Club Obi Wan

I was in the San Francisco Alden's store on Thursday, and I spoke to the salesman about the 405s. He pulled up some images on the computer showing me that there will be 405s available that are in a darker brown color, with a leather lining around the top, but will continue to have the flat soles.

He told me that they will cost $398, and he is not really actively advertising them but is willing to get them for those who are interested.

I was showed the following image on the left:


Does anyone have more info on these or is anyone planning on buying any?

Try these...
Alden 403s
403s showing up

That would explain why I couldn't find it. I wasn't looking for 403.

Mods, please feel free to lock the thread.

No worries, couldn't resist one more:
This picture looks familiar...

That's where I got the picture from.

I just got off the phone with a fella at the SF shop. They have had my name written down for a pair in my size for a couple of months now, so he said that mine could come in before they got a large stock for the general public later this month. He already has a few in stock in specific sizes for guys like me who called ahead to get them. And he said the price (of the 403's anyway) are $378, not $398.

So, any day now, probably sometime this month, I'll heading across the bay to pick up my new boots! I'll post pics when I do!

DHW

DarenHenryW wrote:I just got off the phone with a fella at the SF shop. They have had my name written down for a pair in my size for a couple of months now, so he said that mine could come in before they got a large stock for the general public later this month. He already has a few in stock in specific sizes for guys like me who called ahead to get them. And he said the price (of the 403's anyway) are $378, not $398.

So, any day now, probably sometime this month, I'll heading across the bay to pick up my new boots! I'll post pics when I do!

DHW

Thanks for the correction! I was pushing around an 11 month old at the time, so my thoughts were scattered!

maboot38 wrote:I was in the San Francisco Alden's store on Thursday, and I spoke to the salesman about the 405s. He pulled up some images on the computer showing me that there will be 405s available that are in a darker brown color, with a leather lining around the top, but will continue to have the flat soles.

He told me that they will cost $398, and he is not really actively advertising them but is willing to get them for those who are interested.

I was showed the following image on the left:


Does anyone have more info on these or is anyone planning on buying any?

Just paid over the phone for my 403's (the darker boot on the LEFT). They were $378 plus tax, no shipping. I was planning on picking them up, but the salesman offered to ship them for free, so I didn't argue. I've been to their shop and bought a previous pair in the lighter shade, so I don't feel that I need to be fitted. I dig the shoes, so that's why I'm getting another. Plus, the newer 403's look a lot more "Raiders" with the darker color

By the way, I had called a few months ago, and then again last month to put my name a list for a pair in my size. I would recommend doing that. They called me today to let me know they were in.

I don't know if you can get free shipping if you live far out of the area, but its worth calling them and asking. I'm only 30 minutes outside of SF.

I will post pics next to my year and half old pair for a comparison next week!

DHW

GOT MY NEW ALDENS!!!!











So, here they are in all their glory: The new 403's! As far as I'm concerned, they ARE 405's, just with a darker color, which as we all know looks a LOT more Raiders! Woo-hoo!

To be honest, they are so nice, I don't even wanna wear 'em. Yes, eventually I will wear the heck out of them, and they'll be broken just like my other pair. But I figure, as long as I have two pairs there's no hurry!

I'm just gonna give myself a nice loooong time to enjoy them!

A happy customer,
Daren Henry W

DarenHenryW wrote:GOT MY NEW ALDENS!!!!

So, here they are in all their glory: The new 403's! As far as I'm concerned, they ARE 405's, just with a darker color, which as we all know looks a LOT more Raiders! Woo-hoo!

To be honest, they are so nice, I don't even wanna wear 'em. Yes, eventually I will wear the heck out of them, and they'll be broken just like my other pair. But I figure, as long as I have two pairs there's no hurry!

I'm just gonna give myself a nice loooong time to enjoy them!

A happy customer,
Daren Henry W

Those are beautiful boots! the color is so rich.

When it came to boots off the rack, I always had to go with 9-1/2D to 10D because my foot is very wide, high instep and very short toes making for a lot of room in front and snug on the sides.
I comfortably wear an 8-1/2 EEE dress shoe. What size boot would you say is correct? I've heard the fit is a bit different. This time around I want a nice boot that is made to fit me and not just a compromise. Thanks

DarenhenryW

I like your new boots! I think I am going to have to get theses boots now. About how long did you wait to get your boots?

Indyzane

Darren,
Congrats, my friend! They look great! Can't wait to get mine!

