All of the "Close Enough" Boots?

car96 · Post by **car96** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 6:15 pm

For $20 bucks and on the Indy style vibe I couldn't pass up.

Howard Weinstein · Post by **Howard Weinstein** » Mon May 02, 2016 9:28 am

Has anybody tried the Crevo Danziger boot?

I'd never even heard of Crevo until a mention here, then stumbled across these online (Danziger on left, Aldens on right for comparison). They do look closer to Aldens than the Crevo Buck previously mentioned and shown on the forum, especially in the toe area. The Danziger runs under $100 depending on size.

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Mon May 09, 2016 1:41 pm

Howard Weinstein wrote:Has anybody tried the Crevo Danziger boot?

I had not seen that model before... but I'll let you know what they're like here in a week or two! I just ordered a pair after seeing this post! Most of the reviews on Amazon stated that this shoe runs large, so I ordered a half-size smaller than my Converse All-Stars sneakers. And yeah, the current price on Amazon runs from a high of $90 to a low of $32, depending on size! Can't complain about that! I hope they fit!

My Crevo Roughneck boots are only now starting to show a little bit of separation along one of the side seams, after over a year of heavy use during home improvement projects and for hiking. Not bad for a cheap "fashion boot."

Howard Weinstein · Post by **Howard Weinstein** » Tue May 10, 2016 9:30 am

Yes, please do let us know your first-hand (first-foot?) impression on fit and quality! For my size, the Crevo Danziger Amazon price was only $40, which was very tempting (especially with free shipping/returns with Amazon Prime, so no risk). Instead, I tried this Rockport Boat Builders Moc Toe Boot (in this stone color), which looks very similar to the Crevo Roughneck and Buck boots:

The Rockport is listed as waterproof, so that was a plus, and still under $65. I'm wearing them in the house to see if they fit well enough to keep (with a thin sports-shoe insert for extra arch support -- it's a little snug). Honestly, I don't know why all shoe manufacturers don't make all their shoes with removable sport-shoe inserts for comfort and support.

folkprophet · Post by **folkprophet** » Tue May 10, 2016 6:07 pm

I just picked me up a pair of Thursday boots brown Diplomats. Pretty happy with them so far.

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Sat May 21, 2016 12:31 am

Here we go: Crevo Footwear "Danziger" model:

Danziger boot by Crevo Footwear

Danziger boot by Crevo Footwear

First impressions: the reviews on Amazon suggest this shoe runs large, so I ordered a half-size down from my Converse All-Stars, which fit me very well. I should have ordered the same size in the Danziger. Out of the box, while I could get them on, it took a bit of effort. The half-size smaller Danzigers fit pretty snug. I suspect the sizing has a lot to do with the shoes to which you're comparing them.

That being said, the Danzigers were not unwearably snug. I laced them up and wore them all day while heading out shopping and running errands, for a total of about ten hours straight. At the end of the day, the shoes felt like they had loosened up a bit. No blisters, no "hot spots", and no sense of desperation to get the shoes off my feet. In fact, by the end of the day I was starting to like the snug but not constrictive fit. If I were to order another pair... I don't know what size I would select, "Converse" size or down a half-size. I'll have to wear them a few more times and see if they remain comfortable with extended use.

The shoe looks well made. The stitching is tight. The finish is a glossy reddish brown with a darker shading at the toe. The ridge around the moc-toe is smooth and the stitches are small. The inside is cloth lined. The shoe includes a sewn or glued-in "memory foam" padded insole.

Compared to the Danziger, the Crevo Buck... is not close enough!

For comparison purposes, here are a few side-by-side images of the Crevo Danziger and the Crevo Buck boots:

Danziger (top) and Buck (bottom)

Danziger (left) and Buck (right)

Heel detail: Buck (left) and Danziger (right)

Moc-toe detail: Danziger (top) and Buck (bottom)

Obviously, the Danziger model much more closely resembles the Alden in style, color, and finish details. I wish I had known about the Danziger at the time I purchased the Buck, although possibly the Danziger was not available at that time.

Anyway, there ya go. Both of these boots from Crevo Footwear are available through Amazon (affiliated sellers).

