Todd's new boots

The0w3n5 · Post by **The0w3n5** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 5:06 pm

Doubt they can put something on. I recommend bringing both boots in a bag to the cobblers and ask them if they can do something about it.

It has been my second day of wearing out in town at work, so far there are no issues and they are holding up well.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 5:18 pm

The0w3n5 wrote:Doubt they can put something on. I recommend bringing both boots in a bag to the cobblers and ask them if they can do something about it.

It has been my second day of wearing out in town at work, so far there are no issues and they are holding up well.

I don't feel comfortable bringing a brand new pair of boots to a cobbler and asking him to take off the superbly made heels for a pair that the cobbler owns which would be far, FAR inferior. Cobblers are a small commodity in Belfast. The last one I took my previous boots to told me that he didn't have any heels for the boots because Todd's were bigger than anything he carries or has even seen.

cm289 · Post by **cm289** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:15 pm

Can you post a picture of the heel sitting on the floor? Would a light belt sanding smooth it out?

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:27 am

Ohhh man, that *****. Todd and the crew, please pay more attention for the boots

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 5:23 am

tomek9210 wrote:Ohhh man, that *****. Todd and the crew, please pay more attention for the boots

Well the more I'm wearing them, the more I'm getting used to it.

The0w3n5 · Post by **The0w3n5** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:07 am

Day 3:

Boots have kept my feet dry during a torrential downpour. Comfort is probably the best I have felt and no blisters have occurred yet.

Well done Todd, A*

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:30 am

The0w3n5 wrote:Day 3:

Boots have kept my feet dry during a torrential downpour. Comfort is probably the best I have felt and no blisters have occurred yet.

Well done Todd, A*

I'm hoping I can wear mine in and for the boots to stretch to accommodate my very wide feet. They're still quite stiff and rigid right now, but I know that will change in time and wear.

UkulelePinoy · Post by **UkulelePinoy** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:59 pm

Over the past week, I wore my boots Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (yesterday). I flew to California on Saturday and back home last night, wearing the boots for the flight each way. The only inconvenience was removing them while going through security, but that was expected, of course. I had to do a lot of walking during this trip and they were perfectly comfortable for the duration. They are breaking in quite nicely and are now at a point where they feel quite comfortable on my feet, whether walking, sitting, standing, or climbing stairs. They even have their first wear/scuff marks beginning to show. I'll want to hit them with some shoe creme before too long.

They say people don't notice your shoes. During the trip, I also wore my Adventurebilt fedora, so people were definitely noticing the hat. However, yesterday, as I was filling up the gas in the rental car before turning it in, a guy nearby said "Hey, nice hat and shoes!" We chatted for a little bit and it was apparent to me that he was not in any respect a gear-head (he didn't remember where he'd seen the hat from - I had to remind him of the movies). But the interesting thing is that he noticed the boots (I was wearing loose-fitting cargo pants that partially obscured the boots). One of my brothers also noticed the boots and commented that he really liked them (he's not a gear-head either).

So far, I give two thumbs up to these boots.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 4:16 pm

Thanks for the field test reports! Valuable info for everyone!

-Todd

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:47 pm

UkulelePinoy wrote:Over the past week, I wore my boots Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (yesterday). I flew to California on Saturday and back home last night, wearing the boots for the flight each way. The only inconvenience was removing them while going through security, but that was expected, of course. I had to do a lot of walking during this trip and they were perfectly comfortable for the duration. They are breaking in quite nicely and are now at a point where they feel quite comfortable on my feet, whether walking, sitting, standing, or climbing stairs. They even have their first wear/scuff marks beginning to show. I'll want to hit them with some shoe creme before too long.

They say people don't notice your shoes. During the trip, I also wore my Adventurebilt fedora, so people were definitely noticing the hat. However, yesterday, as I was filling up the gas in the rental car before turning it in, a guy nearby said "Hey, nice hat and shoes!" We chatted for a little bit and it was apparent to me that he was not in any respect a gear-head (he didn't remember where he'd seen the hat from - I had to remind him of the movies). But the interesting thing is that he noticed the boots (I was wearing loose-fitting cargo pants that partially obscured the boots). One of my brothers also noticed the boots and commented that he really liked them (he's not a gear-head either).

So far, I give two thumbs up to these boots.

I agree. I was given many compliments for my first run Todd's Outdoorsman's.

