Aldens given me the boot?

[Ken]

Ok I got some money over Christmas and have been saving up to get some Aldens. I sent them an e-mail asking them some questions but didn't get an answer so I wrote them a letter asking them to either e-mail or write back and got no answer. I am guessing there is some communication problem somewhere.

So it looks like I have no choice but to phone them. So would any gear head out there be able to explain to me how I work out their phone number phoning from Scotland in the UK? And if I do overcome the technology barrier and get through do I ask for Allen White specifically or are they too busy for that and would it be rude. Could they answer my questions on the phone?

Thanks

Ken

[agent5]

I think in previous posts it mentions that for an extra charge you can get them dyed to match the original brown color. I certainly would have done that had I'd known. Just a thought. And yes, they should be able to answer any questions over the phone. I've gotten marvelous service from them. Good luck.

[whipwarrior]

Glad to help out. The complete international phone number to call from anywhere in the UK to Alden in San Francisco is as follows:

00 1 415 421 6691

[geordie jones]

Ken, I'm surprised they have not got to you they are normally pretty good or they were when I ordered mine.
Try emailing allen white his email address is allen@aldenshop.com he usually answers within a day or so.

Hope you have better luck with this.

[Ken]

Well guys thanks for the help. I phoned them the other day and ordered my first ever pair of Aldens. The guy on the phone was very helpful and my only concern is that they got the sizing right. He even said he would throw in a spare pair of laces.

All being well I should have them within a week. Who knows - they might arrive just in time for the London summit.
BTW, Geordie, have you booked your train yet? I got my bus ticket yesterday - £35 return from Dundee to London, however the journey takes 12 hours!

Ken

[geordie jones]

For myself sizing worked out the same as any UK size. I know that some people say order a half or full size smaller, but I ordered the same as I would do In the UK and they fit like no other boot or shoe I have ever worn.
So comfortable its unbelievable. When you get them you will be knocked out because of how heavy the boots are and how comfortable they feel.

The only drawback was the additional import duty you need to pay. Mine was something like an additional £27.00

[Ken]

Uh-oh. How do you get charged for that?

[geordie jones]

It was charged by the courier, but they are instructed to collect it on behalf of customs and excise. They will not release the goods until it is paid.

Good old british import duty.

[Ken]

Marvellous... well its a small price to pay.

[Indiana Joe]

I think in previous posts it mentions that for an extra charge you can get them dyed to match the original brown color. I certainly would have done that had I'd known.

Yes, that is correct. It is a $75 charge.

I.J.

[Ken]

Oh I am not too bothered about the colour. I am sure with the amount of natural distressing I will put them through in the mountains and general travel, holidays, etc the colour will be pretty irrelevant.

Ken

[Indiana Joe]

I am sure with the amount of natural distressing I will put them through in the mountains and general travel, holidays, etc the colour will be pretty irrelevant.

I agree, Ken. University of Michaelson all the way. I must say, however, that I prefer Indy gear that will distress. For example, the seal chrome goat from FS will look brand new 10 years from now (IMHO) and that is fine if you want your gear to continue to have that new, clean look about it. I am hoping that the new authentic-colored goatskin will distress.

Many happy adventures, sir!

I.J.

[Ken]

And to you. As a school of Michaelson undergraduate myself I must admit that I have also attended a few classes of MK, at least as far as my Wested is concerned as there is just no way I can get that things to look used (and believe me I tried) naturally. However I much prefer natural distressing as each mark, scratch or abrasions has some kind of story about it and represents some kind of experience.

Take care

Ken

[Ken]

Well my Aldens arrived within less than a week. Very impressive. And they are absolute perfection in terms of fitting and all I did was order half a size down. And I can understand now why everyone raves about them - straight out of the box and they are already the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I am sure I will get a lifetime out of these shoes.

Ken

[geordie jones]

So I take it your going to wear them down London?

[Ken]

Of course! The colour still needs to be seen to but I am not too worried at the moment! you wearing yours as well?

Ken

[Indiana Joe]

Of course! The colour still needs to be seen.....

Indy Ken,

Did you get the pumpkin or special order the brown?

Indy Joe

[Ken]

Well yeah I guess its the standard pumpkin or brick red. I am currently researching a way of changing them and have it on the authority of Michaelson the best way is to coat them with the new brown pecards. so I will try that.

All the best

Ken

[geordie jones]

Yeah , Ill be wearing mine. I got the brick red. Mine seem to be getting a little darke with wear and the application of the leather presrve I use on my jacket from time to time.

[Indiana Jess]

... the authority of Michaelson the best way is to coat them with the new brown pecards. so I will try that.

I did that with my Aldens and it darkened them fairly well, I'd leave the Pecards on a couple of day in a warm room to let it really soak into the shoes. Happy wearing!! The next time I'm visiting family in Sligo we'll have to compare Aldens.