Regarding the packaging, erri, I honestly believe it's a cultural thing when it comes to shipping items from different countries. Huh? you say. Let me explain....
I worked a short stint at the Wagner Brake warehouse in Tullahoma, TN one summer. All this huge warehouse did was receive new parts from manufacturers from around the world, repack them again in new Wagner boxes, then ship them out to stores all over the U. S.
I did my work in repacking, and mainly dealt with brake rotors. I would have a skid piled 5 feet high with boxed rotors from Mexico, Italy, Japan, and Germany. The rotors were made from the exact same specs, and all were stamped with exactly the same part number.
The rotors from Mexico were always packed loosely in boxes crammed with old newspapers or shredded paper of some sort. Not a reflection on Mexican industry what so ever, I'm only speaking of this specific case, and all the rotors received at Wagner at my work table were pretty much thrown into the box when shipped.
The rotors from Japan were efficiently packaged, one to a box, and inside a single tissue wrapping to keep the rotor from rubbing the box, and the rotors were the EXACT same size as the box they were contained in.
The German and Italian rotors were an absolute works of art in terms of packaging. Each rotor was packed in a heavy duty individual box. They were individually wrapped in a plastic bag, and each were individually wrapped in a tissue INSIDE that plastic bag. I also found a small bag of silica inside each rotor bag to absorb moisture.
When I say a work of art, I MEAN a work of art.
All four manufacturers received the same requirements, and the same order. All four rotors, when unboxed and placed side by side on the table were identical in appearance. They were all sold to Wagner with the understanding that all parts would be unpacked and reboxed in Wagner boxes....so why did the Germans, Italians, and in some cases the Japanese pack them so well? I'll leave you to come to your own conclusion. My thoughts are cultural. The Mexican shipment was one that filled the requirement, and was moved down the pipeline for delivery. The Japanese like efficiency, and therefore the best with the least was the way to go. The Germans and Italians are efficient down to the point of even the packaging must meet muster in the Quality control area...right down to the extra of added a bag of silica jell, which neither the Mexican OR Japanese did.
In the case of Aldens, I believe the way most U. S. manufacturers work, they reflect the Japanese way (or vice versa) of packing and shipping. As long as the item is packaged to keep it from damage, then it's good enough for shipment.
A long winded reply to a short question, I know, but I believe your boots were handled in a standard way for a U. S. firm in that kind of delivery. I'm sure if the plant was based in Italy, and I ordered a pair to come this direction, I would once again be pleasantly surprised and impressed by the eye for detail that the Italian workman has when handling merchandise.
At least that's been my personal experience.
Regards! Michaelson
...if erri floats...then he's a witch? 
(and I think also another half would still be good !). If I'll meet someone wearing size 11 I'll give it a try.
Nice job, erri!
