Todds Boots, Aldens Compare Shots-

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:33 pm

I thought I'd start a new quick thread for these pics. I got my Todds boots today and wanted to post a quick comparison. I'll post pics now, and review here in a bit (busy at the moment)

Todds left, Aldens right-

[img][img]http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/1630/toddsbootsebaypantsbootbb3.th.jpg[/img][/img] Todds top, Aldens bottom- [img][url= ... .jpg[/img][/img][/url]

Side shot-Todds right, Aldens left

[img][img]http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/4199/toddsbootsebaypantsbooteg5.th.jpg[/img][/img] Interior- [img][url=http://img366.im ... .jpg[/img][/img][/url]

Todds closeup, Alden behind. You can kind of see the height difference-

[img][img]http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/9581/toddsbootsebaypantsbootqm0.th.jpg[/img][/img] Top. Aldens left, Todds right- Aldens ... .jpg[/img][/img][/url]

Details to follow!!

TR

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:36 pm

the colour is closer than what i've imagined.....hmmmmmmm

whipitgood · Post by **whipitgood** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:42 pm

Very nice likeness. I'm still glad I bought my Alden's, but I wouldn't mind having a pair of these. You can't beat that price.

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:49 pm

Only one question remains. How can I beat up my Rockports so badly and so quickly that I have an excuse to buy these?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:52 pm

that's easy.....go smear some peanut butter on them and find the closest dog....

i've done that so many times, my wife just lets me buy new boots......

Gobler · Post by **Gobler** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:27 pm

Yeah, I just received the corrected size Coyle's boots today.. much better fit. Since Todd does not currently carry 1/2 sizes I went for a "10" which is an 8. They are about an 1/8 bigger in the toe but I'm not complaining.. My Aldens were starting to get a little tight. (feet continue to grow a little in adulthood) They feel well constructed, and are very comfortable out of the box.

Thank you Todd for a good Indy boot at an affordable price.

Cheers,
Jeff

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:46 pm

Alrighty, I'm back. Praise goes to Todd, definately, for bringing these boots to the table! They are a great affordable alternative to Aldens!

First the size issue. Obviously Todd is working this out, but for now, these were an 8, I wear a 7 in boots, and my Aldens are a 7. You can see the size difference, these were too small. I'd need a 9. I am sending these back and waiting for the next batch, myself. If you want a pair, just talk to Todd and crew, they'll hook you up with the right size.

Leather- The leather on this batch is buttery soft! It's almost like a glove leather and is extremely comfortable for a shoe, albeit the durability factor, IMO, just wouldn't be there in this boot. Todd informed me that the next set will be a more durable,slightly heavier leather, which should be just right. The color is fantastic. Just slightly browner than the Aldens 'brick' color, so it will make the 'darker brown boot crowd' happy, while still being great for Alden fans. The interior seems to be a similar material, canvas like, as the Aldens.

Sole- These are a great duplicate of the Aldens, the heel is pretty much identical as seen in pics, and they really feel the same, except a little more 'giving' than the Aldens,as they are of different materials and I suspect have no metal support as the Aldens do.

Construction- This is where the lower cost of the boot shows the most, and gives them more of a 'costume shoe' feel than the Aldens. One major issue that I mentioned to Todd is the hook loops for the shoe strings. IMO, they will most certainly pull out of the leather rather quickly under daily use, let alone abusive hiking or similar. As I was trying on the shoe, one started spinning on me. It appears that they are only anchored by the upper leather itself. The moc toe and all the stitching is fine and is on par with any normal shoe, shouldn't be an issue at all. One other thing you can notice is the height of the boot. They are slightly shorter than Aldens. No big deal. Some may like it, some may not, or you may not even notice it. Once on, you really can't tell. A very minor cosmetic difference.

The general fit of the shoe is quite tight, and I would compare it to an 80's fit Wested as opposed to the roomy fit ;-) I could really notice it when they are on, as they didn't come close to 'closing' around my foot like a shoe should. In their current form, they are definately for a narrow foot! Wide feet look out! I'd speak with Todd to see what he recommends for wider feet. They bulged on my feet like I was wearing my little sisters jeans! ;-) Although too small, the toe only needed another 1/8- 1/4 inch and it would have been fine. The heel cup is GREAT! I've found this part of a boot can make or break comfort. The J.Crew deckers had issues with heel cups, but these are great,,add to that the soft leather and the result is very comfy. The weight is less than the Aldens. Support is probably slightly less as the leather is thinner. This may change with the new version. But let me say again, although these didn't quite fit, I can tell the comfort is REALLY good as far as no break in period and softness of the boot itself! I can't wait for the new ones in my size! I'd also like room enough for an insole, as usual, since these are flat bottomed like the Aldens.

All in all, a GREAT deal! An answer to everyones boot woes when it comes to an Indy boot! Right price, great look, and just fits the bill all around!

Hope this helps! I'll have the boots till Saturday when I get to the post office to return them. If there is a pic you want of them, let me know, and I'll do my best to display what you want to see!

TR

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 11:35 pm

My review in the other thread was very similar. I have mentioned several times how I feel the hooks will be a big problem with these. I'd rather have them less accurate and just have eyeholes.

Nice that the next ones will have heavier leather, but that doesn't do those who already have them any good!

I do find myself enjoying this style of shoe after wearing these, so maybe the real things aren't such a bad buy. I'd say the Todd's are a good deal, not a great one. If he can address a couple of construction issues (the insides of the shoe are where you notice this) then it will be a great deal.

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 4:35 am

Thanks Texas! ;-)

Carolina Tom · Post by **Carolina Tom** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:42 am

The piece going around the top of the sole where the stitching is looks like pastic. Is this plastic or leather? Alden's soles are stitched on. This piece looks like it may be just for show and the body of the boot is glued on. Notice how the Aldens aren't stitched all the way round while the Coyles are. This is not a problem for me as long as that piece is leather and not plastic. To me, plastic would make it much less durable and prone to wearing out a whole lot quicker. Still a great buy and a great looking boot for the money. -Tom

Soup · Post by **Soup** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:18 am

Thanks for the comparison, Texas Raider. I hope the next pair you receive fits, good to hear Todd's boot is well constructed for the price. I don't have Aldens and wondered how they compared. The Todds have stretched for me after about 2 weeks of wear, I try and wear mine as much as possible, really comfortable for me. My wife even likes how they look, so future replacements won't be a problem.

I like the Aldens, just difficult to spend the extra for them.

Regards,

Soup

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:52 pm

Carolina Tom wrote:The piece going around the top of the sole where the stitching is looks like pastic. Is this plastic or leather? Alden's soles are stitched on. This piece looks like it may be just for show and the body of the boot is glued on. Notice how the Aldens aren't stitched all the way round while the Coyles are. This is not a problem for me as long as that piece is leather and not plastic. To me, plastic would make it much less durable and prone to wearing out a whole lot quicker. Still a great buy and a great looking boot for the money. -Tom

Tom, that piece is the 'welt'. Yes, it is a plastic material on Todds boot,leather on the Aldens. It's still thick and appears durable, I don't think it will be an issue at all. I can't say for sure if it glued or not. That welt is sewn on, I'd assume that the body is sewn on, similar to Aldens, but I'm not certain.