Howard Weinstein · Post by **Howard Weinstein** » Sat May 21, 2016 6:32 am

davidd wrote:Here we go: Crevo Footwear "Danziger" model:

Danziger boot by Crevo Footwear

Thanks for the detailed review! When I first posted about these a week or 2 ago, my size was listed on Amazon at only $40. I should've ordered a pair -- the price jumped up to $90 since then. Grrrr.

They look good, and closer to Aldens than most of the moc-toe work boot styles. And even at $90, they're still considerably less expensive than many of the truly-close "close-enough" alternatives. I hope yours continue to be comfortable as they break in. I might grab a pair if I see the price drop again.

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Sat May 21, 2016 7:33 am

Howard Weinstein wrote:... I should've ordered a pair -- the price jumped up to $90 since then.

Wow! Look at that! All sizes have jumped in price to the $78 - $90 range, with most being at $90! I bought these because I could get 'em for $40. Definitely not the same deal at $90.

Howard Weinstein · Post by **Howard Weinstein** » Sat May 21, 2016 5:47 pm

Yeah, strange, isn't it? Maybe Amazon was trying to clear out overstock in certain sizes. Could be that these are being discontinued -- I don't think I saw them on Crevo's own website.

Glad you were quick on the draw and got them for cheap.

McQ7 · Post by **McQ7** » Wed Jun 01, 2016 3:05 pm

Just noticed a Frye model aside from the Walter, called the Wilson. Unlike the Walter, the Wilson doesn't have a leather sole--notice the small lug sole there. However, these are not made in the USA like the Walter. Some sizes on Amazon are under $200. I've heard mixed reviews on Frye and some might feel that if a boot is going to cost near $200 then might as well invest the rest of the way in the Aldens, but at half the price these do look pretty cool:
https://www.amazon.com/FRYE-Mens-Wilson ... 00ZQ6R7WC/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:17 am

McQ7 wrote:Just noticed a Frye model aside from the Walter, called the Wilson. Unlike the Walter, the Wilson doesn't have a leather sole--notice the small lug sole there. However, these are not made in the USA like the Walter. Some sizes on Amazon are under $200. I've heard mixed reviews on Frye and some might feel that if a boot is going to cost near $200 then might as well invest the rest of the way in the Aldens, but at half the price these do look pretty cool:
https://www.amazon.com/FRYE-Mens-Wilson ... 00ZQ6R7WC/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I picked up a pair of the Cognac boots. They were south of 200 dollars. Gave them some mink oil which darkened up the color. Looks like the price of the brown boot went down some in my size but not enough to buy them. The cognac color is similar to the Alden natural but with a slight reddish burnt look.

McQ7 · Post by **McQ7** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 4:08 pm

Glenville86 wrote:
McQ7 wrote:Just noticed a Frye model aside from the Walter, called the Wilson. Unlike the Walter, the Wilson doesn't have a leather sole--notice the small lug sole there. However, these are not made in the USA like the Walter. Some sizes on Amazon are under $200. I've heard mixed reviews on Frye and some might feel that if a boot is going to cost near $200 then might as well invest the rest of the way in the Aldens, but at half the price these do look pretty cool:
https://www.amazon.com/FRYE-Mens-Wilson ... 00ZQ6R7WC/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I picked up a pair of the Cognac boots. They were south of 200 dollars. Gave them some mink oil which darkened up the color. Looks like the price of the brown boot went down some in my size but not enough to buy them. The cognac color is similar to the Alden natural but with a slight burnt look.

Thanks for the feedback on these. What can you tell us about sizing--true to Brannock? Size down .5 like with Red Wings, Alden Indys, etc?

Also, I found another cheap close enough boot just now with some Alden-like side stitching: Eastland Brice. They're about $76 in sizes 8-10 on Amazon (Prime so free returns) now: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015E7Z224/ref ... B00XU921AU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. And also on ShoeBuy.com which often has coupons so they end up about $64 as of today.
I'm digging the brown oiled suede version:

They also have a so called "natural" leather color:

For a boot this cheap, it can be difficult to get quality looking finished leather, so I'm seriously considering the oiled suede version.

