Club Obi Wan

I had contacted Carolina Shoe concerning the Carolina Husker boots. Below is a personal response from Greg Crouchley, the president.
It turns out Indiana Jones is one of his all time favorites! They are willing to set up a temporary website just for fans to order custom shoes!


"Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 8:05 AM
Subject: Re: Carolina Husker Mid Mens Brown

Dear Zeus36,

I have looked into this and am having trouble find exactly what boot this is. We have carried a 364 and an 864 both in stock and on line in the last 5-6 years here at Carolina. The number 164 has been applied to several 'interim' shoes over the years (short runs, not stocked, or made up for large retailers). Also, the 3564 mentioned below does not correspond with our factory records so it might have been a version of the shoe we imported from China.

I am wondering if you could email me some pictures of your shoes. Armed with that, most of us will recognize the product by the internal numbers and be able to check if the patterns and lasts are still stored. Usually, we drop a shoe when the volume drops below 5000 pair per year, as I suspect the shoes you have did, due to their dated looks and lack of 'modern' comfort features.

Regardless, if we can identify the shoes and we have the equipment, we would love to make some up specially for IJ fans. The movies are some of my all-time personal favorites also, so be certain that if we can do it, we will! We would probably post up a temporary website where fans could order for a month or so, then we would run this small batch of them through the factory all at once. For a small special project like this, we can deal directly and simply, bypassing all the time and costs associated with working through normal web or store - based retail.

At some point, depending on what we find, I will direct you to Luke Sessa, our director of what we call our 'Carolina-Built For You' make-up program, so I have included him in the cc on this email.

Thanks for wearing Carolina and taking the time to track us down and present this challenge to us!

Sincerely,
Greg


Greg Crouchley, President
Carolina Shoe Co.
(a division of HH Brown Shoe Co.)
107 Highland St
Martinsburg, PA 16662
814-793-3786

************************************************************


Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 9:56 AM

Subject: Re: Carolina Husker Mid Mens Brown

Greg thanks for getting back to me.

Good to meet another fan of the films! There are lots of us with a passion for the trilogy and enjoy Indiana Jones as a hobby.

The best way to proceed would be for me to give you links to the forums that deal with the Indiana Jones gear and clothing. There are photo comparisons of your boots and the Alden model 405. There have been many discussions of the outfits and props used in the movies and I know there will be a resurgence of interest due to the up coming Indiana Jones number four being filmed.

We know that Alden 405 boots were the ones used in the three original films and your Huskers were very close to that model except that they had the steel toe (which I needed for my job). Unfortunately, the Aldens run around $300.00 so there is a need for a more economical alternative. Now if your company could produce a non-steel toe clone of the 405, you would be placed in "deity" status!


So here are the few of the links to the discussions concerning your shoes. We would love to have you become a member at the forum as and contribute to the never-ending search for "the look".


viewtopic.php?t=20602&highlight=huskers

viewtopic.php?t=20556&highlight=huskers

viewtopic.php?t=18110&highlight=huskers

BRAVO, Zeus!!!!

HIGH regards!

Michaelson

Yes, this is very good news. Now if they keep the price decent and I can FINALLY find some in a regular size 13 I'll be good to go.

PLEASE ask him to make narrow widths available if they're going to make a run for us. I love the boots, but not all of us have D+ width feet. I need a B width myself, and they are impossible to find, short of ordering boots like the Alden 405's.

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson,

If they do set up this "Carolina-Built For You' make-up program" then I imagine you should be able to specify any size, width, color, and toe option.

And I'm sure that the boots would be way under the Alden prices. I'm just guessing, but maybe 2/3 the price?
I know we have the Magnoli option, but that is still a good chunk of dough...

I really would like the option for a true replaceable sole and heels.

Since I already have three pair of the steel toe models,
I'd definitely do a non-steel toe 405 clone.

Second response from the president of Carolina Shoe:


"Ok, I see them. This is the '364' boot. Alden boot has a leather welt in what we call 3/4 construction with a nailed-on heel. I would change our boot to a 3/4 welt, but plastic, like the Carolina boot only in tan color, similar heel, and add some hooks to the top of the lacing. Then we can find a similar color leather, If we tweak the collar area, we should have a similar boot for MUCH less money. We will sample up a pair and see how it looks. It will not be an exact copy, but it will be close...Alden's are great footwear, I have several pair of my own."


Greg



*************************************************************

Sounds good Greg.

The darker brown color on the 364 is popular with the fans. Most don't like the "pumkin" color Alden used on the 405 and there are many posts on darkening the leather.

Great work Zeus. It's amazing that you have got the ear of a mass market producer.

