Club Obi Wan

Hey guys - I think I've read some Alden reviews here before that said people would be on their feet all day and not have their feet hurt.

I would like to know how many of you guys here wear your Aldens all day and are on your feet? I spent Friday on my feet all day at work and then went to a theme park, and of course my feet hurt from standing all day, but how many hours should I be able to go before they hurt? It's mostly my heels that start to hurt and I'm wondering if they're the right size after all. I was measured by a pro and all that. It just doesn't seem right to me that my feet should hurt when I walk around for a few hours.

In Christ,
Shane

I used to wear them all day for weeks and not have my feet hurt. Though I did when switching to other shoes again. But my heels have worn out badly Iam still unsure how Iam gonna have them replaced. I might call the Alden shop in Amsterdam soon.

If you're standing on concrete all day your feet are gonna hurt no matter what. You could slip in a heel gel insole into the Aldens and mak them even more comfortable. Insoles fit well into the boot because they were made for orthotics - and you will looooove the comfort. I work in the film industry and gel insoles go a long wa with everyone because everybody is on their feet for 12-16 hours a day.

IndyMcFly wrote:I spent Friday on my feet all day at work and then went to a theme park, and of course my feet hurt from standing all day, but how many hours should I be able to go before they hurt?

Shane, that's going to be different for everyone. Age, weight, physical condition, and posture all play into that - there's probably other variables as well. Did your feet start hurting during work or after walking around the theme park? There's also the weight of the Aldens themselves that take some getting used to. Some people required a "break-in" period for their Aldens, some people can walk for miles from the get go. Since no shoe is going to eliminate the discomfort if worn all day, gel inserts are the way to go. The only time I've worn shoes all day and not have my feet hurt was wearing flip flops ... I also spent most of that day sitting in a beach chair drinking Guinness, so I guess it doesn't really count.


On the other hand, if your Aldens are 9 1/2EE I may have an idea about what to do with the shoes.

IndyMcFly wrote:Hey guys - I think I've read some Alden reviews here before that said people would be on their feet all day and not have their feet hurt.

I would like to know how many of you guys here wear your Aldens all day and are on your feet? I spent Friday on my feet all day at work and then went to a theme park, and of course my feet hurt from standing all day, but how many hours should I be able to go before they hurt? It's mostly my heels that start to hurt and I'm wondering if they're the right size after all. I was measured by a pro and all that. It just doesn't seem right to me that my feet should hurt when I walk around for a few hours.

In Christ,
Shane

Shane,

go to REI and buy a pair of 'Silver Liners' IIRC they are a slick sliver topped blue rubber bottom arch support, these are probably about $10 they supplement the fat pads of the feet, they have very little arch BUT enough to give a lot of spring in the step.

these also work well inside regular tennis shoes [those have a tiny arch cookie that is all but useless]


I bet this will take care of any standing issues you have with the Aldens.

Dan

They started to hurt during work, and then when I got home I took them off for a little before going to the park and they were fine again for a while. I'm a stagehand at a theater so I do a lot of standing around on stage and going up and down stairs and carrying things. I don't actually have foot problems (at least I don't think so), but gels would still help inside my shoe?

I've had the shoes since June - do you think they still need to be broken in?

Thanks a lot for replying, guys!

In Christ,
Shane

some of the inserts have different softness in various areas of the foot, those can be uncomfortable. the silver liners have worked well for me and several of my patients, they are inexpensive so you won't loose much and the last time I bought some they were guaranteed for the life of the shoe

Dan

My Aldens made my feet hurt until they were broken in. Made me think I had the wrong size or something. Once my feet got used to wearing them all the time (which I did), they felt great.

How long did it take them to break in? How often did you wear them?

In Christ,
Shane

IndyMcFly wrote:How long did it take them to break in? How often did you wear them?

In Christ,
Shane

Oh, about a month or two. I wore 'em every day.

in all honesty, I'm on my feet about 30 hours a week at work.. and I've never had my feet hurt just in my regular etnies. I'd think for $300 you'd feel like you were walking on air.

Most people are not going to agree with me. First off, I hate boots. I have never liked them and I never will.