Vaderbreath · Post by **Vaderbreath** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:44 am

Same experience. I've worn mine every day and each day they're more and more comfy. I couldn't care less that they're "indy" boots...I wear aldens for my back, but those need a resole soon. So, I was hoping Todd's would be another viable option and so far they're awesome. Thank you so much, Todd!

Indiana Dymond · Post by **Indiana Dymond** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:51 pm

Just got my boots,Pacel Force are so bad.Took over a week to get my customs bill from them!!!!

I really couldn't wait for them to be delivered to me so I've just done a 120 mile round trip to get them from there area depot.

I'll post again when I've worn them,but they look the busness.

Well done to Todd and his hard working team.

Redinight · Post by **Redinight** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:20 pm

Exchanged for one size larger and they fit and feel great!!!!! These are a substantially better offer than his previous boots. They will last a lot longer. I love them, and will be buying more.

If I have any complaints, and I usually do, there are a few. In terms of screen accuracy, or in comparison to Aldens they have a dark brown leather trim around the opening and laces area, this is different from his last run. Also, the leather trim inside the opening and along the laces does not cover the eyelets and hook attachments like the older offer or Aldens. The outside stitching that makes the point near the eyelets is off, could be closer to the eyelets and hooks . They are leather lined instead of cotton. Some of this is mute, but the stitching and the trim bothers me.

Over all, because of the nice color, the quality sole, heal, and generally more accurate bottom they are more accurate. Also, with them being a much better shoe, I prefer these. However, if you could take a first version Todd's shoe and stitch it to the new soles....it would be super accurate.

Thank You so much Todd and Kristen!!!
You are a one stop shop for Indy gear. Along with the great quality you give a great value.

Indiana Dymond · Post by **Indiana Dymond** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:20 pm

Perfect. Well done to Todd.A perfect fit:-)

UkulelePinoy · Post by **UkulelePinoy** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:17 pm

Update: the top right-hand hook on the right boot was bent out just now. Tried to be as gentle as I could bending it back, but it broke free. It's a bummer, but I don't use that hook anyway. The boots are wonderful otherwise. Very comfortable and they look great.

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:24 pm

yea...screw aldens...these new Todds are getting pretty good reviews..my next indy purchase for sure..

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:38 pm

UkelelePinoy, I'm really sorry about the hook - that's really upsetting! If you decide to get the hooks replaced, let me know what the cost is so I can reimburse you.

-Todd

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:44 pm

Puppetboy wrote:UkelelePinoy, I'm really sorry about the hook - that's really upsetting! If you decide to get the hooks replaced, let me know what the cost is so I can reimburse you.

-Todd

Thats all a good vendor can offer to do in this situation and very good business..that is why you stay busy with our orders..Thanks , from all of us..

UkulelePinoy · Post by **UkulelePinoy** » Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:01 pm

Puppetboy wrote:UkelelePinoy, I'm really sorry about the hook - that's really upsetting! If you decide to get the hooks replaced, let me know what the cost is so I can reimburse you.

-Todd

I appreciate that. I left you a message via your website regarding the broken hook. Please let me know if you're not able to locate that message.
-Joe

ETA: I forgot to mention...I stopped by a couple repair shops this weekend. So far, each place was unable to help me because they did not have hooks similar to the hooks used on these boots. I didn't ask if they would be able to order them, as I assumed they would if they could. I'll keep looking.

The0w3n5 · Post by **The0w3n5** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 5:14 pm

Just an update-

Boots are holding up well but have had some issues with them:

A hook snapped
Lace snapped
Heals are quick to wear, recommend fixing a protective sole

The quality of workmanship and look of the boots is great, however, the add ons have really let them down. The snapping of the laces was easily fixed with new laces, however the hooks are difficult to find, i.e. near impossible. I might consider having them all replace (great

) or to just leave it broken

Post by **Indy Magnoli** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 5:35 pm

I haven't seen these boots in person, but hooks snapping is VERY common. I've had that happen on pretty much every boot I own (including several high-priced boots)... except for Aldens. They must use some really well tempered metal!

bish · Post by **bish** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:48 pm

I had the hooks replaced on my Land End Crosby close enough boots. They are not small hooks like the Todds or Aldens but they are very strong. They cost me about $30 a shoe to have them put on, way more than it should have, but now that I've got those fixed and I shoe gooed some Vibram soles on the bottom of the existing soles they are doing great.

I'd keep checking around with cobblers to see if you can find someone that has or can get strong hooks.