I've also been checking out the JCrew Pacer in Sahara which is Goodyear welted, making future resoles possible. Those can sometimes be had for under $100. A member over on Reddit.com/r/Goodyearwelt dubbed them and they turned into a nice faux waxed flesh look (the nap is not as long as roughout, so dubbing them ends up looking smoother). Check out images at http://i.imgur.com/tHlg5CA.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://i.imgur.com/Y1ixxh3.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. He's got an album at http://imgur.com/a/yTPsI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The idea would be to wear them in the Sahara color until they look horrible, and then dubb them with Huberds or Obenaufs.

teneas · Post by **teneas** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 5:50 pm

I own some Frye Walters, and I can say they are some of the best boots I own. Granted I have some Doc Martens, some Durango cowboy boots, USMC sage green "RAT" boots, and to many more to list.

Speaking of....I bought a pair of Todd's first edition Indy boots....heel came off of one shortly after 2 fishing trips, and the soles are all coming apart. Need to find someone to fix that, as well as I would like a thin rugged rubber sole.

Tinplatejeff · Post by **Tinplatejeff** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 6:42 pm

teneas wrote:Speaking of....I bought a pair of Todd's first edition Indy boots....heel came off of one shortly after 2 fishing trips, and the soles are all coming apart. Need to find someone to fix that, as well as I would like a thin rugged rubber sole.

I just bought a used pair of Todd's on the Cairo Bazaar and knew the soles needed repaired. I took them to my local cobbler this week and got them back today. He said the soles are glued on, not sewn. The stitching that you see on the soles and on the tops are all fake. He was amazed how they were made to look real but made as cheap as possible at the same time. The heels are only held on with a couple of staples! They are not made to be repairable or resoleable. Luckily he was able to peel off the outer of the three layers of the glued on sole and left the other two layers intact. He then was able to reattach the heels to them. So they are useable with a thinner sole now, not sure how long they will last. But when they fail next time they are throw aways. It's a shame because they fit great and look really nice. I'll be investing in a pair of Alden 405s in the future.

teneas · Post by **teneas** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 8:35 pm

Tinplatejeff wrote:
teneas wrote:Speaking of....I bought a pair of Todd's first edition Indy boots....heel came off of one shortly after 2 fishing trips, and the soles are all coming apart. Need to find someone to fix that, as well as I would like a thin rugged rubber sole.
I just bought a used pair of Todd's on the Cairo Bazaar and knew the soles needed repaired. I took them to my local cobbler this week and got them back today. He said the soles are glued on, not sewn. The stitching that you see on the soles and on the tops are all fake. He was amazed how they were made to look real but made as cheap as possible at the same time. The heels are only held on with a couple of staples! They are not made to be repairable or resoleable. Luckily he was able to peel off the outer of the three layers of the glued on sole and left the other two layers intact. He then was able to reattach the heels to them. So they are useable with a thinner sole now, not sure how long they will last. But when they fail next time they are throw aways. It's a shame because they fit great and look really nice. I'll be investing in a pair of Alden 405s in the future.

Dang! I was afraid of that, and now I know I wasted my money.

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:34 pm

Frye Walter and Wilson for me runs true to size. They have a more narrow design than the Alden.

McQ7 · Post by **McQ7** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 1:35 pm

Heads-up for Brannock measurement size 9D folks: The Rider Eben is on sale for $199 plus shipping. Regular price was $525. No joke. I got the last size 8.5 they had, and it looks like they've got one more in size 9. I really like Alden, but when Rider says "Kudu" they mean for real antelope Kudu leather. Dainite sole. Blake/Rapid construction (as good as and arguably better than Goodyear welted). These were on Massdrop a few months back, but still close to $400 then if I'm not mistaken.
http://riderboot.com/shop/eben/

Those pics above are from the Massdrop site. Rider's site has pics but exceed the size restrictions on this forum. Check 'em out!

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Mon Jun 20, 2016 2:01 pm

Glenville86 wrote:Frye Walter and Wilson for me runs true to size. They have a more narrow design than the Alden.

