All of the "Close Enough" Boots?

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 8:23 am

jsarino wrote: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.

Price?

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 8:47 am

youngjedi71 wrote: Price?

Google

Price: $157.46 - $209.99

http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mens-Jack- ... B007XPMI5A" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 9:41 am

^^^Sorry, I should've posted a price. Thanks!

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 6:10 am

At $300, not really a cheap alternative (even though they're way cheaper than Aldens...), but they got a great vintage vibe and they're made in 'Merica!!!

http://www.woolrich.com/woolrich/detail ... UXpzXsyzc0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 6:27 am

Great minds think alike, I posted a Woolrich option a couple of weeks ago.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 6:41 am

Is it the same one?

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 7:09 am

Nope, two different models. Both are good looking boots.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 9:47 am

Indiana Jeff wrote:
youngjedi71 wrote: Price?

Google

Price: $157.46 - $209.99
http://www.amazon.com/Danner-Mens-Jack- ... B007XPMI5A" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Sorry..didn't realize the forums were to busy to ask such questions

DiCatania · Post by **DiCatania** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 10:54 am

I bought a pair of the Danner boots and they are great. Very comfortable and they are close enough for me. Yes the Danner symbol is on the outside of the boot but it is branded into the side so it is barley visible. I picked mine up for $90.00 shipped from http://www.theclymb.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. I am very happy with them

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 11:03 am

Anyone try these? http://www.thefryecompany.com/walter-lace-up/d/87101" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 11:31 am

^^^Pricey, but definitely "close enough" material.

DiCatania wrote:I bought a pair of the Danner boots and they are great. Very comfortable and they are close enough for me. Yes the Danner symbol is on the outside of the boot but it is branded into the side so it is barley visible. I picked mine up for $90.00 shipped from http://www.theclymb.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. I am very happy with them

I looked in The Clymb but all I saw was the Danner Shibuya boot. Did you get this some time ago?

DiCatania · Post by **DiCatania** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 7:24 pm

The Clymb gets limited shipments in of products, puts them on sale at very low prices and sells out within a few days. You have to keep watching the site for re-stocks. You can sign up for their daily emails and keep a watchful eye. They have in the past also carried the RedWing boots for $150. It is a very cool website.

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 8:55 pm

DiCatania wrote:The Clymb gets limited shipments in of products, puts them on sale at very low prices and sells out within a few days. You have to keep watching the site for re-stocks. You can sign up for their daily emails and keep a watchful eye. They have in the past also carried the RedWing boots for $150. It is a very cool website.

Thanks for the tip... I'll sign up then.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 5:42 pm

^^^BTW, The Clymb has the Danner in 7", but only one size available (US size 8 ). If your feet is that size, go snag it up! Incidentally, I bought a pair.

The 5" is closer to the Aldens height wise than the 7", but I couldn't pass this up.

Here's another "close enough", Mason 6" boot...
http://www.bamason.com/p/work-america-m ... searchForm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Sat Oct 11, 2014 1:46 am

I know the Beckman moc toe boot has been listed already in this thread, but has anyone considered the Beckman 9016 6'' Cigar round toe a close enough Indy boot? I like the Cigar(don't have any of these boots) because of color, shape, and resemblance to the first pic on the boot page of the main IndyGear site. Thoughts?

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Mon Oct 13, 2014 1:01 am

baddates1 wrote:I know the Beckman moc toe boot has been listed already in this thread, but has anyone considered the Beckman 9016 6'' Cigar round toe a close enough Indy boot? I like the Cigar(don't have any of these boots) because of color, shape, and resemblance to the first pic on the boot page of the main IndyGear site. Thoughts?

Here's a pic of it for reference...

Seems pretty nice.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon Oct 13, 2014 2:38 am

Nice looking boots. I would prefer them over other options because they do not have the speed lace hooks.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

SciFlyGuy · Post by **SciFlyGuy** » Mon Oct 13, 2014 8:00 am

If anyone in the UK is looking for "close enough" boots, John Lewis are currently stocking these...

http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-co- ... s/p1521673

Not bad.

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Mon Oct 13, 2014 10:23 am

SciFlyGuy wrote:If anyone in the UK is looking for "close enough" boots, John Lewis are currently stocking these...

http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-co- ... s/p1521673

Not bad.

only see sizes up to 11??

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Mon Oct 13, 2014 9:21 pm

Ask if they're UK sizes. It could be equivalent to a US 12. Old Doc Martens used to be like that. Worth a try.

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Wed Oct 15, 2014 7:20 am

I wear two of the pairs of boots mentioned in this thread on a daily basis.

