Alden 405's Indy Problem, HELP needed.

Prof. Ed · Post by **Prof. Ed** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:56 am

Hi all,
I just spoke with Comfort Shoe in St. Louis. They carry orthopedic shoes, including the Aldens, but not the 405's. I wear an orthodic (professionally made)b]shoe[/b] with a similar last. Possibly, the same last.
The "problem" is that when the shoe comes in, you own it even if the fit was wrong. It can not be sent back. :evil:
This seems to be a quite fragile option to me. One that makes me nervous, even in the thought. I really don't know what to do. The policy seems to be boardering on the ridiculous.
I seem to remember some little while back, that these boots were ordered by a forumulite by sending in an oiled foot imprint or something of that nature.
The store prides themselves on the fitting of the shoe. So, I suppose they don't plan on the boot not fitting. But if it doesn't....well, I'm out $300!

Other successful options are needed to be shared with me, please. :idea:

Thanks for your help on this quest,

Prof. (beardless) Ed

Forrestal · Post by **Forrestal** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:41 am

Try ordering your 405’s from any Cobblestone Shoe Repair shop in St. Louis. They are Alden dealers too.

I got mine from the store on Manchester Blvd. in Ballwin. I think it’s in the Manchester Meadows Shopping Center.

They were great people to work with. My shoes arrived in about 4 days.

There was never a mention of not being able to exchange them if the fit was wrong.

Regards,
Forrestal

Prof. Ed · Post by **Prof. Ed** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:59 am

Sounds really great. Will they measure the foot?

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 3:25 pm

Prof, that seems like a bunch of poo poo to me. The Alden Store in DC will let you return them no problem if they haven't been worn outside (scuffing up the soles). What I'd do is ask if Comfort Shoe knows how to measure for the 405. If so, have them measure your feet and order your 405's from a different store with a better return policy. When I special ordered mine from an orthopedic store when I lived in Fort Wayne, they assured me that they'd take care of it if they didn't fit me properly. It's all about customer service.

Prof. Ed · Post by **Prof. Ed** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:08 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Prof, that seems like a bunch of poo poo to me. The Alden Store in DC will let you return them no problem if they haven't been worn outside (scuffing up the soles). What I'd do is ask if Comfort Shoe knows how to measure for the 405. If so, have them measure your feet and order your 405's from a different store with a better return policy. When I special ordered mine from an orthopedic store when I lived in Fort Wayne, they assured me that they'd take care of it if they didn't fit me properly. It's all about customer service.

Bink, I totally agree. I was just telling my wife about this and she pretty well said your words. Totally,ridiculous is all I seem to be able to utter.
I will call Cobblestone tomorrow. They aren't open on Mondays and are 10 minutes from the house. They sell Aldens and I'll see what they say.

Thanks my friend,

Prof.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:19 pm

Good luck, Prof! Obviously, Comfort Shoes wants your business!

The other Alden dealer will probably take good care of you. Keep us posted!

bink

Forrestal · Post by **Forrestal** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 10:20 am

Yes, Cobblestone measured my foot and took some time to make sure things were right.

They were curious why I was buying that particular style of Alden, and amused when I explained the significance of the boots.

Let us know if you have any luck with Cobblestone.

Regards,
Forrestal

Prof. Ed · Post by **Prof. Ed** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 10:59 am

Forrestal wrote:Yes, Cobblestone measured my foot and took some time to make sure things were right.

They were curious why I was buying that particular style of Alden, and amused when I explained the significance of the boots.

Let us know if you have any luck with Cobblestone.

Regards,
Forrestal

I'm going there now. Jeff, at the Creve Coeur store seemed very nice and accomodating. He also could not believe the response I got from Comfort Shoe.

Best and thanks,

Prof. Ed

Prof. Ed · Post by **Prof. Ed** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:07 pm

Well, I'm back.

The owner of the repair shop called Alden and they said order what he measures. I measured a 10.5D which I've never measured. Feet do change, that is for sure.
He said we will try them and if they don't fit we will try again.
He took no money from me. That was interesting.

It should take a week or so with the holiday for delivery. Not a bad experience. Just one person works the shop.

Best and hope for the best,

Prof. Ed

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:37 pm

Sounds like you're being well taken care of there, Prof. They probably won't charge you anything until the shoes arrive and you walk out a satisfied customer, as it should be. And the wait time sounds pretty good, too, especially with the holidays in full swing. Good luck!

bink

Prof. Ed · Post by **Prof. Ed** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 4:39 pm

Thank you, sir. I can't see wearing shoes that large, but time will tell:)

Forrestal · Post by **Forrestal** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 5:11 pm

I wear a size 10 shoe but measured a 10.5 at Cobblestone.
They ordered a 10.5 D and it fits great!
I told you those guys would take care of you!
Best of luck with the Alden’s.
Regards,
Forrestal

Prof. Ed · Post by **Prof. Ed** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 6:31 pm

Forrestal wrote:I wear a size 10 shoe but measured a 10.5 at Cobblestone.
They ordered a 10.5 D and it fits great!
I told you those guys would take care of you!
Best of luck with the Alden’s.
Regards,
Forrestal

Thanks again for the "heads up". I would never had known about this option if it wasn't for you.

Regards,

Prof. Ed

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 8:51 pm

Forrestal wrote:I wear a size 10 shoe but measured a 10.5 at Cobblestone.
They ordered a 10.5 D and it fits great!
I told you those guys would take care of you!
Best of luck with the Alden’s.
Regards,
Forrestal

You mean you didn't order a size down?

Forrestal · Post by **Forrestal** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 9:47 pm

No sir. I only buy my Hockey Skates a size down (skates don’t need the extra room because they don’t flex while you wear them).

My Alden’s are four years old. I use Pecards on them and put “hush taps” on the heals to prevent wear. They are the size that I measured at Cobblestone and they fit great.

I’ll be wearing them to work tomorrow…..

Regards,
Forrestal