Kyle

When it came to boots off the rack, I always had to go with 9-1/2D to 10D because my foot is very wide, high instep and very short toes making for a lot of room in front and snug on the sides.
I comfortably wear an 8-1/2 EEE dress shoe. What size boot would you say is correct? I've heard the fit is a bit different. This time around I want a nice boot that is made to fit me and not just a compromise. Thanks

I would suggest going to a good quality men's shoe store and having your feet measured. There is a big difference in width from a D to an EEE. Each shoe maker uses different lasts (the forms used to shape a shoe during manufacturing), so it's best if you can go to an Alden dealer, get measured and try something on that was made on the same last as the boot you're after. Alden uses the Truebalance last for the Indy boot. I've had better measurements at an Allen-Edmonds store than I got at my Phoenix Alden retailer, so you might want to check one out if there is one near you.

Darren, why did you post those photos? To make those of us who are saving up for Aldens foam at the mouth?!

Congrats, they look excellent!

Randy

theinterchange wrote:Darren, why did you post those photos? To make those of us who are saving up for Aldens foam at the mouth?!

Thinkin' the same thing over here, Randy!


Daren, those are just gorgeous! (Especially that color! Wow!)


I hope you were these in good health always my friend!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but these are pretty much what we've been looking for all along, right? I mean, that's why Magnoli and Todd made their boots was because there wasn't a perfect Indy boot before.

Isn't this IT for the Indy Boot?

Absolutely GORGEOUS. Thanks for posting pics. Can't wait to get mine.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but these are pretty much what we've been looking for all along, right? I mean, that's why Magnoli and Todd made their boots was because there wasn't a perfect Indy boot before.

I believe that AdventureBilt Deluxe has the "perfect" Indy boot and they had it before Alden came out with these new models.

Indiana MarkVII wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but these are pretty much what we've been looking for all along, right? I mean, that's why Magnoli and Todd made their boots was because there wasn't a perfect Indy boot before.

I believe that AdventureBilt Deluxe has the "perfect" Indy boot and they had it before Alden came out with these new models.

At the UBER-RIDICULOUS price of $618, I have disqualified the Adeventurebilts on principle. How can they be nearly double the price of the Alden's that are sold by Alden? Do they do your laundry for you when you aren't wearing them or something?

maboot38 wrote:At the UBER-RIDICULOUS price of $618, I have disqualified the Adeventurebilts on principle. How can they be nearly double the price of the Alden's that are sold by Alden? Do they do your laundry for you when you aren't wearing them or something?

Remember, Alden sets the price for the boots for their vendors. So because the price of the 405 in Germany is 450 Euro, thats the price Marc HAS to sell his boots at in order to sell Alden products. He has no control over that. These are Marc's specs he came up with with his Alden rep. In order to save on the $ and sell this same boot state side, you would have to find another Alden rep here, that Marc trusts enough, to share the specs and sell them here. Then the price would more reflect was it is here in North America.

Daren, nice boots! The chromexcel leather is super nice. I'm getting a pair of Alden boots from Context Clothing made in the same leather (not an Indy boot). This leather apparently breaks in extremely well and gives a great patina to the boot.

TheExit148 wrote:

maboot38 wrote:At the UBER-RIDICULOUS price of $618, I have disqualified the Adeventurebilts on principle. How can they be nearly double the price of the Alden's that are sold by Alden? Do they do your laundry for you when you aren't wearing them or something?

Remember, Alden sets the price for the boots for their vendors. So because the price of the 405 in Germany is 450 Euro, thats the price Marc HAS to sell his boots at in order to sell Alden products. He has no control over that. These are Marc's specs he came up with with his Alden rep. In order to save on the $ and sell this same boot state side, you would have to find another Alden rep here, that Marc trusts enough, to share the specs and sell them here. Then the price would more reflect was it is here in North America.

Thanks, that's the kind of explanation I was looking for. So you're saying that the boots aren't THAT much better, just almost double the price due to currency exchange and international market reasons. Bummer. Too bad Marc has to do that, but I know he's gotta play by the rules.

Exactly . It is a bummer for us here and for Marc with his pricing.
Marc's boots are different leather all together, the leather is treated different then the modern ones, it has a different welt colour, leather lined tongue, and other small improvements that aren't seen on the current models. Thats what I've been told, and read here on COW as well.

TheExit148 wrote:Exactly . It is a bummer for us here and for Marc with his pricing.
Marc's boots are different leather all together, the leather is treated different then the modern ones, it has a different welt colour, leather lined tongue, and other small improvements that aren't seen on the current models. Thats what I've been told, and read here on COW as well.

The leather lining is apparently one of the improvements to the 403, but I can't vouch for the difference in leather quality/color. Anyway, I'm glad Alden offers this improved boot because it is nice middle ground for me. It is a better color than my 405s, but doesn't cost what Marc has to charge.