- bish

Zuiun · Post by **Zuiun** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:33 pm

I've owned a pair for about a week / week and a half now. Worn them a few times. They definitely need to be broken in, but otherwise, are pretty comfortable "out of the box," and seem well constructed...

...except for those hooks.

That's probably the one disappointing thing about these boots. I just don't have confidence in them. One snug tug and I'm convinced they'll snap off. I compared them to hooks on some of my other shoes and the Todd's boot hooks are paper thin. I'm going to need to be very careful when I tighten the laces until I can figure out if I can get the hooks replaced.

I'd really like to see a sturdier hook used on the next production run. These otherwise great boots deserve better!

(It's hard to see from this photo, but the Todd's boot hooks are just so insubstantial compared to other boots I own...)

Lord Macdonald · Post by **Lord Macdonald** » Wed Aug 08, 2012 9:21 pm

I just received the boots and they look well made. I am wearing them right now and fit fairly well straight out of the box, but they definitely need some breaking in.

I am not a stranger to "reproduction" (made in China) boots as I come from a WWII reenactment background and have broken in, worn, and jumped out of airplanes in military style reproduction Corcoran jump boots (at least 4 different pairs). Several times they were my only shoes for as long as a week at a time... All the boots eventually broke in nicely and became quite comfortable.

Is there a preferred methodology for break in aside from use. With the jump boots we used to soak them in hot water and wear them wet...helped soften the leather and conform to your feet. Does anybody use any creams or lotions on the boots.

Dave

p.s. I am in California and ordered the boots Sunday....took three days to get here $\:D/$

While · Post by **While** » Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:28 am

The boots are very nice! I just got my pair. I bought a pair of insoles to go with them, very good. They are stiff, but breaking them in as we speak!

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 4:09 am

Has anyone with foot length of about 29.5 cm / 11.6 in ordered Todd boots? What size did you choose?

Zuiun · Post by **Zuiun** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:17 am

tomek9210 wrote:Has anyone with foot length of about 29.5 cm / 11.6 in ordered Todd boots? What size did you choose?

Best thing to do would be to contact Todd's and ask for a recommendation.

I wear a size 10.5 (US) and Kristen at Todd's suggested I go a half size down to a 10. The fit is PERFECT.

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 2:35 pm

Yep, I've sent them an email, but got no reply. I wear 11.5 US I think, so I would choose 11 I guess.

The0w3n5 · Post by **The0w3n5** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 7:09 am

Another Update:

Just been to the cobblers in Ipswich and paid £10 to have a sole protector/ new soles on. They sanded the sole a bit and they compressed a new sole on. This new sole is protecting the stitching and sole from wearing and has blended into the sole well.

He also commented on the make of the boots saying that they were good quality boots and will last many years.

for Todd.

However, he also said that the hooks used were poor quality and unfortunately he doubted anyone could replace them as those hooks aren't commonly used on boots. He suggested that I either take it out and insert a eyehole, or just use it as an eyehole.

Will post a photo of the boot sole when I get a chance.

Mr. Fusion 1138 · Post by **Mr. Fusion 1138** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 6:40 pm

I see there are a lot of positive reviews for these boots. I'm definitely going to have to pick up a pair before too long.

Zuiun · Post by **Zuiun** » Sat Aug 25, 2012 3:12 pm

Mr. Fusion 1138 wrote:I see there are a lot of positive reviews for these boots. I'm definitely going to have to pick up a pair before too long.

The do seem to be a good boot overall. Mine are breaking in nicely. I'm not doing anything special other than a coat of Pecards when I got them and then wearing them.

I am, admittedly, nervous about the hooks, but I figure that as long as I don't crank on 'em when I tie the boots, they should be OK.

Trigger · Post by **Trigger** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 5:24 pm

I received my boots this week, and I will have to say they are a work of art. The only problem I had with the pair I had was the heels were to high. It gave the boot a rocking chair effect. I thought hard on sending them back to see if I could get another pair but decided to try to have them fixed instead. I searched on the net to find a shoe repair shop. I finally found a guy that has a shop local that has been doing the craft for 51 years. He took one look at the boots and said they had to be some of the nicest boots he has seen in a long time. He said the problem with the pair I had was they forgot to grind the heel to match the rest of the boot. He grinded a little checked and grinded some more until the boots were perfect. I tried to pay the guy but he wouldn’t take a dime. It was really a treat meeting this guy and watching his craft. After it was all said and done I’m glad I didn’t send them back just for the experience if nothing else.

