanted to pick the brains of my fellow gearheads.

Any suggestions?

Solent MKIII · Post by **Solent MKIII** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 12:20 am

I think these 'Iron Ranger' boots from the Red Wings Heritage line are very nice looking - gotta real vintage/Indy vibe goin' on ( a bit pricey at $300, but still cheaper than a pair of Aldens ).

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 7:10 am

Wolverine 1000 mile boots would be a good choice too.

http://www.wolverine.com/US/en/1000Mile" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:24 am

I've always wanted a pair of WWII boondocker boots. I think they have the vibe you're after. Definitely vintage. There are great repros around.

WWII impressions has a run planned. I think they're US made as well.

http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/newusmcboondocker.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 8:34 am

I will doubly vouch for the Iron Rangers. They are my daily wear boot and GREAT footwear made in the USA!

I officially own zero Indy items and prefer a more historically accurate get up. (it feels a LOT less costumey that way too!) In my eyes, nothing says 30's to 50's era working class boots like a captoe.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 9:16 am

Yeah, but in defense of the Alden 405, the original pattern and design dates back to pre-ww1, so they're definitely period correct in style.

Regards! Michaelson

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 9:30 am

Oh sure the Aldens are accurate for the period! Didn't mean to indicate they weren't. I just prefer the Redwings.

Actually, I've never even owned a pair of Aldens so even I don't really know that!!!

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 10:00 am

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:04 pm

Check this link out Backstage, it's basically just what you're talking about.

Titled, "My Happy Hobo Days" it's a short read with some period pictures, of someone, if you choose to believe them, road the rails in full-Kerouac tradition.

http://myhappyhobodays.homestead.com/Story.html

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:12 pm

Thanks for all the help guys! Some of those boots are a bit pricey for just pictures (of course, then I would have an excuse to buy them for myself...

)

But giving me some great ideas to look for, thanks!!!

erikgunnlugson · Post by **erikgunnlugson** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:23 pm

Try searching ebay for:
WWII US AIRBORNE PARATROOPER LEATHER SERVICE SHOES LOW BOOTS
Run about $130.
Got the Vintage look and not too expensive for just pics.

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 7:59 pm

I didn't have time to post this other link earlier today, but this is where I was thinking you may want to look.

Link: SeaVees 05/63 Boondocker Boot

I had a set of boots in this style; however, mine were made by Sketchers. AWESOME boots for 3-season wear. The plastic soles on those split, but these have a completely different sole.

I've been very tempted to get these myself.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 9:02 pm

Mountaineer, those are very nice.

Indiana Greg · Post by **Indiana Greg** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:49 am

Go with Chippewa, they have cap toe, moc toe & smooth toe, period accurate-ish & don't cost an arm & a leg. Amazon seems to have the best prices. And they are TOUGH boots, comfortable and should last many years.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... ppewa+6%22" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Corcoran WW II Jump boots are worth a look too. I like the ones in russet.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... oran+boots" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 5:20 pm

Some really good options here, thanks a lot guuys!! I've been combing the charity shops around town to see if they have anything good but so far, nothing workable.

I'll definitely post the pics once I have them, won't be for a few months but it's a great work in progress

Redinight · Post by **Redinight** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 9:47 am

Looking for Indy boots? For the price and accuracy it's todds! Now, they may not hold up with heavy use, so get vibram soles right away for everyday use.

For close enough long wear everyday use I love the red wings 952, no mock toe though.... And the toes thankfully lose that boxy shape!

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:33 am

Red Wing 952's are the best work boots for indoor general industrial use I've ever worn. They're unlined, which is nice in the summer. They have steel shanks. They don't have a steel toe, though, which many people want or need. I use Powersteps or Supefeet 3/4 inserts in them. Great in the oil. Hope they don't get discontinued. Funny how some of the best products do get discontinued, or cheapened to the point that they're not very good.

They do resemble an 'industrialized' pair of boondockers!

Solent MKIII · Post by **Solent MKIII** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 4:31 am

Redinight wrote:Looking for Indy boots? For the price and accuracy it's todds! Now, they may not hold up with heavy use, so get vibram soles right away for everyday use.

Ditto on the Vibram soles - got a pair of Sketchers boots a while back, but the soles were absolute junk. Replaced them with Vibrams and have had no problems whatsoever.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Tue Mar 18, 2014 9:47 pm

Redinight wrote:Looking for Indy boots? For the price and accuracy it's todds! Now, they may not hold up with heavy use, so get vibram soles right away for everyday use.

For close enough long wear everyday use I love the red wings 952, no mock toe though.... And the toes thankfully lose that boxy shape!

Agreed, but Todd's no longer sells my size and won't be getting anymore in.

Definitely will look into the red wings though...

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 2:49 am

I'm sure you've already been looking there, but I did a quick search on ebay for ankle boots and there are a ton of options starting as low as $20.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 10:56 am

Wearing my Redwings today matter'O fact! Not 952's, but couldn't resist showing them off...

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 9:35 pm

Those are awesome!

No, 952's are not as cool as those! I just like them for comfort and oil resistance. Not bas looking, but I wouldn't use them for 'street' shoes. Although they'd be great if you didn't have the option.

With the Alden's, cool new Wolverine 1000 mile boots, and Red Wing Heritage boots, we've got lots of cool options. And there are more all the time. I just have too many boots to justify buying any more!

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 11:37 pm

Hollowpond wrote:Wearing my Redwings today matter'O fact! Not 952's, but couldn't resist showing them off...

Those look amazing! annd very "vintage/period"

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Thu Mar 20, 2014 6:17 am

And made in the good ol' USA!!! Merica!!

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Mar 20, 2014 6:19 pm

Not only that, but you can also order them in narrow sizing, so Redwings are a great choice.
Regards! Michaelson

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:33 pm

That's the main issue many guys have with Aldens. They make widths, but they're hard to come by.

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:10 pm

Michaelson wrote:Not only that, but you can also order them in narrow sizing, so Redwings are a great choice.
Regards! Michaelson

STOP. I swear you get kickbacks from these companies! All of your posts make me want to spend money!

Sent from the Bantu Wind using Tapatalk.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:32 pm

I wish I did.

Regards! Michaelson

IndianaJonathan · Post by **IndianaJonathan** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 10:30 pm

Loving my Chippewah's:

http://image.rakuten.co.jp/noel-ange/ca ... 0065-2.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Indiana Jonathan

MARQ · Post by **MARQ** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:14 pm

I found alternative named Walter Frye...does any one own such boots,they´re very close to Aldens IMO. But again the price ..... http://www.thefryecompany.com/products/ ... ?color=WHS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:39 pm

I have these and really like them as an Indy boot. They are a little on the heavy side but are breaking in nicely and are very comfortable.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:24 pm

Very nice close-enough. And it looks like a durable boot with some nice leather. A good alternative with the Aldens well over $100 more.

Eundercoffler · Post by **Eundercoffler** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:53 am

I always like the Harness Boots myself. Retro looking... could be biker... could be cowboy... but with more attitude than either. Of course maybe those are to close to Engineer boots for the look you want.

E

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 11:44 am

ive searched HOURS for close enoughs..Ive never understood why its so hard to find moctoe stitching..ive found tons of close enoughs but never have the moctoe..

MARQ · Post by **MARQ** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:11 pm

It might help to Google-search with "moc toe boots" and click for pics there´s plenty of them!

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 3:19 pm

MARQ wrote:It might help to Google-search with "moc toe boots" and click for pics there´s plenty of them!

I have..again nothing i found seemed right