I wear my Aldens when I am dressed as Indy and that is it. I have worn them enough to have them broken in. A lot of boots lace across my foot in just a spot that causes my feet to fall asleep. Aldens fit in this group. If your feet fall asleep, it is a miserable feeling. The only way to make it go away is take the shoes off until the circulation is restored.

To combat this, I wear the Aldens laced so loose that if they were any looser, they would sling off of my feet. In my opinion, the Aldens are virtually flat on the inside, providing very little in the form of arch support.

The Aldens have absolutely no padding under your feet, so the surface your foot is resting on, is as hard as the sidewalk.

They are absolutely, positively the heaviest shoe I have ever had on my feet. Walking in them is akin to having cinder blocks attached to your legs. People say that you will get used to the weight. I could take more steroids than Barry Bonds, and I would never get used to shoes that weigh that much. Modern shoes, in my opinion, should get lighter and more comfortable, not heavier and hard as a rock.

If I knew that I was going to be on my feet all day, or walking a good distance, my Aldens would be the absolute last choice of all the shoes in my closet.

I love owning my Aldens for one reason and one reason only, it is what Indy wore. Well, two reasons I guess. I think they look cool as he((. I didn't like the high price, and I guess some people are going to feel obligated to rave about them to justify the price. I am just trying to be honest. I also guess that there are some people that are different than me, and really enjoy the way they feel. People are always going to have different opinions. I already said at the beginning of this, that I expected quite a few to disagree with my opinion. It doesn't hurt to have as many opinions as possible when trying to figure something out.

So... you're saying... I shouldn't wear them...?



In Christ,
Shane

Gel inserts are for everybody and can be found at local drug stores. The folks with real foot problems get prescription orthotics - that's a different story. It really will be different for everyone. On film sets a lot of us wear gel insoles to add the comfort of being on our feet all day. They slip in and out of the shoes with ease - it may work for you - it may not - but you never know unless you try.
Nick

Buff, if they don't work for you, they don't work for you. I won't lose any sleep over that. Yes, the Alden boots are heavier than the usual boot, but that's easily explained with the steel shank that runs the length of the boot. And the flatness on the inside is likely for the sake of orthotics.

Personally, I love my Aldens. I have the Indy boots, as well as the 502 boot, which is a black, cap-toed model. I've worn Aldens all day and been fine in most situations without my feet killing me, though I agree, all day standing on concrete is going to be a challenge for any shoe. I wear orthotics in nearly every shoe I wear, and for me, I can tell a definite difference between wearing the orthotic in a regular shoe versus the Aldens. Because of the steel shank, the Aldens give my feet excellent support and balance. In my other shoes, I can tell that support is not there, even with the same orthotic, and I find my feet get wearier in the other shoes much more than in my Aldens. I'm so used to these boots that I don't notice the weight anymore, but everyone is different.

Alden makes an incredible ankle boot, but at the end of the day, it's not going to suit everybody. Some people look better in a hat with taper. Some folks will take a G&B over a Wested. Others will prefer a different boot than the Alden Indy boot. It's that simple.

Getting back to your initial question, Shane, Jess was right regarding the variables of age, weight, health, etc. They're all factors in how your feet will respond to the boots. But whenever I go to an amusement park, honestly, I wear my New Balance walking shoes. The Aldens suit me perfectly for many things, but sometimes a good pair of walking shoes/sneakers just does the trick.

Hmmm... so then let me ask something different, and see what happens.

Under what circumstances, given the above response, would you most likely choose Aldens over your other shoes? What / Where are they good for?

Thanks again, guys! Keep 'em comin'!

In Christ,
Shane

binkmeisterRick wrote:Buff, if they don't work for you, they don't work for you. I won't lose any sleep over that. Yes, the Alden boots are heavier than the usual boot, but that's easily explained with the steel shank that runs the length of the boot. And the flatness on the inside is likely for the sake of orthotics.

bink, they may be easily explained, but they still make the Aldens a pain in the ......... foot.

IndyMcFly wrote:Under what circumstances, given the above response, would you most likely choose Aldens over your other shoes? What / Where are they good for?

In Christ,
Shane

They are only good for three things that I can think of.

1. If I am trying to dress like Indiana Jones.

2. To throw at someone's head if I intend to kill them or at least cause a severe concussion with possible permanent brain damage.

3. To keep bink's body submerged in the bayou, if he tries to steal my wallet again.

IndyMcFly wrote:Hmmm... so then let me ask something different, and see what happens.

