Club Obi Wan

Has anyone bought Alden 405's recently? What is the color? Are they pumpkin orange or a reddish brown? There was some talk earlier about Alden switching leather suppliers and I was curious. Thanks.

I just baught a pair of Aldens last Friday, mine are reddish brown wooo hooo!! Thank Goodness for that. Breaking in quite nicely too.




Regards, Dan

I recently picked up a pair. The overall construction of the boot is excellent. The level of comfort is wonderful. They are reddish brown. My only concern is the durability of the leather.

I am not convinced the leather, not the overall construction of the boot, in my aldens can take much if any real punishment. To use them for business or social functions no problem. But getting off the trail so to speak worries me. I don't buy my Indy gear to wear to church. I really take my stuff exploring whenever I go out camping, day hiking etc...

I have not taken my aldens. I am simply not convinced they can take it. The price tag plus lack of confidence in the leather is why I am so cautious.

If anyone has something to add to this pro or con, please let us know. Thanks

Well, they're a very handsome shoe. Very nice. I replaced my Wolverines with the 405 when my prior boots started to fail. Needed new boots and wanted some Indy's, so it's the whole two birds thing.

I, too, question to some extent the durability. Wearability and comfort are good, but durability... time will tell. Given my work is in a woodworking shop, they aren't subject to jagged rocks, streams, desert air, or anything else that's hard on shoes, but they will see (have seen some) their share of scuffs and scrapes, and hopefully no punctures. I have read the posts about how often to resole, and in my month or two wearing of the boot, I may have to agree with the re-solers. The neoprene sole and rubber heel seem pretty soft. I am sure this adds to the comfort of the shoe. It is, after all, orthopedic footwear. I might question the stitching through the sole. Is the shoe going to fall apart when this bottom stitching wears through? Some of mine is gone. I can't tell how functional it is though. Perhaps it was used to construct the shoe and hold it together while any glue sets. Not sure as I'm not a cobbler.

I'm glad I have them. Lots of folks here have had them for years. If you haven't already, read the thread here about re-soling Aldens. Some have done it very quickly after initially wearing them. Others have had only the heel replaced over the years.

I bid you all a grand weekend.

Cab

The boots can take the punishment and then some. I have a pair that are totally trashed in looks and they are still functional. Unless you are going to drag your feet while hiking, you shouldn't have any problems. I've gone on many mini-adventures and the boot have held up better than anything I've had previously. From rain to snow to arid, rough hiking terrain, no problem!

If I were you I would seriously try to find the model that predates the newest one. I am finding out more and more that the NEWEST Alden offering isnt as tough as the old. The leather is thinner and more flexible, which does make it more comfortable, but less durable. I have had my orangish ALdens (these predate the newest) and never had any problem, they are heavier by far. However on the newest pair, I have already peeled back the outer skin layer in 3 different spots. Not to say they arent the same old boots, just not as tought In my opinion.

I J

James, when you say predate the current ones, do you mean the direct prior offerings or like way back (1980s-1990s)?
I have a pair I got from Fritz that he said was an old model (1980s I think). Indiana Ken or Josh can confirm this.

Hey ITG! No, when I say predate the current ones, I mean the pumpkin colored boots, and the newest offering being the reddish brown Aldens. In response again to LJHOOD, as I reported earlier, Alden has switched leathers as of a few months ago. The newest being the thinner, lighter weight, (by about 2 lbs), Aldens. Here is a pic of my newest Aldens that have ALREADY taken on some tears to the leather after only a few months of casual wear:
Its the top layer of leather, it has peeled off a bit in several spots.... So if possible I would highly recommend getting an orangy pair if possible (and use pecards brown weatherproofing)instead of the newest ones. Just my opinion!! Although I do like the new ones, because they were comfortable right out of the box, no break in at all.... Sorry the pics arent the best, but you get the idea!!

I J