I recommend these boots to anyone wanting a boot close to the real deal. They are comfortable and a sharp looking boot. Todd… keep up the good work,

but you might want to check some of the heels.

Trigger

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:19 am

Nice to hear! Actually, the "rocking" heel is part of the Alden design.

Vaderbreath · Post by **Vaderbreath** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:25 am

Yep, my Aldens heels are (or were-they're pretty worn now) exactly the same. So if it's a design flaw, Aldens are flawed as well.

Zuiun · Post by **Zuiun** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:59 am

So I wound up snagging a pair of those Land's End boots before they were gone. I figured I would work on distressing those, whereas the Todd's boots I want to wear naturally on their own.

The first thing I noticed was that compared to the Todd's boots, the Land's End feel like plastic instead of leather. The initial impression is that the Land's End are more comfortable "out of the box," but that's only because the heavy duty leather on the Todd's boot requires a bit more breaking in.

Just all throughout, the Todd's boot feel better made. The Land's End isn't a bad boot, mind you. But if I had to put money on which one would last longer, I'd go with Todd's.

One of these days I'll pick up some genuine Alden's to compare them to.

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 4:17 am

Indeed, my Aldens rock ever so slightly...I believe it's meant to help assist the "rolling motion" you should use to walk from heel to toe with, and it works rather well..Although I guess standing around it can be more noticeable..

(Sorry, noticed this too late..It's actually not a "design flaw"..Our feet aren't flat..Well, some of our feet are..But they're the exception, so the design works well to keep the foot in a "natural groove", rather than leaving us "flat footed"...So if it's not too late, I'd recommend not changing them..It's not a mistake..It makes walking more comfortable..)

Regards!

Trigger · Post by **Trigger** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 10:36 am

I had a 1/2 inch gap between the floor and the back of the heel when standing straight. I have looked at a lot of pictures of the boot on the forums but have never seen a set with a heel as thick as mine was. It could very well of been just me and there could of been nothing wrong with them. But I couldn't walk in the boot the way it was.

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 4:49 am

Nah, a half inch is a touch insane...Mine would be about a half centimetre I guess? Maybe a touch more? Enough to notice when standing still, but not enough to see on a photo..Agreed..

Sounds like you made a good choice in flattening it out..Was needed by the sounds of it..It's all about comfort anyway eh? If you don't like it, then you should always change it to suit what you need from the boot..

Entirely wise choice in my opinion..

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:08 am

Trigger wrote:I had a 1/2 inch gap between the floor and the back of the heel when standing straight. I have looked at a lot of pictures of the boot on the forums but have never seen a set with a heel as thick as mine was. It could very well of been just me and there could of been nothing wrong with them. But I couldn't walk in the boot the way it was.

I thought mine was the only one like this. My right boot-heel has about a half an inch worth of rocking action in it. I found it very strange to walk in at first, but now I'm used to it really. I may go and get sole protectors to keep them in good nick.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 12:25 pm

1/2" is too much. About 1/4" is good. You don't know how many vendors I went through before I found one who would not flatten the heel and reduce the curve of the sole. When they're pancake-flat, the walking motion is more like "slap-slap-slap" as the back of the heel touches and then the rest slaps flat on the floor. Perhaps the best solution is to round bottom of the heel a little, which is what happens with wear anyway.

-Todd

Flowah · Post by **Flowah** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:54 pm

If he stocked 7.5 I'd have bought a pair already. They look great!

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 6:02 am

so, what's the general consensus on fit? True to size or not? I'm definietly looking forward to ordering up a pair. I'm loving todds' more and more...

Zuiun · Post by **Zuiun** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 9:55 am

backstagejack wrote:so, what's the general consensus on fit? True to size or not? I'm definietly looking forward to ordering up a pair. I'm loving todds' more and more...

Like I told Tomek above, I wear a 10.5 and Kristen at Todd's recommended I go with a 10. They fit perfect. Snug, but not cramped (and this is AFTER I added an insole to them).

One thing I will say, though... the color of the boot as pictured on Todd's site is a little misleading. It looks VERY brown, whereas the boot I received had much more red to it. (The pics by UkulelePinoy on page 2 of this thread is much closer to the color of the boots I received than Todd's photos.)

I should point out, I'm not complaining at all about the color. It's just something to be aware of. And my pair have darkened to a more brownish color quite a bit since I got them anyway.

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 2:12 pm

Hi guys. Love the thread on the Todd's boots since I am just about to place my order for some boots and probably the pants as well to save on some shipping.