The first, my work shoes, are the Land's End Canvas boots. I work an IT job in an office environment, but I spend a good bit of time on my feet/walking. The boots get worn 5 out of the 7 days of the week. I don't wear them in snow and ice, so they get a break in the winter months. The only issue I've ever had (beyond normal wear and tear) is one of the toe's tips has gotten creased from when one of my kids stood on my feet to play around. I've broken a quick lace hook on one, but I consider that normal wear and tear for the design. This is my second pair of them, I sold my first pair here to another member after I had a year's worth of mileage on them as well. I ordered my "normal" size in these back when I got them.

The second, my everyday non-work shoes, are the Red Wing 9016s in Cigar. Those are worn when I'm not at work. I've had them since last Christmas and I wear them everywhere when I'm not working. Everywhere. Great boots. If you can go to a Red Wing store (NOT just any old shoe store) where they can supposedly accurately fit you for their shoes/boots, I'd recommend it. Their boots are built on different lasts, and the size/width that fits you in one boot of one may notwork with another design. In these you can probably go 1/2 to maybe a size down.

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Wed Oct 15, 2014 10:49 am

I hear the red wings 9016 definitely needs a shoehorn to get on, is that the same with you?

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Wed Oct 15, 2014 11:46 am

My feeling is that you need a shoehorn when you need a shoehorn.

Seriously, they can help for a variety of reasons, for anatomical comfort or to prevent wear of the back of a shoe and your socks or whatever. It's preference I think mostly. If it seems absolutely necessary to use one to cram your foot into a shoe, you might want to rethink your choice of footwear. I've personally never felt the need to use one. To me, they always seemed more valuable to prevent 'crushing' the back of a low top shoe with your heel than anything else, but I've known guys that always use them.

I never size down for roomier boots, because I like boots to be roomy, to allow for extra thick socks when I need them. But if you always wear a dress sock, you can find yourself swimming in some of the more generously sized lasts. I just buy the size I measure out for. I'm all done with break-in periods that involve blisters! But everybody's different.

Can't go wrong with any of the Heritage boots IMO. Iron Rangers seem a different story. They don't seem to suit everyone with regards to the rather straight Achilles area on the back of the boot. Never tried any on myself. Great looking boot, though.

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Fri Oct 17, 2014 11:08 am

baddates1 wrote:I hear the red wings 9016 definitely needs a shoehorn to get on, is that the same with you?

Nope. I loosen the (waxed) laces and my feet go right in, no worries. Cinch them back up and they're ready to roll.

For both pairs of shoes/boots (the Red Wings and the Land's End) I use the same general set-up:

For socks, I wear either Army cushion-sole wool-blends or a rotation of socks from Covert Threads, like their "Sand" and "Rock/Infiltrator" models.

The only insoles I use in them are NOS Army jungle-boot "Do Not Boil/This Side Up" insoles, however I do peel off the the spike protective plates from the insole bottoms.

Anything else and the top of my heel feels too high in the boots.

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Mon Oct 20, 2014 4:12 pm

I got the Danners over the weekend...

They're stiff as heck though. Should I use some leather softener or something to make it more pliable?

MARQ · Post by **MARQ** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 7:21 am

Those Buchanan´s look good, suprisingly even...

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:57 am

Jacques wrote:I got the Danners over the weekend...

They're stiff as heck though. Should I use some leather softener or something to make it more pliable?

I used to use a quick, and some might say harsh, method to break in my combat boots by soaking them, inside and out, dumping out the excess water, and then wearing them around the house until dry. Then I'd add back in some leather conditioner. (If you busted a pair and needed a new set the next day or after a weekend this was the easiest way to get them long-term comfortable.) I wore them in/out of the field and they held up, to the degree I still have some of those boots, and they're still serviceable.

However, simply adding some paste-based conditioner to them would also help make them less stiff, yes.

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:09 am

^^^Thanks for the tip! Not sure if I want to go quite that extreme, but I could consider it.

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:09 pm

No problem!

Like I said, that method may not be everyone's cup of tea.

As for conditioner, go with Pecard's or some Fielbing's Aussie Leather Conditioner. Just don't go with Kiwi Mink Oil. Much written here about those, but the first two are non-petroleum based. That's a good thing for your leather.

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:22 pm

Mountaineer wrote: Like I said, that method may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Well, I'd have no problem getting the boots soaked. Walking around the house on wet boots might tick off the missus though.

That being said, that (and adding the leather conditioner of course) may be the fastest way for me to get them properly broken in.