I have worn the Wilson boots a few times. They are comfortable and light but not sure about the leather. The top of one boot has really wrinkled and the other boot has stayed smooth. I had a couple pair of Thursday boots that did the same thing. Wonder if both boots come from the same factory in Mexico?

Bamindy · Post by **Bamindy** » Mon Sep 05, 2016 3:38 pm

Found these on Ebay, though limited sizes available...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dune-Bertie-M ... oBsOB1OCNg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers,
Brian

yellowduke · Post by **yellowduke** » Thu Sep 08, 2016 4:33 am

Very useful thread but it really shows how limited the choices are for those of us in the UK. I have placed an order for the J Crew Pacer boots. Since I wear boots most of the time anyway I expect I shall get plenty of wear from them.

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Thu Sep 08, 2016 6:36 am

I have several pairs of Alden Indy boots in different colors and leathers but still like my Red Wing Iron Rangers and Blacksmith boots just as much. I also have the Red Wing 9030 (Red Wing Indy Type Boot) which is a nice boot.

Cool thing about Red Wings are you can catch them on sale all the time. I have only paid full price once for a pair.

kozmoedave · Post by **kozmoedave** » Tue Sep 13, 2016 12:38 pm

I was looking for something else and came across these...

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/sho ... 59-moc-toe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Sun Sep 18, 2016 12:32 am

While not perfect, the Crevo Buck boots are looking a bit more Indy-esque as they get some dust and wear on 'em.

(With a big chunk of jasper chalcedony aka chert, sorta like flint)

kozmoedave · Post by **kozmoedave** » Mon Sep 26, 2016 4:11 pm

Anybody see these? http://www.redwingheritage.com/us/USD/p ... mber-02954" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cm289 · Post by **cm289** » Fri Oct 14, 2016 11:24 pm

My 6yr-old decided he wanted to be Indy for Halloween. I found these 'Sonoma Apollo' boots for him at Kohl's for $25 and drew the moc stitching on top with a paint pen. Quite pleased with them!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sat Oct 15, 2016 6:41 am

Well done!

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Jedd382 · Post by **Jedd382** » Fri Oct 21, 2016 1:18 am

Just ordered a pair of the Eastland Brice's in natural leather and some brown flat waxed shoestrings. Those look pretty close and with a little bit of shoe polish I think they'll turn out nice. At $70 they're obviously not on par with the quality of Red Wings or Frye's but from the reviews I've read of those and other Eastland's shoes they should be decent.

Jedd382 · Post by **Jedd382** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 9:28 pm

Eastland Brices came in today. Right away I didn't like the color but overall they seem pretty good for the price. First thing I did was treat them with neatsfoot then some brown shoe polish. That got the color looking a lot better. I also changed the shoe laces. What do y'all think?

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Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 12:13 am

Those Eastland Brices look pretty good.

MattS · Post by **MattS** » Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:57 pm

I received my Eastland Brice boots a couple days ago, they're great! Went with the natural leather and a dash of fullers earth. I'll pick up some different laces at some point. They're breaking in nicely after a second day of wear.

MattS · Post by **MattS** » Sat Nov 26, 2016 11:52 am

The Eastland Brices are only $46.49 at Amazon right now.

http://amzn.to/2gsBKXz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't think you can get a better close-enough bang for the buck. I've been daily wearing mine to work since I bought them. They are naturally darkening up very nicely.

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Fri Dec 02, 2016 10:29 am

I've been wearing these close enough boots for over a year now, and they're pretty great. Other than being a little on the dark side of Dark Brown, they're pretty passable -- and comfortable. I highly recommend them for everyone who can't afford Aldens.

https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Madden-Men ... YU6MW?th=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Wed Jan 25, 2017 4:22 am

I don't recall these Orvis boots being mentioned before. Quality boots made in American. Not the most SA and not that much cheaper than Aldens, but arguably better suited for real world adventuring.

http://m.orvis.com/p/the-orvis-walking-boot/2j80" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Bamindy · Post by **Bamindy** » Sat Feb 04, 2017 2:16 pm