I don't think that the color is the same as the AB Aldens. Plus, as mentioned, the AB boots are of a slightly different design than the current Aldens and some of the materials used to make them are also different than the current Aldens. Some people will be very happy with the new colored Aldens and I'm sure many long searches will be over for many members. My search stopped with the AB boots. IMO, they are the closest you can get next to a vintage pair.

agent5 wrote:I don't think that the color is the same as the AB Aldens. Plus, as mentioned, the AB boots are of a slightly different design than the current Aldens and some of the materials used to make them are also different than the current Aldens. Some people will be very happy with the new colored Aldens and I'm sure many long searches will be over for many members. My search stopped with the AB boots. IMO, they are the closest you can get next to a vintage pair.

Oh hey, I'm sure they are absolutely fantastic. Not saying they aren't. As you say though, this might be then end of the search for many guys. Then again, knowing how we are, we'll all probably want both!

maboot38 wrote:

agent5 wrote:I don't think that the color is the same as the AB Aldens. Plus, as mentioned, the AB boots are of a slightly different design than the current Aldens and some of the materials used to make them are also different than the current Aldens. Some people will be very happy with the new colored Aldens and I'm sure many long searches will be over for many members. My search stopped with the AB boots. IMO, they are the closest you can get next to a vintage pair.

Oh hey, I'm sure they are absolutely fantastic. Not saying they aren't. As you say though, this might be then end of the search for many guys. Then again, knowing how we are, we'll all probably want both!

Now that I have these, I doubt I will want both these and the AB's, but it's possible that I may one day spring for the 404's! Having another pair in a dark color with the lug soles may be really awesome. In the meantime I also recently bought a pair of "close enough" boots: Rockport makes a 6' Ankle boot that is pretty nice looking, sort of like Indy's boots, with a rubber sole for better traction and comfort.

But maybe in another year, I'll step up to the 404's! And with these three pairs of boots in my aresenal, the 403, 404 and 405, I will RULE CLUB OBI WAN!!!!! Mw-hah hah hah!


Oh yeah, and I'll rule the world too, but that won't be as satisfying.

DHW

I'll still have these:

403, 404 and 405, I will RULE CLUB OBI WAN!!!!! Mw-hah hah hah!

I thought that with two pair of the older 405s, two pair of ABD Raiders Aldens, and one pair of the AF64, I was pretty much ahead. I'm not feeling the need to get any new 403, 404, or 405's at this time, as I figure I'm pretty well set for Indy boots. If I had unlimited funds, then the new boots would be right at home in my closet.

But kudos for the new boots. Finally Alden is coming around to please the true Indy fan base.

For those without a wide foot, J Crew has an Indy boot made by Alden for $398. The Alden shop in S.F. as reported has the new dark brown available but not in wide widths. I had the manager place an order months ago when I found out about the new color and they are making a pair in my size, 11 1/2 EEE, that I found out today will be ready in 2 weeks. Fortunately, I get mine at the old price of $344.

Indiana MarkVII wrote:

403, 404 and 405, I will RULE CLUB OBI WAN!!!!! Mw-hah hah hah!

I thought that with two pair of the older 405s, two pair of ABD Raiders Aldens, and one pair of the AF64, I was pretty much ahead. I'm not feeling the need to get any new 403, 404, or 405's at this time, as I figure I'm pretty well set for Indy boots. If I had unlimited funds, then the new boots would be right at home in my closet.

But kudos for the new boots. Finally Alden is coming around to please the true Indy fan base.

I worry about anyone who owns 5 pairs of Aldens and then says "If I had unlimited funds....."

I called the SanFran store to order my 403 Indy boot. I have a pair of 405's I purchased from the DC store last year so all my info was on file. I was told that EE widths have to be custom ordered and it would take 4 months. About an hour later I got an email that they had my exact size in stock. Apparently someone at that store ordered the wrong size for a customer and they were just sitting at the store. I should have them Friday.

That's what I call good fortune!

TheExit148 wrote:Exactly . It is a bummer for us here and for Marc with his pricing.
Marc's boots are different leather all together, the leather is treated different then the modern ones, it has a different welt colour, leather lined tongue, and other small improvements that aren't seen on the current models. Thats what I've been told, and read here on COW as well.

Actually, the AB 405's are different from MODERN ALDENS. Aldens still had records of leather, color, thread, etc. used back then, so Marc had the boots made to EXACT SPECS. They are as close as any of us are going to get to a vintage style Aldens from that period without finding some lost backstock in a storeroom.

Got the new boots as advertised Friday. I love these more than the 405 model. The leather upper on the interior of the boot makes them more comfortable when compared to the cloth lining uppers in the 405 model. I'm very happy with the new purchase.

Do the new chromex leather boots have a lot of red in them, or is it just the lighting in the pics?