I like the reviews about the boots overall, but the thin hooks breaking has me worried, but I guess for the overall look and having the boot, it's a small price to pay if one of them breaks...

I'll have my review once they arrive!

UkulelePinoy · Post by **UkulelePinoy** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 1:36 pm

Does anyone have a line-up on decent replacement laces for the newer Coyle's boot? My laces are starting to come apart.

InLikeFlynn · Post by **InLikeFlynn** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 2:15 pm

UkulelePinoy wrote:Does anyone have a line-up on decent replacement laces for the newer Coyle's boot? My laces are starting to come apart.

Try the "Original Service Shoe Laces" from "At The Front", product number USFLOL. I bought these laces for my Outdoorsman's but have not used them yet so can't actually comment on the effectiveness but they seem like a fairly authentic replacement to me. As quoted from the At The Front site:

"Original 1944 dated Brown Nylon laces for service shoes. (The package was dated July 1944. The individual laces are not marked.) 40" long. Yes, they had nylon in WWII. These are just long enough- once you lace the boots there's just a couple of inches to tie- but this eliminates dangling laces. They are actual military issue for these boots.
Made in USA 67+ years ago."

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 3:11 pm

I am going home in a few minutes. Sitting in my house should be my Todd's box containing the boots and the trousers!!

I'll chime in later today with my review...

youngjedi71 · Post by **youngjedi71** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 3:48 pm

Charybdis wrote:I am going home in a few minutes. Sitting in my house should be my Todd's box containing the boots and the trousers!!

I'll chime in later today with my review...

word of wisdom..DO NOT WASH the pants in hot or warm water..and to dry you better hang them up with a weight on the bottom to keep them stretched out...washed mine in cold water and as low of heat as you can put them on and mine shrunk up about 2 sizes in the length..money down the drain.

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 6:29 pm

Good to know on the washing instructions!

Well, sure enough, the box was at my house when I got home! At the top were the trousers. At first sight, they looked great and they felt even better once I took them out of the bag. Nice material and not as heavy as I thought they might be. Sure seem mighty dressy to me for Indy pants, especially what he does in them! I put them on and the waist fits perfect! That's what I was really worried about, but they have enough room in there for me to down a few cheeseburgers!

The length? well, I knew they would be long and I was right. Way too long. So, I will take them to my favorite tailor and have them hemmed up. Should be no problem. Overall, great quality, nice material and the fit is just perfect...

Now to the boots. I opened the box and there they were. Not as red as I thought they might be, but reddish none the less. NO problem on my end. I tried them on and they fit just about near perfect. I was wearing very thin dress socks and I could wear them easily, with plenty of room inside for my foot and toes. They would feel just a bit better if I get some thicker socks, but I can't complain. Very nice. Very stiff leather. These will take a bit of wearing to get them to soften up, but a trip here and a trip there should do nicely to break them in.

Overall, I am very impressed with Todd's trousers and boots. They look fantastic and will wear great with other items of clothing in my closet. I definitely plan to wear the boots and the pants to work.

Cool thing is, my wife doesn't even know they're Indy stuff!!

Of course, all that will end when my Fed IV shows up next week! Keep me in your prayers

UkulelePinoy · Post by **UkulelePinoy** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:30 pm

InLikeFlynn wrote:
UkulelePinoy wrote:Does anyone have a line-up on decent replacement laces for the newer Coyle's boot? My laces are starting to come apart.
Try the "Original Service Shoe Laces" from "At The Front", product number USFLOL. I bought these laces for my Outdoorsman's but have not used them yet so can't actually comment on the effectiveness but they seem like a fairly authentic replacement to me. As quoted from the At The Front site:

"Original 1944 dated Brown Nylon laces for service shoes. (The package was dated July 1944. The individual laces are not marked.) 40" long. Yes, they had nylon in WWII. These are just long enough- once you lace the boots there's just a couple of inches to tie- but this eliminates dangling laces. They are actual military issue for these boots.
Made in USA 67+ years ago."

Thanks, but these won't work. The original laces are 62.5 inches long and I like the length.

One other note about the laces: it occurred to me tonight that the laces aren't coming apart where they wrap on hooks, where I might have expected. Rather, they are coming apart where thy are passing through a couple eyelets. I don't tie my boots tight either...if anything, they usually tend to be tied somewhere between average and a just smidge on the loose side. I love the boots, but I don't give the hooks, or (now) the laces high marks.