Now rather than them doing the pumpkin colour how about a few posts of shots to show them the colour they should be?

This Greg guy is definatley a gearhead in the making

Great work, zeus! I may finally own a pair of close-enoughs.

Cheers
Craig

Greg Crouchley (the president) and his associate Luke have been given the links to this topic along with the other posts related to the quest for boots. Feel free to post any photos for them if the Moderators are ok with using up the bandwidth.

I think the darker color on the Huskers is fine. If someone has photos of the original Alden 405 color used at the time of the films, please post those as well. That should be the color any of these boots should be based on.

I am just amazed that we are able to communicate with someone who has the full resources of a production line at his disposal and he is a fan to boot!

Why amazed? We have Peter at Wested....David at Wings....LeatherLoco at Pecards..... Ron at HatsDirect....

Regards! Michaelson

You're right! I was thinking about your efforts with Flightsuits (Gibson and Barnes) to develope a jacket after I posted that comment.

Yep...there's old Dave Marshall at FS too....

Regard! Michaelson

I know I'd definately like to get a pair of these if they are offered. I really want a pair of Indy Magnoli's boots, but can't afford them right now. A cheaper pair of "close enoughs" would suit me just fine! Where's the sign-up sheet? We got a cost estimate (what was the origional cost)?

This is pretty cool news. I'm very interested in how this all turns out.

Wow, this just keeps getting better and better. Can't wait to see their sample.

I just found some close-enoughs that I like, but with the wrong toe. Today, just before ordering them, I find this thread. AAAGH! Now I have to wait and see what this leads to!

It's a gift... and a curse.
Chewie

Michaelson wrote:Why amazed? We have Peter at Wested....David at Wings....LeatherLoco at Pecards..... Ron at HatsDirect....

Regards! Michaelson

And, Mr. M. we have Joe Peters and Peter's Bros. Just my two cents. Take good care, and all respect! W>

Man, Joe and Nelda both would pop me one for forgetting to add them, wouldn't they?

Regards! Michaelson

Will these boots be manufactured at the Morganton, NC plant? If so, I can go by and check out the prototype when it is completed if Carolina will allow it. The plant is not too far from home. Just an offer.

Matt

I am hoping for a non steel toe option, if that has not been already submitted. Thanks, nice work!

Just let us know when we can start ordering. YEEHAAAA!

churchman73

Yes, a non steel-toe would be great. I'm getting to the point of getting a new pair of Alden's but a good close enough would be a welcome addition. Good work Zeus

Cheers,
Jeff

Is there any mention of how much the shoe may be?

No, it's still to early. It will probably be a while before we know all of the details IF they go through with this.

I'm anxious to know myself though. I'm hoping they stay below $100 and they get rid of the steel toe.

Pitfall Harry wrote:No, it's still to early. It will probably be a while before we know all of the details IF they go through with this.

I'm anxious to know myself though. I'm hoping they stay below $100 and they get rid of the steel toe.

Ditto

It will probably be more like 125$..At least thats my guess. Considering they are doing this epically for the group.

To echo my sentiments that I had posted previously elsewhere, as long as these Carolinas remain under $150, I'm in for a pair. To me, anything above $150 is more than halfway to $300 which is about the price of new Aldens, so once I get to more than half of the Alden price, in my mind I figure it makes more sense to just keep saving until I have enough for the "real deal". Under $150 is cheap enough that I can justify it to myself...just my two cents

-GCR

Mola Ram wrote:It will probably be more like 125$..At least thats my guess. Considering they are doing this epically for the group.

Gah, I hope not. I know this will be a "special offer" to the fans but there are still some of the boots out in the market and people are getting them for as little as $25. I can't see even with a slight change in style that they'd offer the boots for more than $100. I'd be happy with $50 or $60.

I would think getting rid of the steel toe would cut down on the cost of producing the boots as well. I can't see the use of a steel toe for anyone that's buying these to go with their gear or just out and about.

Not to go off on a tangent but look at all of the new deals that have popped up recently. We've got the AB HJ hats , the new jacket possibilites from both Todd and Peter and now this........And Indy 4 hasn't even started yet. I can only imagine what might be down the road for us once the marketing for that hits.

I think this is the perfect time to jump into this hobby.....Just make sure you've got some cash saved up.

This is great news! I was thinking of springing for some Aldens but I will wait to see the prototypes. Great work Zeus!

This sounds like a great deal. I'm in if it gets off the ground.

Just thought I'd see if there's any new info on this project?

yeah i think i'll be watching this thread to see how things turn out might have a new pair of daily wear boots to get

The ball is in their court and I am waiting for them to announce the prototype.

If I don't hear from them by COB Monday, March 12th, I will send them an inquiry on the status of the project.