Under what circumstances, given the above response, would you most likely choose Aldens over your other shoes? What / Where are they good for?

Thanks again, guys! Keep 'em comin'!

In Christ,
Shane

It might be easier to say when I Don't wear them. If there's a heavy rain, the aldens are too slick on the metal grates I have to walk over on the way to work, or on a difficult hike. The other time I don't wear them is when they just need a bit of fresh air (usually once a week). For me, they're a solid boot that fits me better than any other shoes I own.

I try to wear mine whenever I can - they look great dressed up or down - I actually love them while horseback riding. Great with a suit, great in my gear - and I love the weight, and the feel.

I wear my Aldens more than any other shoe. Since I own two pair, I tend to circulate them to allow some breathing time for the boot. I wear my Aldens to work, when I'm dressing up for a night on the town, when I'm spending the day adventuring city streets or countryside (Buff, I wore 'em all day at Gettysburg with no problem), in rain, sun, and snow... I'll usually wear my sneakers when I'm too lazy to lace up an ankle boot.

True, the typical Alden sole doesn't afford much traction in slippery conditions, but there have been folks who resole them with Vibram soles and the like. I'll wear my sneakers or walking shoes around sports events or when dressed more casual, but apart from my good New Balance walking shoes, the others start to tire my feet because they "give in" toward the middle of the shoe after a while, whereas the Aldens are solid and don't "cave in" when I'm standing. Besides, the NB shoes are white, and I seldom like wearing plain white sneakers with most of my attire.

I was told exactly the same thing by the customer service department at the Alden factory.

Regards! Michaelson

What if you have recommended or prescribed ortho inserts? They're both supposed to handle ortotics, but I know for certain my 502's are meant for it, since it's a medical boot.

They are built into the boot by Alden, based on the prescription from your doctor, at least those styled offered by Alden using the 'Tru-Balance' system.

Regards! Michaelson

Well, that's news to me. I've never been told that before, even when I got my 502's in person through the DC Alden store! Do they charge extra for that?

Bufflehead Jones wrote: They are only good for three things that I can think of.

. . . 2. To throw at someone's head if I intend to kill them or at least cause a severe concussion with possible permanent brain damage.

Hey Buff,
I have to agree with you.
I used to wear my Aldens everywhere and ignored (/gradually got used to and mentally blocked out) the weight and discomfort - but when I started breaking in my Carolina boots six months ago, I realized how much more comfortable they are than my Aldens. Plus, they have ridged (not flat like Aldens) soles for better traction. I wear my Carolina boots everywhere now and only rarely wear the Aldens. I still appreciate the Aldens look (Indy aura) and quality (these boots will last forever), but for day-to-day walking comfort ... I prefer my $20 Carolinas.

My bad -
from what I understood, the off the shelf Alden boot is designed to take prescription orthotics. If you haven't special ordered the boot, a gel insole (which is not an orthotic) does no harm to the boot or to your feet. This was a few years ago that I had this information. Well, good to know now I suppose.

_ wrote: I had mine sized at the old Alden shop in San Francisco...

I was just at the Alden shop in San Francisco, Jim took a look at the fit of the boots and said "they're the right size, but they need to be broken in. If you want to avoid the discomfort that might occur during that, we can do it for you and send them out to you next week".

Nice!!

(they were a little tight by my little toes, but he said I am not an E, but a D, they just need to be broken in)

PS he said they look great with Peccards on and that they use it too.

_ wrote:Fell for the old "we'll break them in for you" line, eh?

That's the second time I've fallen for that this month!

I can see Jim running around SF in your boots for a week...

Yes, in my size 14 boots....

Seriously, I've heard they do this as well, though I really never asked how...

I wondered the same thing myself. Maybe some "articulated and motorized stretcher"?

Jim is a nice fellow. I've exchanged several email with him recently. He just might do that!

Regards! Michaelson

Hey Spooky,

Good to see you put your two cents worth in around here again.

Sorry we didn't get to hook up on this last trip out east. I hope they send you out again soon. Hopefully, you will have a little easier schedule.
Just let Greg and I know when you'll be in the neighborhood. We'll keep the light on for 'ya.

I sound like a Motel 6 commercial.