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 12:05 pm

It's been a while, but I bring back news from the world:

Crevo footwear has some really good Close Enough™ Indy boots at a really reasonable price. Several options with moc-toe in the list.

I saw a fella post a picture of them on Flickr with a caption saying they were his favourite camping boots.

Heck of a photo too: here

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Tue Oct 28, 2014 12:24 pm

Cool! Thanks for sharing!

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 2:23 am

Yet another American made option

Davis Boots

Available in Brown

Or Oxblood

Can be found here http://www.brokenhomme.com/leatherworks/boots-2/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 1:00 am

Indiana Jeff wrote:Yet another American made option

Davis Boots

Available in Brown

Or Oxblood

Can be found here http://www.brokenhomme.com/leatherworks/boots-2/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

That's a good option, Jeff. I hadn't seen those before.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:24 am

Yeah, totally stumbled across them. The pricing is good and looks plenty close enough for me.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Jacques · Post by **Jacques** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 11:24 am

Those look good! Definitely good options to consider.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:46 pm

Looks like a very nice boot: all of those look good, really.

MARQ · Post by **MARQ** » Mon Dec 15, 2014 4:20 pm

Throwing in my bet PLDM by Palladium Should I pick these up looks pretty close to me
http://www.footway.fi/pldm-by-palladium ... t=21485038

davyjones007 · Post by **davyjones007** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 1:56 pm

I have a pair of Alden's from a few years ago. But I would have bought these had I been a little more savvy in my shopping.

http://www.redwingheritage.com/USD/prod ... riar-04522" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

drjameswing · Post by **drjameswing** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:22 pm

Just seen these. Real close to Aldens. About half the cost. Good year welt. Sole has more traction. The heel stitch is like the j crew indy. Company just started this year on kickstarter. But the reviews look good. Might be worth a look. Thought I would share. My phone won't let my post a link. But if you go to Thursdayboots.com and look for the brown DIPLOMAT.

-Nick

Bruce Wayne · Post by **Bruce Wayne** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 3:03 pm

http://thursdayboots.com/products/brown-diplomat-boot" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Quite interesting...

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 7:27 pm

The Thursday boots look very nice. Odd how the Diplomat has 4 eyelets and 3 hooks, and all their other boots seem to have 5 eyelets and 2 hooks. The 405 has 5 eyelets and 4 hooks, spaced much closer together, of course.

Only other difference I see (other than the aforementioned ones) is the 360 degree welt. But Alden does that too on some other 405 variants.

I think the Thursdays are made in Mexico at a factory that makes many high quality cowboy boots. The price is right, especially considering J Crew asks $270 for their branded knockoff which is made in China.

Curiosity got the better of my wallet, and I ordered 2 pairs of the suede J Crews which were on a deep discount. The 'boulder' color is a very nice boot, and runs true to size, IMO. I haven't received the 'acorn' color yet. Nice construction but just a shadow of an Alden boot. I gotta say I'd never spend over $150 for even a standard leather pair, and certainly not the $270.

All that to say, for $199, the Diplomat's a bargain, even being one, or two, or four, eyes short! (Depending on how you look at it, LOL!)

We're blessed with many great close-enoughs these days!

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 5:22 pm

Are these the kind of boots that will last a long time, if used during work and taken care of properly? And how high is the quality on these? Better than Khols?

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 6:28 pm

Very nice look to those!

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 6:43 pm

Those are probably one of the best "other than" boots I've seen. Great find!

baddates1 · Post by **baddates1** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 7:50 pm

"Other than"?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 8:08 pm

I have to echo that. These are the closest "CE's I've ever seen, other than Todd's maybe. Looks like the quality is there. They say that these run true to size, 'D' width and according to the Brannock device.

If anyone buys a pair soon, post 'em up!

(duct tape goes here)

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 11:56 pm

baddates1 wrote:"Other than"?

Aldens, other than Aldens

Carolina Tom · Post by **Carolina Tom** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:59 pm

Dang, those look good!

I have Alden's, but hesitate to wear them hiking, etc. because of the cost of replacing them. I have read that the newer Alden's don't hold up well, especially in wet. The standard soles also don't offer much traction in snow, etc. The Thursdays boot offers us hope for a durable, relatively inexpensive classic work boot that we won't have to worry about the cost of replacing. The Horween should be a lot tougher than the Alden's veal calf under field conditions. Anyone own these yet?

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 7:19 pm

I was going to buy some, but once it hit the shopping cart the additional sales tax and shipping was $110! They had way overestimated the UK sales tax. Plus I am not willing to chance the fact that the UK customs might not just tax me again for the fun of it.