Zeus

Hmmm....

I'm guessing from Zeus's last post that he hasn't heard anything from the company on the status of the project.

I bought a pair of the non-steel toe huskers in about '93 or '94 because they were the closest I could find to the Indy boot. They lasted through two resoles up until I bought Aldens in '01. Great boots. I never tried the steel toes but the soft tows flattened out just like the Aldens.

This would be a great thing.... I was almost ready to order a pair of Red Wing 202's. http://workingperson.com/products/22_34 ... edium=comp

Wow, that's really great of him and will be great if it all works out. Nice work Zeus!

I've not heard anything so far so I'll be sending them an email. I'm on vacation with my gal this week, but have not forgotten my posts.

Z.

I just sent an email to Carolina Boots on March 17, 2007 for an update. Here is a copy:



Greg, Luke

Gentlemen,
I am following up on the project that we discussed late February and was wondering what the status of the boots were for the Indiana Jones forums. Is there a timeline for producing the prototype and setting up the temp. website for ordering the Husker-like boots? Do you have any pictures yet?
Greg, I recall that you were having Luke Sessa handle this, so I'll just direct any future questions to him and copy you. Any info would be great for the folks waiting on this!
I'll be posting copies to the forums for my fellow Indy fans.
Thanks for all your cooperation!

Zeus36
(Kxxx Cxxxxx in Southern California)

Thanks for the update and keeping on top of things Zeus36 ....

Zeus36,

Did you ever get a response back from the last e-mail you sent the people at Carolina Boots?

Just curious.....

I was kind of wondering if things had progressed to the prototype stage or the project had stalled?

Pitfall Harry wrote:Zeus36,

Did you ever get a response back from the last e-mail you sent the people at Carolina Boots?

Just curious.....

I was kind of wondering if things had progressed to the prototype stage or the project had stalled?

They haven't gotten back to me yet. I sent the request to both guys, so even if one is on vacation, the other should have responded by now. Don't think there is a spam filtering issue, since we've emailed each other before. Seems it was a big time lag the very first time I contacted the company and then I had just given up. I'll give them another week, then re-send.

zeus36 wrote:

Pitfall Harry wrote:Zeus36,

Did you ever get a response back from the last e-mail you sent the people at Carolina Boots?

Just curious.....

I was kind of wondering if things had progressed to the prototype stage or the project had stalled?

They haven't gotten back to me yet. I sent the request to both guys, so even if one is on vacation, the other should have responded by now. Don't think there is a spam filtering issue, since we've emailed each other before. Seems it was a big time lag the very first time I contacted the company and then I had just given up. I'll give them another week, then re-send.

OK, well thanks for keeping us up to date on the project.

It could be that other company business has taken priority over this at the moment and they haven't had time to respond. Hopefully you'll get an answer either way here pretty soon. I'd hate to think these guys were just messing with you or something...

Any news??

No response on my last emails. Been busy wrapping up things at work. Tomorrow is my last day with a company I've been with for seven years. I start my new career position Monday in Environmental Protection, so I'll email them this weekend.

Second attempt with the President of Carolina shoes:




----- Original Message -----
From: Keith
To: Greg Crouchley
Cc: Luke Sessa
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2007 9:18 AM
Subject: Indiana Jones boots? Re: Carolina Husker Mid Mens Brown

Gentlemen,

Sorry to bug you again, but has there been any progress in the Indy style prototype that you emailed me about? We have some forum members that are holding off purchasing Alden boots in lieu of the boots that we discussed. Has there been any work done in creating a temporary website?
Below are the emails that cover the project,

Thank you for your time,

Keith in SoCal




************************************************************




----- Original Message -----
From: Greg Crouchley
To: Keith
Cc: Luke Sessa
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 11:20 AM
Subject: Re: Carolina Husker Mid Mens Brown

Ok, I see them. This is the '364' boot. Alden boot has a leather welt in what we call 3/4 construction with a nailed-on heel. I would change our boot to a 3/4 welt, but plastic, like the Carolina boot only in tan color, similar heel, and add some hooks to the top of the lacing. Then we can find a similar color leather, If we tweak the collar area, we should have a similar boot for MUCH less money. We will sample up a pair and see how it looks. It will not be an exact copy, but it will be close...Alden's are great footwear, I have several pair of my own.