Speaking of which, where have YOU been hiding out, Buff?

Regards! Michaelson

Nowhere. I thought that I was givin' you guys plenty of opportunities to not laugh at my jokes.

Ah....well, ok...

Regards! Michaelson

I've had my Aldens for about three weeks now (paid $199 - new!, but that's another story...) and I've been wearing them to work every day. I also walk about two miles every day at lunch time. I never felt like I've been breaking them in- they were great from the first moment I put them on.

I was skeptical about the comfort before I bought these, I figured that people were just trying to justify an expensive purchase when they said "these are great!". I was happy to find that the boots really are comfortable. The leather uppers are really soft and nicely padded. The downside is the weight. These are the heaviest boots I own, including any of my hiking boots. It makes for good training though- when you wear your running shoes you feel strong!

Shane- I would guess, like others have stated, that the discomfort you're experiencing is due to the minimum of padding under the foot, especially the heel. I don't think there is anything wrong with you're boots, they just may not be designed as soft as you would like. I've had good luck with other boots using a thin insert to add a little cushion. If the insert is too thick, your foot will move around too much.

By the way, I wouldn't have come anywhere near these expensive boots if not for Indy gear. But now that I have them, I plan on wearing them alot. They look nice for work, and somehow make everything seem more adventurous!

Tom

199!!!! Ok - what's the scoop? That is an awesome price my friend.

Good review, Tom - thanks! And yeah, they do sorta make everything into an adventure, huh? Don't you expect to look down and see that you're actually spelling Iehova on the ground?

Maybe I can find a really thin insert for them - I'll have to look around.

Thanks again!

In Christ,
Shane

i've been wearing my aldens all day today so far, last time i wore a pair of nikes this long my feet were KILLING me. but then again i'm more use to wearing boots.

When I first got my Alden's...which was about 6 years ago, they were murder on my feet. The more I wore them the better they got. I have the same pair to this day and I wear them constantly with no inserts and no pain. Just got to break them in good.

The insoles of the Aldens will create pressure points in areas you may not be use to. It could be your foot is just not acclimated to a quality shoe with correct fit and support. I have noticed this for other shoes. Sometimes if you just wear them awhile your foot gets use to them (e.g. ligaments, muscles stretch appropriately).

I was intrigued however about different Alden insoles. Do they vary?

ANZAC_1915 wrote:

_ wrote: I had mine sized at the old Alden shop in San Francisco...

I was just at the Alden shop in San Francisco, Jim took a look at the fit of the boots and said "they're the right size, but they need to be broken in. If you want to avoid the discomfort that might occur during that, we can do it for you and send them out to you next week".

Just got the shoes back, WOW, nice and comfy now, although really it feels like only a small change (which was all that was needed).

Again, HUGE kudos to Jim and the Alden Shop in San Fran, a class act all the way.

Did a ten mile hike in my Aldens yesterday. My feet were fine- or at least as good as they would have been in walking boots...

ANZAC_1915 wrote:

ANZAC_1915 wrote:

_ wrote: I had mine sized at the old Alden shop in San Francisco...

I was just at the Alden shop in San Francisco, Jim took a look at the fit of the boots and said "they're the right size, but they need to be broken in. If you want to avoid the discomfort that might occur during that, we can do it for you and send them out to you next week".

Just got the shoes back, WOW, nice and comfy now, although really it feels like only a small change (which was all that was needed).

Again, HUGE kudos to Jim and the Alden Shop in San Fran, a class act all the way.

Did Jim tell you what they did to them to get them to work for you now?

I'm pleased to hear you're in the 'zone' now with your 405's!

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson wrote: Did Jim tell you what they did to them to get them to work for you now?

I'm pleased to hear you're in the 'zone' now with your 405's!

Regards! Michaelson

He did not. I was not curious enough to ask, I want to keep the mystique there.

Other than the thought of Jim walking around San Francisco in oversized shoes, I assume they have some way of working them around. I assume Peccarding them also helped the leather be flexible. It is interesting, they don't feel bigger, just that they now have a little give in the areas where they were pressing (because the leather was stiff).

They have tools that can be inserted into shoes that will stretch specific areas of a boot that gives the owner problems.

I bet that's what they used.

Anyway, glad to hear you're enjoying them again!

HIGH regards! Michaelson