Aldens with Vibram soles-PICS
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- IndyBlues
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Aldens with Vibram soles-PICS
Well, I finally went thru with it. I took my Aldens to my friendly neighborhood cobbler, and had him put on a set of Vibram replacement soles.
I told him that I loved the boots, but because of the work I do, and the slipperiness of the soles, I couldn't really use them as an everyday work boot. He recommended that I keep the Alden heel, because he didn't think that they were a culprit in the slipping problem, but the smooth front part of the sole had to go. I am an Indy pendant contractor, and I am always up and down aluminum ladders, and on roofs, so the slick surface of the Alden sole would definately be a hazard.
He recommended one of the Vibram Industrial grade soles to me,model number #430
http://www.vibram.us/products/industrial.asp
and after checking them out, I agreed they were the best choice for my situation.
Anyway, the grand total of the work done, including parts and labor, was
a whopping $25 bucks!! Amazing.
So take a look at the pics, and tell me what you think.
BTW, first time posting pics, so I hope this works
http://public.fotki.com/IndyBlues/aldens/
I field tested them today, and now they are a great casual boot AND great work boot. Climbed up and down ladders all daylong, walking across a shingled roof, and absolutely no slippage.
I don't want to sing all praises yet, since it has only been one day of field testing, but I have a feeling I won't have any problems.
I told him that I loved the boots, but because of the work I do, and the slipperiness of the soles, I couldn't really use them as an everyday work boot. He recommended that I keep the Alden heel, because he didn't think that they were a culprit in the slipping problem, but the smooth front part of the sole had to go. I am an Indy pendant contractor, and I am always up and down aluminum ladders, and on roofs, so the slick surface of the Alden sole would definately be a hazard.
He recommended one of the Vibram Industrial grade soles to me,model number #430
http://www.vibram.us/products/industrial.asp
and after checking them out, I agreed they were the best choice for my situation.
Anyway, the grand total of the work done, including parts and labor, was
a whopping $25 bucks!! Amazing.
So take a look at the pics, and tell me what you think.
BTW, first time posting pics, so I hope this works
http://public.fotki.com/IndyBlues/aldens/
I field tested them today, and now they are a great casual boot AND great work boot. Climbed up and down ladders all daylong, walking across a shingled roof, and absolutely no slippage.
I don't want to sing all praises yet, since it has only been one day of field testing, but I have a feeling I won't have any problems.
Last edited by IndyBlues on Tue Jun 22, 2004 12:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
Hey,
That's great! Now you can be just like Harrison Ford - wear awesome shoes that are super comfortable, all day, while working! It looks like when you have shoes that you've worn for a long time and the bottom starts to wear away to the smooth part... a sort of distressed look. That's really cool. Congrats! And now you can hike around in 'em and not worry about slipping on a mossy rock and breaking a kneecap! lol (I can't remember who went through something similar to that, it was somebody here...)
In Christ,
Shane
That's great! Now you can be just like Harrison Ford - wear awesome shoes that are super comfortable, all day, while working! It looks like when you have shoes that you've worn for a long time and the bottom starts to wear away to the smooth part... a sort of distressed look. That's really cool. Congrats! And now you can hike around in 'em and not worry about slipping on a mossy rock and breaking a kneecap! lol (I can't remember who went through something similar to that, it was somebody here...)
In Christ,
Shane
Well, I think that is a great idea. I have always preferred Vibram soles on my hiking boots, as they are long lived and grip really well. Whatever you do, anyone, never resole a boot with leather outer soles, that is if you plan to go hiking in a pine forest. Pine needles and slick leather soles will turn you into a pine skier, pronto. I know, from experience. Fedora
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Yes. Only I was going to get them a little thicker so they can take more wear. I think it would be more accurate to the period also......I think.IndianaJames wrote:Leather soles....is that the material most mens dress shoes are made with these days? With the smooth bottom, like on the Alden 86?
Regards
I J
Any thoughts?
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Just be aware of how much static electricity you may build up with them once they have leather on the bottom. It's bad enough working on carpeted steel decks in my control room and setting off a static arc in the dry winter air, but I can't imagine how bad a spark I'd kick off wearing leather soled 405's. Regards. Michaelson
- Bufflehead Jones
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The boots look great Mike. The soles you chose are a good compromise
between the originals and a fully lugged sole. After you've had some
time in them be sure to repost an update of how they do in different
conditions. I may have to spring for a pair of these now that I see
what can be done to make them more Pacific NW friendly.
Regards,
Indybill
between the originals and a fully lugged sole. After you've had some
time in them be sure to repost an update of how they do in different
conditions. I may have to spring for a pair of these now that I see
what can be done to make them more Pacific NW friendly.
Regards,
Indybill