I've been looking at the 403's for awhile now and i just have to ask, are they worth it? Yes, I'm a fan, probably more so than average, like most of us here but, are they worth it? $425 for a pair of boots.

My Mom flipped out when I was a freshman in high school for $125 for a pair of Jordans. Before that it was $50 for a pair of Reebok high tops... This was the eighties but $425 guys.... man, it's a lot for me to consider for a pair of boots (which I wear a pair everyday, anyways).

I do have planters' heal and I hear they're great for that but would someone "sell" me the boot? Tell me how great they are? Or be honest and say they're over-rated?

-E

I actually have the JCrew version - which are also leather lined. I have to admit I enjoy wearing them much more than my real aldens. The lining feels much better on my feet. I have become a bit of a foot wimp since my accident and have not found a more comfortable shoe -- I think the 403 is almost the same as the JCrew version. Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks Nick, I appreciate the honesty.

Anyone else?


Bueller?


Bueller?

Anyone.... Anyone?

I'm interested in someone's take as well...are they great for everyday use?

Also, I've read that Alden's run large, but I've heard conflicting reports on how large...I've read recommendations on ordering a half-size smaller and a whole-size. I wear a 12, generally, so an 11 1/2? Or an 11? Can anyone offer an opinion on sizes based on actually owning a pair? And if this has already been covered in another thread (or even this one!), please forgive me, I'm still relatively new around here.

Thanks!

-Mark

I ordered the exact size as my my 405's and they fit perfect. I was fitted for the first pair in the DC Alden shop by a salesman who took the time having me try on 3 different pairs. Are they comfortable? I love them. They are truly an orthopedic shoe with lots of support. They are very sturdy, and they do take some breaking in. Now that I have the two pairs, I wear them constantly. Well, maybe not with shorts, but I do admit to being tempted to wearing them with cargo shorts. What I like about the boot style is they look great with khaki pants, or jeans. Not to "clunky" like a traditional work boot.

As far as the color, I'd say they are more brown tine than red. Maybe the pictures show a red-ish tint, but in person, to my eye, they look a rich brown. Either the San Fran or DC shop can order them for you. The price I just paid is $378, plus $8 shipping (UPS). Are they worth it? I think so. When I purchased the first pair I was so excited to be buying my first really expensive pair of shoes. I had saved money here and there, putting enough aside. Feeling good about such a big purchase was rapidly deflated by the guy ahead of me at the register. His 3 pairs of various Alden shoes totaled $1300 and change! It's all a matter of perspective I though to myself.

I think I'll just go with a 12 then, my true size! Selling some stuff on eBay, saving up some scratch to buy these beauties...

I appreciate it guys, thanks!

Please explain to me the difference between 402's, 403's, 404's, 405's, etc...
my new brown 405 arrive in two days and I don't understand how all of these shoes vary.

Well, I saved up and just put in an order for the 403s, in the Brown Chrome Excel, size 12.

Best part, they're in stock and should ship soon...thank god for big feet!

My first Aldens, can't wait.

singsingjohnny wrote:Well, I saved up and just put in an order for the 403s, in the Brown Chrome Excel, size 12.

Best part, they're in stock and should ship soon...thank god for big feet!

My first Aldens, can't wait.

First Aldens!!!!
You will love them!

Best part, they're in stock and should ship soon...thank god for big feet!

Are you ordering direct from Alden?

Nope, got them online from The Shoe Mart ( http://www.theshoemart.com/ ), where I ordered my Merrel hiking shoes a while back. Be forewarned, when I called to check availability, she said a lot of sizes were backordered for 12 WEEKS!

Yikes.

Thanks, oh well I was hoping you had found a source.
I'm on that waiting list, feels like it has been months
Enjoy your boots

Well, I just got a voicemail saying that the inventory was in error and they actually don't have my size...I knew it was too easy!

I have preordered some, in my size, wait time (as stated above) is twelve weeks. Sounds like they'll be well worth the wait though!

Looks like alden prices have gone up. $435 at theshoemart.com

I was saving up but now they're $57 more expensive!

Riothamus

I knew it was too easy!

Welcome back to the reality of no boots on your feet and yes I have heard they are worth the wait.
Regards,
tgalahad

So, yesterday my new 403's arrived from S.F. Thank you Alden's for taking care of repeat customers and making a custom shoe for them. They are beautiful. They are also no different from the German screen accurate versions as far I can see that a little shoe polish (or dye) can't alter. Let's see, color the the top stitching with polish and darken the light tan and stitching edge with black dye and you have a 700 eur shoe. Why didn't I get a pair of those instead? That's right, Alden's charged me last year's price when I put in the order.