Greg
On Feb 19, 2007, at 12:56 PM, Keith wrote:

> Greg thanks for getting back to me.
>
> Good to meet another fan of the films! There are lots of us with a passion for the trilogy and enjoy Indiana Jones as a hobby.
>
> The best way to proceed would be for me to give you links to the forums that deal with the Indian Jones gear and clothing. There are photo comparisons of your boots and the Alden model 405. There have been many discussions of the outfits and props used in the movies and I know there will be a resurgence of interest due to the up coming Indiana Jones number four being filmed.
>
> We know that Alden 405 boots were the ones used in the three original films and your Huskers were very close to that model except that they had the steel toe (which I needed for my job). Unfortunately, the Aldens run around $300.00 so there is a need for a more economical alternative. Now if your company could produce a non-steel toe clone of the 405, you would be placed in "deity" status!
>
> I will have to send you separate emails due to cross posting from competing forums.
>
> So here are the few of the links to the discussions concerning your shoes. We would love to have you become a member at the forum as and contribute to the never-ending search for "the look".
>
>
> viewtopic.php?t=20602&highlight=huskers
>
> viewtopic.php?t=20556&highlight=huskers
>
> viewtopic.php?t=18110&highlight=huskers
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Greg Crouchley
> To: zeus36
> Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 8:05 AM
> Subject: Re: Carolina Husker Mid Mens Brown
>
> Dear Zeus36,
>
> I have looked into this and am having trouble find exactly what boot this is. We have carried a 364 and an 864 both in stock and on line in the last 5-6 years here at Carolina. The number 164 has been applied to several 'interim' shoes over the years (short runs, not stocked, or made up for large retailers). Also, the 3564 mentioned below does not correspond with our factory records so it might have been a version of the shoe we imported from China.
>
> I am wondering if you could email me some pictures of your shoes. Armed with that, most of us will recognize the product by the internal numbers and be able to check if the patterns and lasts are still stored. Usually, we drop a shoe when the volume drops below 5000 pair per year, as I suspect the shoes you have did, due to their dated looks and lack of 'modern' comfort features.
>
> Regardless, if we can identify the shoes and we have the equipment, we would love to make some up specially for IJ fans. The movies are some of my all-time personal favorites also, so be certain that if we can do it, we will! We would probably post up a temporary website where fans could order for a month or so, then we would run this small batch of them through the factory all at once. For a small special project like this, we can deal directly and simply, bypassing all the time and costs associated with working through normal web or store - based retail.
>
> At some point, depending on what we find, I will direct you to Luke Sessa, our director of what we call our 'Carolina-Built For You' make-up program, so I have included him in the cc on this email.
>
> Thanks for wearing Carolina and taking the time to track us down and present this challenge to us!
>
> Sincerely,
> Greg
>
>
> Greg Crouchley, President
> Carolina Shoe Co.
> (a division of HH Brown Shoe Co.)
> 107 Highland St
> Martinsburg, PA 16662
> 814-793-3786
>
>
>
> On Jan 12, 2007, at 12:45 PM, Carolina Customer Service wrote:
>
>> Greg,
>> This Gentleman called me today to ask if there was anyway we could make these boots. It is a discontinued style and he wanted to petition for us to start making them again. Style 164 is also the same as 3564.
>>
>> From: Keith
>> Sent: Thu 1/11/2007 6:13 AM
>> To: Carolina Customer Service
>> Subject: Carolina Husker Mid Mens Brown
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I have purchased two pair of these boots from Shoeline.com, but you no longer seem to carry them. These boots are very close to the ones worn by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones movies and there are dozens of fans that are interested in these boots. There is a whole internet forum devoted to the clothing worn in the films. That is how I came to purchase from your company and you seem to be the only ones selling them.
>>
>> So I have a few questions:
>>
>> 1. Is this model still being made by Carolina?
>>
>> 2. Will they respond to multiple requests for this model boot from a fan club?
>>
>> 3. Do you plan to carry them in the future?
>>
>>
>>
>> Here is what I get from your Shoeline:
>>
>>
>>
>> "The Carolina Husker Mid Mens Brown(A164) is currently out of stock.
>>
>> Please check with cutomer service toll-free at: (877) 818-4461 or email us for availability.
>>
>> Please check out the top brands we carry on Shoeline.com"
>>
>>
>> I will post your response on the fan forum; www.Indygear.com
>>
>> Thanks for your help,
>>
>> Keith

Would it help for others to write to him and tell him how psyched we are? Maybe he could even work something out with LucasFilms and use the Indy name, or at least call it the "Adventurer" or the "Raider." This is very exciting! I don;t mind the plastic welt - lasts better in the wet and mucky NE areas. Remember, this is where the "Bean boot" was invented.
David

Wow!!! Just noticed this thread:) Here's hoping huh?

Regards
TAZ

Yeah, I was hoping this would come about as well but here we are almost to the end of April and they haven't got back with Zeus at all.

With all the new "Indy Hype" about to happen because of the new film I would think them doing something like this would generate some new customers.