New UK option! Can't go too wrong for £35!

http://www.matalan.co.uk/mens/highlights/new-arrivals/s2652358/warm-lined-leather-boots

cm289 · Post by **cm289** » Tue Mar 07, 2017 6:21 pm

Saw these on a Facebook group- Timberland Westhavens

https://www.hautelook.com/events/157743 ... olor=BROWN" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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kdragseth · Post by **kdragseth** » Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:34 pm

Hey all, I just found these today. I don't know anything about the quality, comfort, etc. But at first glance, these seem like a decent option for under $200. Has anyone bought these yet? Go easy on me; I'm new here...

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

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Wed Mar 08, 2017 1:57 am

Those Timberland boots are a little too orange for my taste.

Read back a few pages in this thread, the Thursday Boots have been discussed.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

kdragseth · Post by **kdragseth** » Wed Mar 08, 2017 9:08 am

Ooops! Sorry. How foolish of me to think there's anything left undiscovered by rabid Indythusiasts.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 08, 2017 10:45 am

Never give up. We learn new things absolutely every day around this place!

Regard! Michaelson

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Wed Mar 08, 2017 12:19 pm

kdragseth wrote:Ooops! Sorry. How foolish of me to think there's anything left undiscovered by rabid Indythusiasts.

Indeed, no worries at all. I was simply pointing out there was information posted if you were interested.

Keep asking the questions and making the suggestions. You'll be amazed at how much new information comes out from such 'foolish' questions.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Wed Mar 08, 2017 9:13 pm

kdragseth wrote:Ooops! Sorry. How foolish of me to think there's anything left undiscovered by rabid Indythusiasts.

I'm always happy to see this topic bumped back into active status. To me, it's one of the more interesting and practical discussions on the forum, and more than once I've gone back and skimmed through it from the beginning. I'm always interested in seeing new boot suggestions, and even more interested in seeing updates and opinions from people who have been wearing these boots and shoes for a while.

Please post some pics and share your thoughts if you pick up a pair of Thursdays! I don't recall seeing any photos of "used and abused" Thursday boots on here.

Bonded Hawk · Post by **Bonded Hawk** » Mon Mar 20, 2017 4:03 pm

How do the Frye boots run? I don't think I have ever seen any in a store. At work I wear Bates combat boots and at the house its Born Chelsea. I think I have a pair of tennis shoes somewhere.

Paul_B · Post by **Paul_B** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 9:00 pm

Picked up a few pairs of American Eagle Carlisle boots on clearance. These boots are fantastic and are a great bargain for the price. MOC toe, good color, flat laces. I love these boots am quite satisfied with how close they are to the real deal.

Bamindy · Post by **Bamindy** » Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:00 pm

Posted these already not long ago, but they are now on sale at £17 a pair!!

http://www.matalan.co.uk/mens/highlight ... ther-boots" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers,
B

RobFedorafield · Post by **RobFedorafield** » Mon Jul 31, 2017 1:26 pm

has anyone seen / tried these? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RDZF118?sm ... th=1&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

RobFedorafield · Post by **RobFedorafield** » Tue Aug 01, 2017 3:53 pm

Bonded Hawk wrote:How do the Frye boots run? I don't think I have ever seen any in a store. At work I wear Bates combat boots and at the house its Born Chelsea. I think I have a pair of tennis shoes somewhere.

I've had limited experience, but they ran narrow and long for me.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:13 am

RobFedorafield wrote:has anyone seen / tried these? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RDZF118?sm ... th=1&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I knew those boots looked familiar. I suggested them as a close-enough two years ago in a different thread.

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... West+Haven" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Thu Sep 07, 2017 11:27 pm

After more than two years of almost daily wear and very heavy use as both hiking and work boots, it looks like the end of the line for these Crevo Buck boots.

The uppers, particularly the toes, wore out before the soles. Must have been all that getting dragged around by trucks and tanks.

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Fri Sep 08, 2017 5:31 am

RIP Crevo Buck boots.......

davidd · Post by **davidd** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 12:43 am

The Red Wing Heritage 1907; not all that close, I guess.